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General discussion

DATA HOG

Aug 13, 2013 12:15AM PDT

There aren't many unlimited data plans in the US. For those of us who travel across the country, we need mobile data service. With careful management, 5GB can sustain a user for a month. Unfortunately WIN8 chews large holes in mobile data plans. Simply using the WIN8 browser to scan news will trigger endless (and apparently unstoppable) video streams. The overhead adds up in a hurry. I have used a Verizon mobile hot spot for the past 2 1/2 years and rarely exceeded my monthly 5GB limit using WIN XP and various iterations of Android. 2weeks after firing up a new HP laptop running WIN8 and I was 2GB over my limit. 10 days into my second month and I am at the 90% usage mark.
Learning curve aside, I am about to admit defeat and dump my new HP laptop for something more user friendly. Microsoft, I was using a PC before Bill Gates got into bed with IBM. Had just about everything in the way of operating systems starting with BASIC &.........
I like Microsoft, but this version of Windows needs some drastic fine tuning!

Discussion is locked

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Are you aware 8.1 is due out very soon?
Aug 13, 2013 12:25AM PDT

I'm no fan of Windows 8 either, but in case you didn't know, Windows 8.1 is supposed to be out in the next few weeks. I don't know if it will help your problem or not, but before you ditch what you have, you might want to wait and give it a try. I don't use 3G or 4G so I couldn't say whether it will help, but MS touts it as a big deal. I've been using the 8.1 preview since it came out in June, and I'm not impressed with it, but still it's something to be aware of. Another thing to be aware of is Classic Shell which you can download from http://www.classicshell.net . It makes Windows 8 look and feel pretty much like Windows 7.
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Good luck.

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Odd. I used Classic Shell
Aug 13, 2013 12:34AM PDT

That fixed most of my complaints.

As to Win 8 chewing video streams and such, I see that in all web sites on all devices and OSes. However I found using Chrome and AdBlock+ to help a lot.

I'm surprised you are using Windows at all given your feelings. Why didn't you load Linux or the OS of your choice?
Bob

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DATA HOG
Aug 14, 2013 12:01AM PDT

The answer requires a bit of explanation. I am 79, what is on the screen at Boot is generally what I use.
My Droids run a version of Chrome and it works but with the exception of Google Search (voice command) which is awesome, I have been locked in Google account hell for some years. Every time I try to repair the problem Google grabs my other ISP'S passwords and locks me out of those accounts until I use my current Google PW. I leave it to your imagination as to what that my Google PW is now! For some unknown reason Linux just doesn't turn me on, sorry!
Both Android and Win8 now d/l all program updates automatically. These constant upgrades also chew up data. Yes, it is possible to turn off automatic upgrades (with a lot of effort) but the APPS seem to need these for continuing operation. Each problem on its own may be solvable for a younger person, at my age now, what used to be simple is complex. So its easier for me to rant than it is to fix it.
Have a nice day!

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My parting advice? Get Classic Shell.
Aug 14, 2013 1:34AM PDT

It will make 8 behave like folk expected it to. It's still a change but no worse than XP to 7.
Bob

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Re: Win8 browser
Aug 13, 2013 12:48AM PDT

What's the "Win8 browser"? IE10 in desktop mode, or IE10 in Metro mode (the app) or still something else?

Moreover, if you don't like that browser for the reason you described, why not use another tool or another source to read the news?

Kees

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"There aren't many unlimited data plans in the US"
Aug 13, 2013 1:25AM PDT

Untrue! Face it, practically all carriers have unlimited plans, you just don't like their pricing and I don't blame you. Those with attractive pricing have other issues so it's a matter of which is your priority.

Devices and their OSs are only part of the problem for bandwidth. Apps can do as much damage. Again we have to face the fact that companies make money in practically only 2 ways today - sell stuff to end users and sell eyeballs to advertisers. Apple does one, Google does the other and MS is somewhere in between. Linux tries to avoid all these and flops in the consumer marketplace. So there, choose how you want to lose your cash. But complaining is cathartic, so I hope you have a nicer day after thisHappy

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DATA HOG
Aug 14, 2013 12:06AM PDT

Ahh,,,,,, the usual Flame!

In reality, there is only one current unlimited data plan. There are however some nice spread sheets on line that list each carriers offerings (and Caveats).

This is the end of my comments on this subject.
Have a nice day!