Wed 4 Aug 2010
Novatel MiFi 2200 Mobile Wi-Fi Hotspot Modem (Verizon Wireless)
Posted by admin under Verizon Wireless[5] Comments
Novatel MiFi 2200 Mobile Wi-Fi Hotspot Modem (Verizon Wireless)
- Portable wireless hub for up to five Wi-Fi-enabled devices at one time–including PCs, phones, gaming systems and more
- Operates on Verizon Wireless Mobile 3G Mobile Broadband network with typical download speeds ranging from 600 Kbps to 1.4 Mbps
- Advanced security and authentication technologies; VPN capabilities; two-way text messaging (Windows only); compatible with Windows, Mac and Linux
- Internal battery provides up to four hours on the road or 40 hours of standby time
- What’s in the box: MiFi 2200, rechargeable battery, wall charger, USB cable, protective pouch, quick reference guide, VZAccess Manager software and user guide available on device
With Mobile Broadband Service and Wi-Fi capability, the MiFi 2200 for Verizon Wireless enables you to take full advantage of America’s largest and most reliable 3G network. This Intelligent Mobile Hotspot automatically connects to Verizon Wireless Mobile Broadband service to give broadband Internet access to up to five Wi-Fi-enabled devices. You and your colleagues will be able to check email, access corporate intranets, download files, send pictures with a Wi-Fi-enabled camera, and access the Internet on any Wi-Fi-enabled device–even when you’re nowhere near a traditional hotspot.
The MiFi 2200 intelligent mobile hotspot connects to the verizon Wireless Mobile Broadband and offers access to up to five Wi-Fi-enabled dev
Rating: 
(out of 45 reviews)
List Price: $ 299.99
Price: $ 0.01
August 4th, 2010 at 8:15 pm
Review by Tarun Chachra for Novatel MiFi 2200 Mobile Wi-Fi Hotspot Modem (Verizon Wireless)
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I have had a Verizon Wireless MiFi Broadband Router for about weeks now and felt it was time to share my real world experiences and thoughts on the device. In three words: IT IS GREAT!
What is it? It is basically a Verizon Wireless EVDO card in a small casing that acts as a Wi-FI Router and allows for 5 simultaneous devices to connect to it.
How does it work? The MiFi is like any other router, on the underside of it you will find a SSID and a WPA Security key so you can connect any of your devices to it via wi-fi. If you dont have a device with wi-fi y ou can plug it into your computer via usb and use the VZAccess Manager software to gain connectivity.
How big or small is it? Simply put, it is the size of a Kit-Kat bar.
Battery Life? I charged it fully for testing purposes and connected my blackberry 8900 and iPhone 3g to it. My commutes are usualy about 4 hours round trip per day and thus this was the best way to test the device. I enabled streaming stock quotes on the blackberry and browsed using my iPhone for the entire time to really put it through its paces. Real world is after heavy usage about 5 hours of battery life. This will of course change based on coverage areas and the such.
Speed? This is where the MiFi shines – I must say I was impressed. Since there is no easy way to do a speed test from a mobile device, I simply connected my laptop to it via wi-fi and did 4-5 speed tests in different locations to make them as accurate as possible. The average speed is about 1.75mbits down and close to 800kbps up. Impressive to say the least…especially in remote parts of New Jersey and while moving in a vehicle. (Someone else was driving
)
I am no stranger to mobile connectivity. The MiFi is a truly amazing device and its size alone makes it a MUST BUY! The ability to have wi-fi on all mobile devices via EVDO and not having to worry about connecting cards and cables is truly AMAZING.
Why then does it get a 4/5 – Simple – No unlimited data plans mean we have to keep our eyes on our usage and we may go over if we are not careful…especially because its so easy to get connected.
August 4th, 2010 at 8:23 pm
Review by J. Howard for Novatel MiFi 2200 Mobile Wi-Fi Hotspot Modem (Verizon Wireless)
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Purchased this via Verizon’s web site for $99, to renew my contract. I had a Cradlepoint PHS-300 and a Verizon V740 Expresscard EV-DO Modem. I connected the two with an Expresscard to USB adaptor. It was a big annoying 3 peice setup, but was totally battery powered and self contained. I thought, “It does nt get any better than this.
But it does. I get a device that is smaller and half the thickness of my Cradlepoint PHS-300, but also contains the EV-DO modem. I take it with me everywhere I go. I connect to it via Wifi with any one of my 3 laptops, including a Mac, and even my iPhone!! Haha. If I am out and about friends connect their laptops and PDA’s including the iPod Touch to it, and browse the web just as fast as if it was directly connected.
Of course it has a USB connection on it. I wish they had gone with the older style Mini-B connector, but went for the new flatter one. Supposedly it is more durable than the old one, but still. I have like a million of the old A to Mini B cables laying around. If the battery drains and I have a laptop with me, I can just hook it up via USB and use it as a USB modem while it charges. WiFi no longer works when it is in USB mode.
Its a very nice touch that it comes with an AC adaptor. I would hate to rely on charging it ONLY with the included USB cable. Also has a very nice web interface that you can access when connected to it via WiFi, just go to http://192.168.1.1 to see reral time information on the device, including signal strength and battery power. Speaking of battery power, it lasts between 3 and 4 hours and is user replacable. Just pull off the door and stick another one on. I would like to see Verizon or Novatel, someone, offer a bigger battery for it. But I am guessing that is not going to happen and honestly the built in battery is fine for my needs.
I have had it for about a week and it has been this power users dream! I did have a little trouble with it last night though. WiFi was extremely slow on the device, even the built in web interface was suuuuuuuper slow. I am not sure what happened. But today it is back to normal.
I hope this review was helpful.
- J
August 4th, 2010 at 8:49 pm
Review by Dennis R. Henrickson III for Novatel MiFi 2200 Mobile Wi-Fi Hotspot Modem (Verizon Wireless)
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I wouldn’t buy this from Amazon. Buy it from a Verizon store (or website). That’s what I did.
It works great for me. I was worried after reading these reviews and was expecting to return it to the Verizon store within the 30 day trial. It performs exactly as advertised. I use it once a month to connect three coworkers at a meeting in the middle of nowhere. It works in my car and in my basement. My iPhone doesn’t work very well in the basement with 3G. I’ve yet to find a place in my travels where it doesn’t work. It may be slower in some locations but it’s usable for business (email, VPN, web, and smaller file transfers).
Several people had issues with installation and configuration of the device. The included PDF manuals answer every one of the issues I’ve seen posted in these reviews. The only exception is coverage problems. I think those are completely legitimate and I would test it for the 30 days before committing. Just because I’ve had good luck doesn’t mean you will.
I use the device with a MacBook Pro and a Windows laptop. Connections are just like any other wireless Internet device. It’s slower then my cable modem (which is 20 Mbps) but I don’t plan on streaming HD TV with it. The performance is great to get work done.
I’m not giving it 5 stars for the following reasons:
1. It requires Verizon special software for the initial activation.
2. The Verizon special software didn’t work with my OSX laptop.
3. The Verizon special software caused a blue screen of death on my Windows XP machine (it did allow the the modem to be activated).
4. 5GB/month isn’t enough for the price.
5. Verizon needs an unlimited data option.
6. It doesn’t allow WIFI sharing if it’s plugged into a laptop with the USB. You have to plug it into a wall outlet with the included cables if you want to charge it and use it for WIFI.
August 4th, 2010 at 9:18 pm
Review by Peter Payne for Novatel MiFi 2200 Mobile Wi-Fi Hotspot Modem (Verizon Wireless)
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Bought at full retail price, and returned immediately once I found out that Verizon’s policies are all intended to get you to sign up for a contract, no matter what. Even if you pay full price and intend to use the device as a prepaid device, you’ll find that they’ve structured things against you. Instead of the $59 for 5 GB that is widely reported for non-contract, prepaid use, it’s actually just 500 mb for $50, so you get nowhere near the use you need to get through the month. The fix is to sign up for an automatically renewed account which is difficult to get, you need to do the credit check and fax in a copy of your monthly bank statement, just to turn this on, as well as pay a $35 activation fee. None of this is clearly noted and you should NOT purchase this otherwise fine device without knowing all of this. Really, it’s useless unless you are going to do it with a contract, period.
August 4th, 2010 at 9:58 pm
Review by J. Wilson for Novatel MiFi 2200 Mobile Wi-Fi Hotspot Modem (Verizon Wireless)
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I’ve had the mifi for a week, and am completely satisfied. It’s surprising how easy it is to connect when traveling in an RV (I’m retired, so I find myself in many geographical locations, when connecting…) and this gadget has provided me with wifi connection in the Grand Canyon’s RV Trailer Village, in the mountains above Boulder, Co, and at the border of Glacier Nat’l Park (at the portal of West Glacier, East of Whitefish).
Verizon had the unit overnighted to me at no charge, it was very easy to set up, and so far, I’ve not come near using my 5 Gig usage limit (extrapolated, not a full month has elapsed). Also, I stayed in Vegas at MGM for two nights, and have always used their $12.95/night wifi; not this time! No need, thanks to MiFi. What a great product. And I will use it when visiting my farms in IA and IL, where I stay “on farm” in my RV, in the boonies, and have been frustrated in past years, by lack of internet access. Wherever you can catch a Verizon cell phone signal, you will receive, even stronger, their broadband service…