Comments on: Mobile Tech Minutes: Hands-On With Verizon’s MiFi 2200

By: James Kendrick

James Kendrick — Mon, 25 May 2009 14:45:58 +0000

You can leave it plugged in.

By: Jimmie

Jimmie — Mon, 25 May 2009 14:44:46 +0000

can you leave it plugged in to wall or will it over charge

By: Cheryl

Cheryl — Fri, 15 May 2009 20:09:00 +0000

I have a cradlepoint which cost just as much as this will with contract. The disadvantages of the cradlepoint are that it has only 1h battery life and the USB slot for the modem is on the end. I’ve been afraid to throw it in a bag and lose the USB slot because something bumped against it. I got my Verizon modem long enough ago that I don’t have a cap and am hoping that I can change over to this. I’m tired of crawling under desks to find an outlet for the cradlepoint so I can have continuous access while I am moving among several rooms.

By: Chris

Chris — Wed, 13 May 2009 00:13:22 +0000

James – Really? that stinks. What about Cradlepoint? Have you used/seen/played with their products? I have been considering them until I saw this.

That seems like a deal breaker for me.

By: Luscious

Luscious — Tue, 12 May 2009 23:32:26 +0000

I hear what you’re saying. My concern, other than overage charges, is that service providers may eventually restrict usage if you hit that cap repeatedly. I used to manage a business account at a large installation where usage was pooled, so overages were never a problem. It just seems too easy to reach the limits with what this device can do.

By: James Kendrick

James Kendrick — Tue, 12 May 2009 22:39:42 +0000

Overage charges would be a legitimate business expense in those first examples as they should be. I would love unlimited plans but likely couldn’t afford one. We all don’t want to pay so businesses can be connected all the time.

By: Luscious

Luscious — Tue, 12 May 2009 22:17:16 +0000

Not all the time, and maybe not with 4 others always, but you would be surprised in how frequent these instances are. Motion picture production crew who work on-location I know would love a device like this, or professional photographers/videographers that shoot outside the studio. These are the kind of people that work 12-16 hour days and need a connection that will be with them for extended periods. Even a family of four away for the long weekend somewhere could definitely use this device.

The problem is that 5GB cap. When you’re using something like this for extended periods, and sharing it at the same time, you’ll be hitting overages faster than you can say doubletallnonfatsugarfreesoydecafjavachipfrapuccino.

By: James Kendrick

James Kendrick — Tue, 12 May 2009 13:49:51 +0000

When it is connected via USB it becomes a standard USB 3G modem. The WiFi router part is not active while it is connected. I’m not sure that is a problem, I wouldn’t want my laptop to be powering a WiFi router much anyway. Also, if that is a concern I would just get a 2nd battery and swap it in when the battery gets low.

I am surprised how many people seem to plan to run 5 devices with the MiFi all the time. I can tell you it won’t be good at that, 3G is not meant to be shared all the time. I would share it with one device, maybe two but for only short periods as I want the bandwidth all for myself.

By: Alexander

Alexander — Tue, 12 May 2009 12:12:35 +0000

Hi James, one big concern, does it still work operatively and support your devices network when plugged to re-charge battery? I’ve read that the big drawback comes when charging, not allowing simultaneous operativity.

Tx.

By: James Kendrick

James Kendrick — Tue, 12 May 2009 11:44:25 +0000

5 simultaneous. I have done 3 at once so far.

By: James Kendrick

James Kendrick — Tue, 12 May 2009 11:42:45 +0000

Occasional sharing is fine but who’s going to go around sharing their data plan with four friends all the time?

By: Chris

Chris — Tue, 12 May 2009 06:10:05 +0000

Is it 5 simultaneous devices or 5 remembered mac addresses?

By: Luscious

Luscious — Tue, 12 May 2009 01:42:10 +0000

Cool – I like the fact that the battery is removable, letting you plug in a second. That said, maybe a bigger 8 hour extended battery should be sold.

I still think that 5GB cap is the Achilles Heel of this device, especially if you intend to share that connection with four friends. If Verizon could offer a 25GB plan for $80, it would bring in more buyers.

By: inghamc

inghamc — Mon, 11 May 2009 23:46:23 +0000

Anyone know of an AT&T equivalent of this guy?

By: James Kendrick

James Kendrick — Mon, 11 May 2009 22:50:37 +0000

5 VDC/ 1.05A

By: Travis

Travis — Mon, 11 May 2009 22:30:32 +0000

What is the DC input voltage and amperage to the MiFi?

Thanks