What Is the Difference Between 3G & WiFi When Using a Netbook?

One of the primary downsides of 3G connectivity is that on a per-byte basis, it's substantially more power intensive than Wi-Fi connectivity, using between four and six times more power for each kilobyte of data. The difference is more pronounced for smaller chunks of information, like you use when browsing the Internet, where your netbook is loading information a page at a time. If you need to spend a lot of time on the Internet, 3G can sharply reduce your netbook's battery life by an hour or more.

Unlike cell phones and tablets, netbooks generally have full-featured operating systems and access to bandwidth-intensive applications like online gaming, voice over Internet protocol, and streaming video. In these applications, the much greater bandwidth afforded by Wi-Fi over 3G makes it an easy choice where available; 3G speeds are highly variable, but frequently wind up at less than 100 kilobytes per second. By comparison, modern Internet speeds can reach into multiple megabytes per second. Wi-Fi networks also allow easy connectivity between other computers on the network, for transferring files, remote access, gaming or other high-bandwidth applications. This functionality is missing from the 3G Internet on your netbook.

A benefit of 3G is Internet access from a wide range of locations that may not offer Wi-Fi. Airports and cafés, for example, may only allow you to access their wireless Internet by paying an fee that over time can add up to more than your monthly cellular Internet bill. Some places, like public transportation, may have no Wi-Fi options at all. In these cases, switching to 3G Internet on your netbook can let you remain productive and connected nearly anywhere.

Unfortunately, while 3G promises geographic freedom, that comes at a monetary cost. Cellular broadband incurs an additional monthly fee that may be as much --- or more --- than you pay for your existing Internet connection. In addition, cellular providers cap bandwidth and after a few gigabytes, you may find yourself reduced to even slower speeds. In these cases, the same ability to use high-bandwidth programs that makes netbooks versatile and powerful can become a hindrance, throttling your ability to work and browse the web. Unless you travel often or are frequently outside the range of wireless Internet, you might consider dropping your 3G plan and relying exclusively on Wi-Fi.