It’s finally here! The Verizon-branded MiFi 2200 has been a long time coming, and now that Novatel’s credit card-sized portable 3G wireless router is available from Verizon as the Verizon MiFi 2200, mobile road-warriors can take their WiFi network with them wherever they please. As long as you’ve got a decent lock on Verizon Wireless’ EVDO data network, the Verizon MiFi 2200 will make sure you’re online and ready to rock work.
Portable 3G routers aren’t exactly new. But, until now, these solutions were basically full-sized WiFi routers with nothing more than a slot for your broadband data card. The MiFi Portable HotSpot does everything those clunky old 3G routers can do, but it shrinks everything down to the size of a really thick credit card – with an on-board operating system and integrated Li-ion battery to boot!
The MiFi broadcasts a WiFi network using 802.11b/g standards, allowing up to five people to simultaneously surf Verizon’s 3G network. Novatel and Verizon claim the battery should be good for up to four hours of continuous use. We’ll have to see how close that figure reflects on real-world performance.
There’s just something about being able to tote around a WiFi network in your pocket that tickles our inner geek silly. Excuse us while we go play.
Full review to follow. Here are some unboxing pics to hold you over.
