Fun Gadget Gifts

Novatel MiFi 2200 Mobile Wi-Fi Hotspot Modem (Verizon Wireless) has been around since May of 2009. The 2 ounce black square is a portable wi-fi hotspot. You can connect 5 devices to it. The one I use is from Verizon. It requires a 2 year plan ($39.99 for 250MB/mo; $59.99 for 5GB/mo; $15/day with no contract). When you buy MiFi 2200 you will be hit with a $35 activation fee.

Why MiFi 2200?

Here are some features that set this device apart:

• Verizon’s MiFi device does not need to be plugged into any computer. As soon as you turn it on, it becomes available for connections. You can instantly connect any wi-fi enabled device; all you need to know is the password located at the bottom of MiFi modem.
• Connect up to 5 devices to MiFi 2200 – netbooks, laptops, notebooks, cameras, iPod Touch, iPad, video game consoles, MP3 players, Nook or other ebook reader with wi-fi, etc.
• It is incredibly small and light. You can put it in your shirt pocket and become a walking hot spot. You get 4 hours of usage “unplugged” and 40 hours stand by from this device.
• Verizon also has a network of wi-fi hotspots around the US. They are free only to Verizion wi-fi plan subscribers. If you are using MiFi 2200 near a Verizion wi-fi spot, your connection will be established through that free hotspot. The beautiful thing about it is that your own usage megabytes will stay intact in this instance.
• You can modify your plan at any moment. And you can modify your MiFi password as well. If your device is connected to your computer, you can monitor usage in real time. There are also precautions implemented to alarm you if you are about to run over your megabyte limit.

Who is MiFi 2200 For

• Busy moms. If you carpool, take kids to practice, drive to meets or other activities, this device might help you maintain your sanity. Turn it on in the car and let the kids connect their game consoles to it and enjoy your stress-free drive. At kids’ games, use your own wi-fi gadget to pass the time. Make quick and shallow friends by sharing your portable wi-fi hotspot with other moms.
• Small Businesses & Consultants. When you are on the road, it is hard to rely on free hot-spots. They are also incredibly slow. Enjoy the power of fast internet while doing a client presentation. No wires or connections required. Power up your MiFi device before the presentation – your computer is automatically connected. The device does not need to be plugged into the modem. You can plug it into the USB port, of course, but where is fun in that? Use it in meetings to get all lucky 5 people connected to the internet.
• iPod Toch owners. I wouldn’t get MiFi just for this reason, but it is a nice bonus. iPod Touch wi-fi is a fantastic feature. It allows you to use a lot of mobile apps that require internet connection, like Facebook, Twitter, Travelocity, Pandora, etc. You are fine at home, but out and about you have to rely on free wi-fi. No more. MiFi 2200 will turn your iPod Touch into a super gadget. Read and reply to your emails, play a game or book a vacation – all while you are waiting at the doctor’s office or for your kids. And if you are into podcasts, get the latest ones over wi-fi instantly. No need to connect to iTunes.
• Travelers. Most airports offer wi-fi these days. Some connections are free. Regardless, I find all the connections incredibly slow because of heavy usage. With your personal wi-fi hotspot, you can eliminate frustrations over slow internet. And if you travel with co-workers, you can all get your work done while waiting for your plane. And when you reach your destination, there is no need to figure out how to find internet connection. You already have one with you at all times.
• Outdoor Enthusiasts. If you are on the slopes taking pictures of epic snow or a video of an incredible jump, upload your footage to your Flickr or your blog instantly. For those who backpack in the middle of nowhere, your cell phone might not have reception at all. Well, it is possible that your wi-fi might have a connection. Now, if your phone has wi-fi, you are in luck and can stay in touch with the outside world.

Takeaways

The device is very light, easy to use, a breeze to set up. It has many different applications. The connection is fast and convenient.

When you buy the hardware, it is set up as an additional line for your account (if you are an existing Verizon customer) or you will be set up as a new customer with a new cell phone line. Your MiFi 2200 will be given a phone number, but you will never need to use it. It is only for accounting purposes: when you log into your Verizon account, you see the modem there by its phone number. Note, that “minutes used” by the modem do not count against your cellphone minutes. MiFi 2200 is a completely separate data plan.

Places like Target will give you the modem for free with 2 year contract. Note, that you are able to return the modem within 30 days with no penalty. If you miss the window, Verizon will charge you $350 fee for early contract termination. Target has a unique policy where you can exchange MiFi 2200 for a different model or upgrade it to a newer model that was not available at the time of your purchase. The time frame is 90 days from your purchase.

You can also buy MiFi 2200 on Amazon. I found the process a little cumbersome and confusing. You order the modem for $0.01 (+ shipping) and agree to a 2 year contract + $35 activation fee. The modem is sold by Amazon; the service is sold by Verizion. You will get an email from Amazon advising you to call a Verizion customer center to approve your credit check. Amazon submits all requests as “new customer” requests, so if you are an existing customer, you will hit a snag. Amazon sells those only to absolutely new customers of Verizion. I think, they are not set up to handle existing Verizion accounts.

After Verizion approves the credit check, Amazon will ship you your modem and you will have to set it up yourself.

My advice is – go to Target, get your MiFi 2200 for free. They will activate it and set it up for you. All you will need to do afterwards is to get Verizion VZAccess software installed on your laptop to monitor usage or use it as a USB modem (if you want to). You don’t have to though. In Target on Saratoga and Prospect (in Saratoga, CA), Jessica or James will get you set up in no time. I was absolutely impressed with the quality of service.

In summary, you cannot go wrong with MiFi 2200. Try it for 30 days and return – no questions asked – if it does not fit your needs.

Reviews

• Hands-on Verizon MiFi 2200 Review (jkOnTheRun blog).
• cnet: Verizon Wireless MiFi 2200 Intelligent Mobile Hotspot
• Gizmodo: Verizon MiFi 2200 3G Portable Wi-Fi Hotspot Review

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