Verizon and Sprint to launch new MiFi wireless devices

By Dan McNaught

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Just when you thought you had a solid grasp of WiFi technology and products, a new variation of the technology has now made its way to the market, and its advantages are tremendous. The age of MiFi is now upon us.

As of this month, Verizon Wireless and Sprint will be releasing their first MiFi products with what looks to be promising future family lineups of similar devices.  Verizon has just released their version of the device, dubbed the 'Novatel MiFi 2200 Intelligent Mobile Hotspot'.  Sprint will be releasing their version of the same product, the 'Sprint Mobile Hotspot Novatel Wireless MiFi 2200', on June 7, 2009, so fear not for a long wait fellow Sprint subscribers.  Your day is right around the corner.

So, just what are these devices and what do they do?  Well, they are far simpler then you might be thinking (or fearing).  You won't have to rack your brains reading manuals or searching message boards for answers in an attempt to keep up with what and how this new technology is and works.  Digital Landing can help.

MiFi modems are an extension of cellular network modems.  It's easier to think of them as the evolutionary upgrade to standard cellular modem cards.  They are simply a cellular modem card with a wireless router built into them.  If you've ever had or seen a cellular PC card or USB modem card sticking out of a laptop at a Starbucks or other café, well, this is the same exact type of device, with one huge and fantastic exception: MiFi cellular modems simply take your standard cellular modem connection and broadcast it wirelessly, creating your very own small mobile WiFi network cloud with a 30-foot range.

This creates quite a few major advantages for your mobile data needs.  First, while your standard cellular modem card must be physically attached to its host device, only that one device can utilize that connection at any time.  MiFi modems have a wireless router built-in as well, so the connection is all wireless.  This allows for more than one device to connect to the mobile wireless network (up to five devices can be connected at any time), making the MiFi mobile hotspot modem more beneficial by leaps and bounds.  Second, seeing as though the connection is wireless and the device is so small and light (Dimensions: 3.5" (H) x 2.3" (W) x 0.4" (D), Weight: 2.05 oz.), it can fit into your coat pocket or purse with ease, freeing up another USB connection for any other computer needs you may have.

In the end, the practical benefits of such a device are almost endless.  On the road working with a small group from work?  Simply utilize the same connection for your business needs.  Going on a vacation with your wife/husband/significant other/friend?  You can both whip out those laptops and iPhones and connect them all simultaneously with no additional fees.  Can't find a WiFi connection with your iPhone?  Not a problem again.  Simply turn on the MiFi 2200 and connect your iPhone 3G to your mobile WiFi network through Verizon or Sprint. (Note: that is awkwardly cool, as many apps on the iPhone need WiFi to stream larger amounts of data, so this would make it possible at all times.)

So, there you have it.  A new cellular modem device with amazingly beneficial advantages is now here for our consumer pleasure.  Pricing for the MiFi 2200 is very fair at only $99 after rebate on both Sprint and Verizon with a two-year contract agreement ($299 full retail).  If you're anything like me, you'll be replacing your current cellular modem card with one immediately.

Dan McNaught is a freelance writer specializing in technology who loves sports, movies and his DVR. He spends most of his free time driving his wife insane with his researching and testing new gadgets.