Sprint MiFi 2200 by Novatel Wireless Review
Have you ever wanted to share your EVDO high-speed connection with others without the use of another device like a Cradlepoint router? The Sprint MiFi 2200 does just that, and with to up to 5 users. How does it perform? Are there any downsides to using the MiFi over a Cradlepoint? Find out after the break.The MiFi 2200 is credit-card sized device that is slim enough to fit in your pocket or even your wallet, and it isn’t too hard to operate. The only button on the device is a power button, press it and you’re good to go for about four hours. You charge the MiFi using a simple microUSB power adapter but doesn’t come with a cable for you to connect it to a computer, unlike the Verizon equivalent.
Don’t worry about the tedious process of setting it up either, the MiFi is ready to go once you get it, provided you’ve already signed up for a Sprint data plan.
You can access the MiFi’s admin interface using a standard web browser and going to 192.168.0.1, which you might find familiar if you already have a wireless router. Here you can change the SSID (name of the network), the password, and other technical features such as Port Forwarding and MAC address filtering.
In our speed tests using the MiFi 2200 in the Sacramento Metro area, we received a download speed of about 1 megabit per second (mbps) and an upload speed of around 500 kilobits per second (kbps). Generally good for web browsing, sending email, and other internet tasks.
Find the MiFi 2200 today at Sprint.com or any Sprint Store for $99.99 after a mail-in rebate and with a two-year contract.
Pros
- Shares an EVDO high-speed connection with up to five clients.
- Thin and light design, fits in your shirt pocket.
- Advanced router features available to the end-user.
Cons
- None.
EDITOR'S NOTE: Article has been updated (8/23/09) to clarify charging while connected to the network. The MiFi can be connected to the network while plugged in using the power brick, but not when plugged into a PC via USB.
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Entries(RSS)
I have the Sprint Novatel 2200 MiFi and it CAN be used while charging. I often have it plugged into my car charger while my passengers browse the internet.
This is the 2nd time that I have seen a review that indicates the MIFI cannot be used while it is charging. This statement is simply NOT TRUE.! Moments ago, while surfing, it started to flash red (battery dying), I plugged it into the power cord and continued reading inaccurate reviews. It never dropped the signal or froze just kept on going. A very handy device and because I am single, I was able to cancel my DSL service and go exclusively with the MIFI. I sure wish that Sprint would get rid of the 5gb limit!
Thanks for the clarification everyone, we will be correcting the review momentarily.
Has anyone tried to connect to their VPN using the MiFi? I cannot get mine to work and Sprint will not help to solve the problem. Even though they advertise the MiFi has VPN passthrough.
Can this device be used with ipod touch?
Absolutely! A great pairing.
I just purchased the Novatel from Sprint and am very impressed with its performance. I've done several speed tests and it is about average in download an upload numbers. However, that is very impressive when you take into consideration the compactness, ease of use, and portability of the "card."
To answer the question, can it be used with an itouch? The answer is absolutely yes.
In summary, this is the future of internet access, and the next generation of devices will be nothing short of amazing. But this is a fine product that should be purchased by anyone that wants to take advantage of the cutting age technology presently available.
So i've got a plan for over two years which is an unlimited data for my old aircard, im elegible to upgrade but i dont want to lose the unlimited plan, sprint says they're not sure if at the time of update activation, their system will ask them to swich to the 5gb plan or not.... I'm trying to figure this out but even their billing team dont know, i called and didnt get an answer.. so i thought about buying the MiFi at full price and just activate it but then they said it might ask for the plan to change to 5gb, which to me doesnt make sense... It sounds to me like they want to get me into the 5gb plan, anyone out there that has done this??
Beto,
I recently upgraded to the MiFi and sprint did not change my old unlimited data plan to the one with the cap. I even went to the local sprint store and had them check on my account. I did the upgrade online, so that may make a difference.
Hope this helps.
This card doesn't allow for custom port fowards and this is a huge hinderance for me!