Pem’s Tech Blog

Verizon has finally done something right…  The idea is that you could easily use this with multiple devices, such as:
* laptop or netbook
* iPod touch
* smart phone with WiFi but no data plan
* backup internet for your desktop computer
* freedom to easily share it

Overall I think it’s great news.  But I do still have some concerns…

Verizon requires you to get a $30/mo data plan with any smart phone.  So even if you got a MiFi, you’d still have to pay the $30/mo for your Verizon smart phone data plan.  Although, you could try just using the MiFi WiFi device with a WiFi-enabled Skype device/phone, but I’d bet that’s at least less usable/stable if not simply unusable/unstable.  Or, you could get an unlocked smart phone and use AT&T’s voice network but Verizon’s MiFi WiFi for data.

One big question about this is…  If you get an unlocked smart phone to put on AT&T’s voice network, such as a Nokia N97…  Then, what eats your battery life faster?  WiFi to the MiFi?  Or direct use of AT&T’s data plan?  And if the WiFi eats the battery faster, how much worse is it?  And are there other trade-offs or gotchas?  Sounded like AT&T’s 3G is faster, but Verizon’s data is more available?  Are there longer lag-time for turning the WiFi on/off vs. turning the 3G on/off?  Is it easy (and legit) to just make your N97 a WiFi hotspot anyway?

In the end, as much as I love the new MiFi…  I think it’s definitely at least a viable alternative to have (a phone with 3G coverage that can turn itself on/off as a WiFi hotspot for your iPod touch, laptop, etc).  I think it’s better to have both choices too.  I think I’d personally prefer the WiFi hot spot from the phone (and you can turn it on/off) (and just carry a 2nd or 3rd battery), but it would depend on the specific details.

I should add that there can be trade-offs between (having 2-in-1 device) vs. (having 2 separate devices).  Similar thing with GPS-on-phone vs. GPS-standalone.  With 2-in-1, it might be smaller overall, and have potential integrated capabilities.  But you’re also sharing a battery/stability, and the 2 become physically inseparable.

Although one big thing I like about the MiFi is that it looks very thin and small:

The other interesting thing is that before the MiFi came to Verizon and Sprint, I had long been dreaming about getting a USB modem and plugging it into a Cradlepoint PHS300.  There was even some company that I think re-sold Sprint data connections for $50/mo no contract.  What the MiFi adds to the table is that it’s another 2-things-integrated-as-1.  This makes it simpler (you don’t have to plug-in the separate USB modem) and smaller: (4.7 x 2.8 x 0.8) vs. (3.5 x 2.3 x 0.4).  It’s also an official Verizon or Sprint solution, but we could debate, for example, if that’s actually better than using the PHS300 with an AT&T USB modem (speed vs. coverage?).  Or, better than using a smart phone as a WiFi hot spot.

Pem (Admin) :: Jun.05.2009 :: Mobility :: No Comments »

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