Filed under: Hardware, Peripherals, Reviews, Road Tested
Back in August of this year, my local TUAW blogging buddy Erica Sadun posted some information about the Verizon MiFi portable broadband router. The MiFi device, created by Novatel Wireless, is a tiny Wi-Fi router with a built-in EVDO 3G modem. Essentially, what this means is that anywhere you go with the device, you become a Wi-Fi hotspot for up to 4 other users. Erica found that the Verizon version of this box is quite useful, but is dependent on both the 3G signal quality and the user's desire to pay extra for broadband.For me, the decision to get the Sprint version of this product was a no-brainer. I have used a Sierra Wireless 595U USB broadband modem for the past two years, and I frankly couldn't do my business without it. I travel a lot, and I don't trust public Wi-Fi services. The Sprint Mobile Broadband service and USB dongle have made it possible for me to work at fairly fast speeds in airports and have kept me from spending money on the ridiculously-priced Wi-Fi service that more upscale hotels charge US$10 - 15 dollars a day for. I was even able, with an earlier version of Sprint's SmartView software, to share my connection with students in some of my Business Analysis classes (this capability disappeared a while ago). The USB dongle also made it possible for me to download drivers and look up troubleshooting information when working with consulting clients who were having network issues.
Read along as I take you on a quick review of Sprint's version of the MiFi, and whether or not you might want to consider it for a Christmas present.
Continue reading Road Tested: Novatel Wireless MiFi 2200 from Sprint
TUAWRoad Tested: Novatel Wireless MiFi 2200 from Sprint originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Mon, 30 Nov 2009 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.