The device converts cellular 3G signals it receives into Wi-Fi signals that it shares with up to 5 mobile devices simultaneously. The MiFi device is quite small and handy, only as large as a credit card and maybe thrice as thick.
MiFi Pros
- Ultra portable and works anywhere there is cellular 3G coverage
- Up to 5 machines can connect at the same time
- High speed Internet, up to 3 Mbps
MiFi Cons
- Relatively high price of acquisition and use
- Limited bandwidth
- So far works only within the US
MiFi Features
- Provides a Wi-Fi hotspot anywhere the person holding it goes
- Up to 5 devices can be connected at the same time through Wi-Fi
- GPS-enabled for location-based services
- Easy installation and configuration module
- Up to 4 hours run-time and 40 hours standby time
- Has a removable and rechargeable Li-ion battery
MiFi Review
The device itself is ultra portable – it is very slim and small and it carries a removable and rechargeable battery that can provide connection for up to 4 hours, and can remain in standby for 40 hours. It is easily recharged, like a mobile phone, and is able to work even while being recharged. In order to save battery charge, the device switches off automatically after 30 minutes of inactivity. To switch it back on, you need to press the only button (the power button) it has.
The main differences between the MiFi 220 and the MiFi 2352 are the Wi-Fi access speed (3.1 Mbps and 7.2 Mbps respectively) and the storage capacity that the MiFi 2352 has, expandable to 16 GB. Else, both devices have the same functions and features.
The device works anywhere there is cellular 3G coverage, which is practically under any inhabited sky in the US and elsewhere in the world, although the thing works only in the US for the time being, under what is covered by Verizon. Only Verizon is offering the service for now, while Sprint is preparing for the same job later this year.
This leads us to the salty question of the cost. The MiFi device costs $100, with a two-year contract with Verizon. $40 a month gets you 256MB of data consumption, each additional MB at 10 cents each. That isn’t a lot, of MBs I mean. For $60, you get up to 5GB. Now that amount of data is reasonable, but the price is, according to me, less than reasonable. Going for that would mean that you are in a dire need of connectivity on the move. I hardly see anyone engaging into such plans in order to save some bucks on mobile communication using VoIP. For people like these, the one-day pass may work: $15 for 24 hours, only when you need it. But then, the MiFi itself costs $270.
So, unlike the wireless router or modem, which need permanent power input, the MiFi can be carried in your pocket. You can also share your signal with other people (of course as long as you give them the network code for them to be registered), who can use their mobile devices to transfer data, communication, play games, surf etc.
In my opinion, people who jump to the interesting device will be doing so for reasons other than saving money, unless they have huge connection and communication budgets. But I very much like the concept as a breakthrough in wireless ‘independence’. I can see improvements in the pipeline, with both hardware enhancements and competitive service plans.
