Sprint MiFi 2200 by Novatel Wireless Review

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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.