Review: Mi(y) Verizon Wireless MiFi WiFi Router!
I have had a Verizon Wireless MiFi Broadband Router for about 2 days now and felt it was time to share my real world experiences and thoughts on the device. In three words: IT IS GREAT!
What is it? It is basically a Verizon Wireless EVDO card in a small casing that acts as a Wi-FI Router and allows for 5 simultaneous devices to connect to it.
How does it work? The MiFi is like any other router, on the underside of it you will find a SSID and a WPA Security key so you can connect any of your devices to it via wi-fi. If you dont have a device with wi-fi y ou can plug it into your computer via usb and use the VZAccess Manager software to gain connectivity.
How big or small is it? Simply put, it is the size of a Kit-Kat bar. Read on for more a more detailed synopsis.
Battery Life? I charged it fully for testing purposes and connected my blackberry 8900 and iPhone 3g to it. My commutes are usualy about 4 hours round trip per day and thus this was the best way to test the device. I enabled streaming stock quotes on the blackberry and browsed using my iPhone for the entire time to really put it through its paces. Real world is after heavy usage about 5 hours of battery life. This will of course change based on coverage areas and the such.
Speed? This is where the MiFi shines – I must say I was impressed. Since there is no easy way to do a speed test from a mobile device, I simply connected my laptop to it via wi-fi and did 4-5 speed tests in different locations to make them as accurate as possible. The average speed is about 1.75mbits down and close to 800kbps up. Impressive to say the least…especially in remote parts of New Jersey and while moving in a vehicle. (Someone else was driving 
)
The device can be had from Verizon Wireless for $149 with a $50 instant rebate making it about $99 for the hardware. The monthly costs depend on which plan you pick. In my case I am paying $59 a month and getting about 5gb of usage included….overages are expensive $.05/mb which can add up rather quickly if you are not careful. The full retail price of the device without a 2 year contract seems to be around $269.99….you are able to buy the device and pay as you go.
I am no stranger to mobile connectivity. The MiFi is a truly amazing device and its size alone makes it a MUST BUY! The ability to have wi-fi on all mobile devices via EVDO and not having to worry about connecting cards and cables is truly AMAZING.
Very nice piece on the MiFi devicei! Sounds like you are getting your use out of it. It is great to see other companies breaking into the mobile broadband market, there’s a lot of potential left to explore. More companies pushing the industry will help make it a widely recognized connectivity tool. CradlePoint Technology has been heading-up the market and perfecting their products for several years now. Their WiPipe technology and freedom to choose any provider really saves money and enables users to access higher speed browsing, utilize a longer signal range (150’ plus), provide access to even more people and do it all with guaranteed security. Might be worth checking out if your looking for a more controlled way to stay connected.
HI Jesse,
Thanks for stopping buy.
I am well aware of cradle points and I have used them…but this device is unique in its own way. The size and the sheer portability of it make it a great piece of hardware.
Thanks again…hope you enjoy the site.
I get 600-800 Kbyte download in a three bar area. Also during activation, VZAccess manager disabled the ethernet port on my Mac Mini. Otherwise, a great $40 data plan for my iPod Touch.
@TexasYellowDog
Thats very strange on the ethernet port….didnt have any issues here. As for coverage and speed…whereabouts are you? I tested my unit in the NY/NJ area and it was pretty speedy….