Comments on: Review: Verizon MiFi 2200 Portable WiFi Hotspot

By: MSF

MSF — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 23:37:37 +0000

So I was checking this out and thinking it would be pretty niffty to own one. My one question is though. Could it support online gaming on a console like the PS3? Would be a nice set up for roadtrips or other times I’m away from home and want to play online.

By: BE

BE — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 22:28:44 +0000

I’ve had the MiFi for about two weeks. This device is awesome. No issues with battery life, turned off the SSID broadcast, so it will be hidden from most while traveling. I have not had any issues connecting the device to my MacBook Pro on either the Snow Leopard or XP partition and speeds are more than adequate. I was initially thinking of getting one of the many USB air cards, but decided I didn’t want a big USB stick hanging off the side of my computer. What I really like is that I can leave the MiFi in my briefcase and not have to worry about accidentally leaving it somewhere.

By: Will Park

Will Park — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 00:47:04 +0000

I noticed some inconsistent charging when using the USB cable and my computer. I don’t believe the MiFi can be charged and tethered at the same time.

You might want to try using a different USB car charger.

By: fondy44

fondy44 — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 22:38:34 +0000

Have you had any problems charging it? Mine only seems to charge using the included AC adapter. I recently noticed this when the battery died after having been left connected all day to my iGo car charger using a USB tip/micro cable. The accessory outlet in my car gets constant power even with ignition switched off.
I thought the problem might be with the iGo setup, so when I got it home I connected it to my iPhone’s AC adapter – still nothing.
Very disappointing.

By: Vince Agusta

Vince Agusta — Sat, 05 Sep 2009 02:02:25 +0000

MIFI is horrible. Did not connect with my Windows Vista Laptop as a WIFI. Would connect as a tethered device but not as a WIFI. Verizon support could not figure it out after 3 days and a instore technician review. I give them credit for trying but bottom line is they could not fix the issue. I expect any company to understand any issues with Microsoft software and be able to navigate throught them since their products are assumed to be working with MS. Anyway nice idea with MIFI but not functional. It appears to work with some computers and not others. Technician got a connection with his Windows XP laptop but could not connect with my Windows Vista Laptop.

By: Josh Jones

Josh Jones — Sat, 25 Jul 2009 06:49:48 +0000

Yeah, that kinda stinks it can’t be used for wifi WHILE being charged off your laptop. I have a 2G iPhone I like to use its wifi on, but sometimes I need to charge it off my laptop on the road, and then only my laptop gets 3G internet (via the USB modem), and my poor old iPhone is stuck LIVING ON THE EDGE!

By: Linda Odom

Linda Odom — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 03:25:19 +0000

I attempted to use this,never would hook up w/ my HP Q775.-did work w/ my 2 other computers. Tech support very poor thru Verizon, most of what I learned w/ blogs etc. Only 5G a month was simply not enough for us. I ended up reverting back to the Usb 720 and unlimited service(had to fight to get that back)

By: Scott Jones

Scott Jones — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 17:07:18 +0000

I’ve been using it since last week with a iPod Touch (unfortunately, 1st generation, so no built-in mic circuitry), and have been very pleased with it… I’m planning on getting a iPhone 3Gs next month in Spain (where I already have both a cellphone contract and a data contract, so with the iPhone 3Gs I’ll be able to save money by replacing a 35 Euro + 17% IVA (VAT tax) data line with a 15 or 25 Euro iPhone data plan… and they allow tethering in Spain!)
With the MiFi 2200, I’ll be able to use the iPhone in the States with Verizon’s much better data network (although I’ll probably still use an old LG phone for voice calls)
and not be stuck paying $70-$100 or more a month to ATT

Until next year, when hopefully Verizon will have LTE up and running, and Apple will hopefully come out with a LTE version of the iPhone, the MiFi is the next best thing!

By: Scott Jones

Scott Jones — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 17:00:50 +0000

Did you do that comparison using it as a cellphone modem, or via WiFi?

By: Scott Jones

Scott Jones — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 16:59:57 +0000

You can’t charge it from your computer while using it as a WiFi hotspot, unfortunately… hopefully that is a flaw that can be fixed by a firmware update.
If you plug it into your computer’s USB port, it will act as a USB cell modem only.

By: Scott Jones

Scott Jones — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 13:37:53 +0000

The reviewer mentioned a micro-SD card slot, but the MiFi 2200 does not have one!
That is only on the larger GSM/UMTS versions MiFi 2352 and the upcoming 2372…
(which also have a extra 900MHz ARM processor).

By: Troy Hayes

Troy Hayes — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 21:38:53 +0000

The MiFi 2200 was significantly slower than Sprint Mobile Broadband using a Novatel Wireless Ovation U720 (usb modem). I’ll be keeping the Sprint.

By: Will Park

Will Park — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 07:04:33 +0000

I haven’t gone further than 40-60 feet from the MiFi at any time. The signal was strong all the way, but there weren’t any obstacles like walls getting in the way. I hope that helps!

By: Holly

Holly — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 02:18:10 +0000

Hi, I have a question about this device and I can’t find the answer anywhere! I’m hoping to use this device in my home to create a wireless network. (I live in a rural area where this is my only broadband option.) I can’t find the RANGE of the device anywhere. Will it cover a computer upstairs and two downstairs simultaneously or do all the computers need to be very close to the modem? Thanks for any clues!

By: Shea

Shea — Sun, 21 Jun 2009 18:35:27 +0000

Thanks for the great writeup! I am definitely considering buying this after canceling my AT&T contract with the iphone last week. I still have the iphone, and have been surviving off free wifi signals and Skype to make calls but I have a feeling it won’t cut it. Now it seems like I can have the best of both worlds, wifi for in car calling and others using the internet, but also mobile 3G, and at a cheaper price than AT&T with WAY more flexibility. This seems like a no brainer…….

By: Will Park

Will Park — Sat, 20 Jun 2009 23:36:35 +0000

It charges via microUSB cable. You can use a wall adapter, car adapter, or your computer to charge the MiFi.

By: William Crotts

William Crotts — Sat, 20 Jun 2009 22:57:15 +0000

Was wondering what ways are there to charge it? and if you can charge while being used as wifi??

By: PAUL

PAUL — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 17:04:03 +0000

Will,

Like any other router, you can type 192.168.1.1 in your browser and access the MiFi’s configuration page. This is where you can change the password and SSID and several other settings.

By: Jesse Murphy

Jesse Murphy — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 16:07:07 +0000

Very nice article about the MiFi device – sounds like it is working really well for you. It is great to see other companies breaking into the mobile broadband market, there’s a lot of potential left to explore. More companies pushing the industry will help make it a widely recognized connectivity tool. CradlePoint Technology has been heading-up the market and perfecting their products for several years now. Their WiPipe technology and freedom to choose any provider cuts down on costs and enables users to access higher speed browsing, utilize a longer signal range (150’ plus), provide access to even more people and do it all with guaranteed security. Might be worth checking out if your looking for a more controlled way to stay connected.