MiFi/WiFi

[cardo69]

Watch Out WiFi, Here Comes MiFi

Novatel Wireless last week announced it will release the MiFi, a portable wireless router that will deliver wireless 3G data network access to multiple users in a small area. Much the same size as a credit card, the sleek looking MiFi will let users select access to EVDO or HSPA high speed data networks.

This "cloud" of high-speed Internet connectivity that MiFi offers can be shared not only between users, but between devices such as laptops, cameras, gaming devices and multimedia players. Perfect for carpooling and relieving boredom in the back seat during that long road trip with kids - think Nintendo DS or Sony PSP - the MiFi will support up to five users simultaneously.

The pocket sized MiFi is capable of connecting users and devices
In addition to being a portable Internet hotspot, the EVDO blog notes that the MiFi has an onboard Linux processor capable of hosting software applications and additional content storage capabilities via MicroSD.
Novatel claims the internal battery will provide over forty hours standby and up to four hours of active use on a single charge, and that certain configurations will support applications like auto VPN, automatic syncing of e-mail and remote management capabilities.
The MiFi will be available in the first quarter of 2009 through a variety of retail outlets and Engadget reports the [MiFi should be priced under $300

 

[KillerWhiteMan]

This actually seems like a decent idea. I may have to look into this as its release date gets closer.

 

[Dark Scyth]

I hate when they have great ideas like this and then the product dies in 4 hours.

 

[cardo69]

I like the idea, excellent idea, but you right hey, its supposed to be portable, and 4 hours of use is not that much hey....

 

[InsaneNutter]

The idea is very nice, if you have certain Nokia's, Samsung's or an Iphone you can basically do the same with your phone using JoikuSpot, this shares your phone's 3G internet connection over Wifi.

4 hours might not be amazing but when you consider how much power is needed to constantly power a 3g and wireless connection it’s not bad at all. If you can buy extra batteries for it your in business, or maybe even a car charger.

 

[Titcher]

I'd be in support of this idea, but have any of you run bandwidth tests on these 3G networks? I did it in a Vodaphone shop, they had a dell network below a sign talking about 3G and it's "up to 7.2mbps speed". I ran a bandwidth test and the laptop scored 0.36mbps, slower than my first broadband connection.

 

[cardo69]

I'd be in support of this idea, but have any of you run bandwidth tests on these 3G networks? I did it in a Vodaphone shop, they had a dell network below a sign talking about 3G and it's "up to 7.2mbps speed". I ran a bandwidth test and the laptop scored 0.36mbps, slower than my first broadband connection.

I dont think it can go "up to 7.2 mbps" at all hey, most i've ever seen is 5.2 mbps, i used to use it to go on live, using a vodafone 3g card, and i must say, its by far the slowest internet connection i've used, i scrapped it, not im waiting to get something else!!

 

[InsaneNutter]

If you can get 5.2mbps Cardo that aint bad at all, The fastest speed i've ever got around here is about 2.5mbps late at night.

Just done a quick speed test with the net shared from my phone to the netbook over wifi and got about 1.6mbps

 

[cardo69]

If you can get 5.2mbps Cardo that aint bad at all, The fastest speed i've ever got around here is about 2.5mbps late at night. Just done a quick speed test with the net shared from my phone to the netbook over wifi and got about 1.6mbps

Thats the thing hey nutter! It says 5.2 mbps, but its so slow! And the lag is ridiculous!