Same Mobile Router, Different Approaches
The scoop: MiFi 2200 Intelligent Mobile Hotspot, by Verizon Wireless, about $100 (after rebates, two-year-agreement, plus data service, at $40 per month for 250MB of data, or $60 per month for 5GB of data).
When I disconnected the USB cable and connected via Wi-Fi, the speed seemed to go down. I got an average of about 200Kbps download and about 120Kbps upload. However, I did the Wi-Fi tests inside my New York City hotel room, not on the road as I did with the 3G. This is the problem with speed testing wireless devices and networks, conditions and locations always change. Take the speeds with a grain of salt. As they say, your mileage may vary.
Some caveats: I've got the same complaints that I had with the Sprint version of the MiFi. There should be a signal strength indicator as well as some kind of LCD screen on the device that tells you how good your 3G wireless is in your location. If the intent is for people to use this to create their own personal Wi-Fi, it will help them to know whether they're in a good zone or a "dead zone" before they try to connect via Wi-Fi.
Grade: 4.5 stars (out of five).
Shaw can be reached at kshaw@nww.com. Follow Keith on Twitter.
Verizon Wireless
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