MiFi
Monday, February 8, 2010 at 9:22AM I promised I'd do a blog post on the recent MiFi purchase. I'm currently in Heathrow with an hour or so to kill before my flight to Macworld so here goes:
If you're not familiar with Mifi as a concept, it's basically a device that connects to the cellular data network and provides broadband Internet access - very similar to the broadband USB dongles you can buy to access broadband via 3G on a laptop.
The difference with a MiFi device is that instead of physically connecting it to laptop, it creates a Wifi hotspot covering approx. 10m around itself. A sort of WiFi bubble. This means that you can connect a number of devices to the Wifi (dependant on the model but mine will support up to five devices). Hence the name MiFi - it's my personal WiFi hotspot!
I'd heard of these before and I've used an early version when over in the US with Allison Sheridan of the NosillaCast podcast. It worked a treat!
But I have my iPhone on 3G (via O2) and I'm not out and about that much, so I never really considered a MiFi unit.
That was until the iPad was announced.
As you know, it will come in 2 versions - Wifi and Wifi/3G
I really didn't want to wait for the 3G version but I still would like to access the net via the iPad when away from WifI, so the Mifi became a possibility. I'd also considered if eventually we'd be able to access the Net via tethering with the iPhone but can't see it as yet, unless at an extra charge.
So, using the latest research techniques, I asked my Twitter friends for recommendations.
GazMaz had used a MiFi unit at the recent Liverpool Tweetup and Pat Mahon had recently purchased the same MiFi to use whilst over in the US so what's good enough for Pat and GazMaz was good enough for me. I ordered an unlocked Novatel 2352
MiFi 2352 intelligent mobile hotspot for HSPA networks, optimized for Europe and capable of providing Internet connection for up to 5 Wi-Fi enabled devices. Integrated microSD slot for up to 16GB, shared over Wi-Fi.
But what service to sign up for.
Again, GazMaz to the rescue with a tip that Virgin Mobile did a deal for a USB broadband modem for £8 per month (for existing customers £10 normally) THis allowed up to 1GB bandwidth per month. If you bought the modem (£25) there was no contract lock in past the initial 3 months.
Cool!
No guarantee it was going to work with the MiFi but at least if it didn't, I could still use the USB dongle.
The dongle and SIM arrived separately so I didn't even have to take the SIM out of the dongle. Installed the SIM straight into the MiFi, powered up and it worked - no configuration needed. I then configured the MiFi security and changed the admin password and bingo!
The thing that really surprised me when testing it in my living room was the speed?
I can hardly get a signal on my iPhone using 02 and data is abysmal. The MiFi was significantly faster.
I tried it the next day from the car where again, I struggle with the iPhone on 3G - the MiFi was flying - nearly 10x the speed of the iPhone data connection.
To be honest, I've been blown away by the speeds I've been getting from the MiFi consistently.
Previously, I'd tried using audio streaming using the Twit application on the iPhone whilst driving. Never got it to work using the iPhone. Switched on the MiFi and connected the iPhone using Wifi and got a rock steady audio stream with no effort.
Here I am in Terminal 5 using the MiFi on both the Laptop and the iPhone and it's working great.
My one regret….
I didn't get one sooner - it's a fantastic device.
All I need now is the iPad!
Reader Comments (14)
Don, I setup a MiFi for my brother in law this weekend and was impressed with how quick and easy it was. He has bought so that when he is working away and cant get good 3G signal on his laptop he can position the MiFi in suitable spot that will give best chance for reception ( usually this will be high up in window somewhere at a guess ).
We tested with BBC iPlayer and it streamed very well ( his is the package solution from 3 at just £49 ! )
May have to get one myself at somepoint ( for iPad perhaps.... )
Cheers
>> As you know, it will come in 2 versions - Wifi and Wifi/3G
>> I really didn't want to wait for the 3G version
Only the Wifi/3G version will have GPS.
Don,
I have been using the MiFi 2352 for a long time now and I am still impressed with the speed!
I managed to get a £15-for-a-gig deal from Vodafone with no expiry time on the usage - you only need to top up £15 when you have used your credit up. Vodafone have now stopped this plan by adding an expiry to the credit though.
Enjoy the trip!
Steve
I bought a MiFi today Don. I got the 3 Huawei one but I know it can be unlocked. Even asking 3 and paying works apparently. I got 3Gb of data valid for 3 months in the deal. I got frustrated with a USB broadband dongle and I too think this could make the iPad more appealing. I also have an iPod touch and not an iPhone (SIM in phone not data enabled due to a company policy for company phones).
This MiFi is working well.
Thanks for the blogpost which is much appreciated.
I live in Turkey and frequently travel to London and New York for business. Till now I paid ridicilous roaming charges using 3G networks for my internet needs while abroad.
As I understand it, MiFi will solve this problem to a large extent (matter of finding hotspot of the provider for MiFi device to connect).
I am however still unclear about few things :
- When say in London, do I go to a Vodaphone shop and ask to buy this device (and the SIM?) off the counter and it starts working straight away ?
- What is "locked" or "unlocked" ?
- Can I then use this device throughout Europe and USA ?
Thanks for input.
Cevdet Basacik
I have a MiFi 2200 (Verizon) in the US. I have used it with my iPod Touch and will use it with the iPad, so I won't need the 3G version. US plans are more expensive, though, $40.month for 250MB or $60/mo for 5GB. However, they also offer a per day plan ($15/day unlimited), which is perfect for low volume users like me. I can't see myself being in places without wifi access for more than 10 days a year, and $150/year would be a lot less than the monthly plans, and the unlimited data is a plus. I can pick one day and download a bunch of video podcasts without worrying about it.
Cevdet Basacik, you might be a little confused over the MiFi devices work. They use the mobile phone data network and allow you to connect to these via the built in wifi. You don't need to find a hotspot - you need a signal for the MiFi device to use.
When one of these is said to be locked, it means it can only be used with a SIM card from the mobile network providing the subsidised MiFi device. So mine is on 3. The same device can be bought unlocked but costs a lot more.
I must say I am impressed with how these work and can see them being very useful for a lot of people like me.
How would I go about unlocking my 3 Huawei MiFi so I can use it overseas?
"Even asking 3 and paying works apparently". Can they do it instore or would I have to send it off?
Thanks in advance,
Chris
Never done it but there is some info here:
http://www.techwatch.co.uk/forums/70734-how-to-unlock-huawei-e5830-mifi-router.html
Don, still puzzled about the 3G vs MiFi when using mapping programs on the iPad. I remember you mentioned earlier that the 3G would be GPS enabled. I heard on a podcast and just read on ZNet that the WiFi only model also has the GPS. http://blogs.zdnet.com/Apple/?p=5898 Then ZNet updated their post saying "Apple’s marketing took some liberties with the plus-sign. So, to clarify, the 3G model has GPS and the Wi-Fi model doesn’t have GPS." I have not read a clear statement on whether the WiFi only model will support the apps that require a GPS or AGPS. I would love to get a MiFi (live in US) but mapping applications are a must for me. Hopefully, one day I will see a clarifying post from you on this.... Great information so far.
As far as I understand it, the WiFi iPad does not have GPS. The 3G does have assisted GPS but I'm not sure if that actually means a full blown GPS chip like the 3GS.
The MiFi I'm using has GPS capabilities so I'm hoping that I'll still be able to use location based services on the iPad
Rob, thanks for your reply which I have seen. Much clearer now, thanks.
MiFi does not need to be unlocked for abroad. What I mean is that for instance with 3 you can roam with your MiFi in Europe for £1.25 per MB. It will use the local 3 Network. Obviously it is a little bit more expensive.
Please note MiFi 2352 is fully GPS enabled now with the latest firmware update