MiFi instead of WiFi

[Dreamscape]

Thought I would share with you something I found today while doing some techy search. Maybe some of you already know this, but I found it interesting just the same.

This new technology offers up to 5 users connected at the same time on a WiFi ready divice such as a laptop or desktop. You do not have to be in any Hotspot, as it's created for you. It works on cell phone 3G service, you can take it anywhere!

Here is a piece I found that describes it.

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/05/07/technology/personaltech/07pogue.html

I should add that this came out in May by Verizon, so those of you that have that service may already know this.

Paul

[gumpy]

Interesting, but not completely new concept.

When I was in AL this spring, my friend had an airphone card in his laptop. I set up an ad-hoc wireless network between his laptop and mine and shared the airphone internet connection so we both had internet on our laptops. There were some issues with his laptop timing out the connection periodically, but in general, it worked pretty well.
I probably wouldn't pay that kind of money for it, though, unless I had a continuous need for it.

[Dreamscape]

Craig, I understand that it could be accomplished several different ways, but this is pretty new for the market, an all in one device in one package for several users. I fould it interesting that for our own use we could both be on the internet, my wife works using the net, and I will be taking classes over the internet this fall. It would just simplify the reception if WiFi was not available where ever we are.

There are cheaper ways to get by, but sometimes it's not worth it if you don't want to get kicked off in the middle of what you are doing. We don't game or download huge files, work, school, email and forums is our use.

It's all about what works for you.

Paul

[gumpy]

It's all about what works for you.

You're right. If I were full timing or spending considerably more time on the road, this might be a more affordable (or justifiable) expense.

[belfert]

You can get wireless routers that do the same thing for less money, but you do need an aircard.  The standalone routers can also be used with another carrier if you decide to change.

The MiFi is nice because it is small and can run off of battery.

[Dreamscape]

One more link that better describes it.

http://www.rv.net/forums/index.cfm/fuseaction/thread/tid/22797578.cfm

HTH,

Paul

[ilyafish]

Seems pretty convenient.  I would have to research the plans more, considering in my case 5 young guys with nothing to do all day, the 5gb data transfer would be used up in 2 days.  (We like watching and downloading movies) hahaha.

Considering you need a 2 year contract though, it seems for me (though i have never used it yet) it would be a better investment to get millenicom, as for $200 or so you can get a router so multiple users can use it, and the service is monthly.  Would hate to pay for something that I do not use the couple months out of the year when I am not traveling.

[JackConrad]

    We use a Millenicom air card and a CTR-500 router we purchased from The 3G store. We plug the air card into the router (which came with a 12 volt power supply). Paula & I can both be online sitting inside the bus or outside under the awning. With our wireless HP printer, we can even print while sitting under the awning. With the air card connected to our permanent roof mount antenna, so far, we have not had any problems getting online, even while driving down the road.  Jack