Customer Reviews

Novatel MiFi 2200 Mobile Wi-Fi Modem (Verizon Wireless)

5 star:		(21)
4 star:		(21)
3 star:		(10)
2 star:		(6)
1 star:		(14)

 

 

I have had a Verizon Wireless MiFi Broadband Router for about weeks now and felt it was time to share my real world experiences and thoughts on the device. In three words: IT IS GREAT!

What is it? It is basically a Verizon Wireless EVDO card in a small casing that acts as a Wi-FI Router and allows for 5 simultaneous devices to connect to it.

How does it work? The MiFi is like any other router, on the underside of it you will find a SSID and a WPA Security key so you can connect any of your devices to it via wi-fi. If you dont have a device with wi-fi y ou can plug it into your computer via usb and use the VZAccess Manager software to gain connectivity.

How big or small is it? Simply put, it is the size of a Kit-Kat bar.

Battery Life? I charged it fully for testing purposes and connected my blackberry 8900 and iPhone 3g to it. My commutes are usualy about 4 hours round trip per day and thus this was the best way to test the device. I enabled streaming stock quotes on the blackberry and browsed using my iPhone for the entire time to really put it through its paces. Real world is after heavy usage about 5 hours of battery life. This will of course change based on coverage areas and the such.

Speed? This is where the MiFi shines - I must say I was impressed. Since there is no easy way to do a speed test from a mobile device, I simply connected my laptop to it via wi-fi and did 4-5 speed tests in different locations to make them as accurate as possible. The average speed is about 1.75mbits down and close to 800kbps up. Impressive to say the least...especially in remote parts of New Jersey and while moving in a vehicle. (Someone else was driving :-))

I am no stranger to mobile connectivity. The MiFi is a truly amazing device and its size alone makes it a MUST BUY! The ability to have wi-fi on all mobile devices via EVDO and not having to worry about connecting cards and cables is truly AMAZING.

Why then does it get a 4/5 - Simple - No unlimited data plans mean we have to keep our eyes on our usage and we may go over if we are not careful...especially because its so easy to get connected.

Bought at full retail price, and returned immediately once I found out that Verizon's policies are all intended to get you to sign up for a contract, no matter what. Even if you pay full price and intend to use the device as a prepaid device, you'll find that they've structured things against you. Instead of the $59 for 5 GB that is widely reported for non-contract, prepaid use, it's actually just 500 mb for $50, so you get nowhere near the use you need to get through the month. The fix is to sign up for an automatically renewed account which is difficult to get, you need to do the credit check and fax in a copy of your monthly bank statement, just to turn this on, as well as pay a $35 activation fee. None of this is clearly noted and you should NOT purchase this otherwise fine device without knowing all of this. Really, it's useless unless you are going to do it with a contract, period.

Purchased this via Verizon's web site for $99, to renew my contract. I had a Cradlepoint PHS-300 and a Verizon V740 Expresscard EV-DO Modem. I connected the two with an Expresscard to USB adaptor. It was a big annoying 3 peice setup, but was totally battery powered and self contained. I thought, "It does nt get any better than this.

But it does. I get a device that is smaller and half the thickness of my Cradlepoint PHS-300, but also contains the EV-DO modem. I take it with me everywhere I go. I connect to it via Wifi with any one of my 3 laptops, including a Mac, and even my iPhone!! Haha. If I am out and about friends connect their laptops and PDA's including the iPod Touch to it, and browse the web just as fast as if it was directly connected.

Of course it has a USB connection on it. I wish they had gone with the older style Mini-B connector, but went for the new flatter one. Supposedly it is more durable than the old one, but still. I have like a million of the old A to Mini B cables laying around. If the battery drains and I have a laptop with me, I can just hook it up via USB and use it as a USB modem while it charges. WiFi no longer works when it is in USB mode.

Its a very nice touch that it comes with an AC adaptor. I would hate to rely on charging it ONLY with the included USB cable. Also has a very nice web interface that you can access when connected to it via WiFi, just go to http://192.168.1.1 to see reral time information on the device, including signal strength and battery power. Speaking of battery power, it lasts between 3 and 4 hours and is user replacable. Just pull off the door and stick another one on. I would like to see Verizon or Novatel, someone, offer a bigger battery for it. But I am guessing that is not going to happen and honestly the built in battery is fine for my needs.

I have had it for about a week and it has been this power users dream! I did have a little trouble with it last night though. WiFi was extremely slow on the device, even the built in web interface was suuuuuuuper slow. I am not sure what happened. But today it is back to normal.

I hope this review was helpful.

- J

I wouldn't buy this from Amazon. Buy it from a Verizon store (or website). That's what I did.

It works great for me. I was worried after reading these reviews and was expecting to return it to the Verizon store within the 30 day trial. It performs exactly as advertised. I use it once a month to connect three coworkers at a meeting in the middle of nowhere. It works in my car and in my basement. My iPhone doesn't work very well in the basement with 3G. I've yet to find a place in my travels where it doesn't work. It may be slower in some locations but it's usable for business (email, VPN, web, and smaller file transfers).

Several people had issues with installation and configuration of the device. The included PDF manuals answer every one of the issues I've seen posted in these reviews. The only exception is coverage problems. I think those are completely legitimate and I would test it for the 30 days before committing. Just because I've had good luck doesn't mean you will.

I use the device with a MacBook Pro and a Windows laptop. Connections are just like any other wireless Internet device. It's slower then my cable modem (which is 20 Mbps) but I don't plan on streaming HD TV with it. The performance is great to get work done.

I'm not giving it 5 stars for the following reasons:

1. It requires Verizon special software for the initial activation.

2. The Verizon special software didn't work with my OSX laptop.

3. The Verizon special software caused a blue screen of death on my Windows XP machine (it did allow the the modem to be activated).

4. 5GB/month isn't enough for the price.

5. Verizon needs an unlimited data option.

6. It doesn't allow WIFI sharing if it's plugged into a laptop with the USB. You have to plug it into a wall outlet with the included cables if you want to charge it and use it for WIFI.

After being sorely disappointed from Sprint Overdrive, I turned to Verizon Mifi for my mobile internet access need. I did a round trip back and forth from Chicago to San Francisco with it powered on with at least one device connected 8-10 hours a day almost every day. I was impressed with good Verizon coverage & stability of this device. Unless you absolutely need "largest data footprint", I highly recommend Verizon Wireless for your data need.

If your work relies on internet access and you are a road warrior or travelling, do not rely on your hotel/motel's or coffee shop internet access. During my month-long trip, several places that I stayed had free wi-fi, but their signal barely reached my room. Mifi did save the day(night). In big cities, places with free wi-fi are usually overloaded with tons of users trying to watch latest video clips. Sure, if you are just using internet casually, $60/month may sound expensive. But if you need it for work, $60 doesn't seem expensive any more when you are on the road.

If you ever decide to get this device, be sure to call customer support to block text message service unless you want a surprise. This device can still receive/send text messages. You may not aware of incoming message, but you'll have to pay for it if somebody sends texts to your number.

I am hopeful for the 3.9G network that Verizon will launch in the future. But don't hold your breath as the technology itself is very new. It will probably cover major cities at first and will take several years to reach Verizon 3G coverage. If you need flexible mobile internet connectivity NOW, I say this Verizon Mifi is the best candidate.

See + & - for this device & Verizon service below :

+ Very stable device. Rarely crashes. (Sprint Overdrive crashes all the time.)
+ For my requirements, albeit somewhat expensive, 5GB/mo is adequate.
+ Relatively fast mobile connectivity. Fastest download I got was 2.5mbps in Yellowstone (Old Faithful). Typical is 500k-1mbps. Sure T-Mobile & AT&T has the latest & fastest technology, but their 3G coverage is abysmal comparing to Verizon. Verizon is also on a lower frequency band (then AT&T, T-Mobile and Sprint) which means it penetrates through walls and travels further. When using T-Mobile in Chicago, when I get into a building, it will just drop to 2G network. -- If you need mobile access in specific place and AT&T/T-Mobile has good coverage, go with them. You'll be much happier with faster connection. But if you travel quite a bit, you will appreciate Verizon 3G coverage. -- For me I just need fast enough internet access most of the time, rather than fastest internet access from time to time.
+ Customer service is very efficient & helpful. Try their direct line. Google "get human".

- If you are connecting to corporate VPN, be prepared to get disconnected from time to time. Verizon shuffles your IP address while you're online once in a while. Once your IP address changes, most VPN will drop. (Be prepared to shell out $500 if you want static IP)
- Mifi is slow to dish out IP address to your wifi devices. My Nexus One has trouble connecting to it.
- This device has no external antenna port. If you are visiting area with bad reception (yes, when you are on the road long enough, you'll know Verizon has a fair share of those area), you just have to move the device around until you get better signal. It would have been much easier with external antenna.
- While Verizon has best 3G coverage, it doesn't have the best "data footprint". Verizon does NOT roam on to other networks for data service. If you are unfortunate to be in the area where Verizon doesn't exist (Yosemite comes to mind, the ONLY provider their is Golden State Cellular), you have NO data access at all. --- If your work/livelihood depends on data accessibility, go with Sprint as you can hop on data service on other network.
- Despite what the "Can you hear me now?" guy tries to imply. Verizon still has tons of dead spot, and several cities only has 2G coverage. But if you stick to main interstates & no-to-small of a city, you usually have 3G.
- This device is charger-picky. Do not expect to connect it to any USB port and it will charge. I've had success with Fry's $2 cigarette micro-usb charger, Kensignton laptop/USB charger.
- With latest firmware update, device will act as a wirelss modem when connected to a computer. This means that no other devices will be able to access the 'net via Wifi.

I've had the mifi for a week, and am completely satisfied. It's surprising how easy it is to connect when traveling in an RV (I'm retired, so I find myself in many geographical locations, when connecting...) and this gadget has provided me with wifi connection in the Grand Canyon's RV Trailer Village, in the mountains above Boulder, Co, and at the border of Glacier Nat'l Park (at the portal of West Glacier, East of Whitefish).
Verizon had the unit overnighted to me at no charge, it was very easy to set up, and so far, I've not come near using my 5 Gig usage limit (extrapolated, not a full month has elapsed). Also, I stayed in Vegas at MGM for two nights, and have always used their $12.95/night wifi; not this time! No need, thanks to MiFi. What a great product. And I will use it when visiting my farms in IA and IL, where I stay "on farm" in my RV, in the boonies, and have been frustrated in past years, by lack of internet access. Wherever you can catch a Verizon cell phone signal, you will receive, even stronger, their broadband service...

I live in the sticks in rural Virginia, where the commonly-known internet options include (1) cheap and painfully slow dial-up; or (2) very expensive satellite service. We are too far out to receive cable or DSL, and there is no hope of getting it. I first tried dial-up, but wasn't satisfied. I couldn't afford satellite internet, and had read too many horror stories. So, I opted for Verizon's broadband access (which no one in my area knew about or used). When I placed my first order with Verizon, I was told it probably would NOT work in my area. We live on the edge of a coverage area, there is no 3G broadband here, and there were times I couldn't connect with a phone or an air card. At that time, the towers and equipment in this area were limited, but I was satisfied MOST of the time. I used various types of equipment, including a PCMCIA air card; two different USB air cards; and, most recently, my new Samsung Omnia smartphone. The technology keeps getting better, and Verizon's coverage keeps expanding. Obviously, the quality of my service continues to improve because of this. This type of internet connection has worked well for me and I have been satisfied with the connection speeds, as long as I don't try to download anything large. In that case, you're just better off finding a public Wi-Fi hot spot.

The biggest problem with using an air card/USB modem, however, is the inability to share the connection with others in the house. That problem has now been solved with a home Wi-Fi that doesn't have to originate from DSL or cable internet service. This device is, essentially, a broadband air card that lets up to five people connect at the same time with their wireless devices!

The Verizon rep promised a 30-day trial, so I dropped the tethering option from my smart phone (still must keep the minimum data plan for PDAs and smartphones so no savings there). I added the broadband access plan and the Mi-Fi to my contract, and was anxious to give it a try. I'm not in a true 3G broadband coverage area, so my service does not function quite as well as it would in a metropolitan area. But, the rep promised the Mi-Fi should operate as well, if not better, than my smartphone. That's all I could expect. When you're out in the middle of nowhere, you have to keep your expectations reasonable. As long as it worked as well as my phone did, and we could share the connection with others in the house, I couldn't ask for more.

Setup was a little trickier than I expected. Be sure to grab the instructions, you might need them. It's not complicated, but I had questions that were only answered by reading! It's not exactly a plug-n-play device, and does require some setup. I waited quite a while for my laptop to detect and install device drivers, which was the worse part of the entire installation process. The first attempt to run the VZAM software (built into the device) didn't complete the setup, so I ran it again by opening "My Computer" from the desktop or start menu, and double-clicking on the device (listed as a CD drive because of the small storage for the on-board VZAM software). It started up and completed the setup. Be sure to go to an external website, just to be certain the Mi-Fi has definitely connected.

Once you get through the installation, the rest is a breeze. Unplug Mi-Fi from your USB port. Plug it into the wall (to continue charging it). It should come on automatically. Tethering the Mi-Fi to your computer is not needed after the initial setup unless you need to charge it while in use, view your data usage information, or make changes to the configuration. Otherwise, leave the Mi-Fi plugged into a surge protector on the wall, and set it up where you'll get the best reception. You will connect to the Mi-Fi the same way you connect to any other Wi-Fi hotspot. I only had to enter the password once (a long number).

We have had just two devices connected at the same time, with no noticeable decrease in connection speed. The Mi-Fi device is located on the first floor, and my daughter has no problem using her iPOD form her bedroom on the second floor, with no signal loss.

We are very satisfied with our initial use of the 2200 Hotspot! This is a better option than spending a fortune on satellite service, having multiple USB air cards for all the members of your family, or listening to them hound you while you use the one and only USB air card. If performance and service continues to be good, I will be happy to extend another 2-year contract! I've been satisfied with Verizon for the past 10 years, and their willingness to add a Mi-Fi device makes my feelings about them even better.

I have my MiFi device about a month now and so far I'm really impressed - glad I went with the MiFi over the alternatives. I find I can just stick it in my backpack and I get hassle-free connections from my laptop or iPod, without anything to plug in or share, and in emergencies, I can even share my bandwidth with a few other people without sacrificing too much performance.

I tend not to use the supplied Verizon software...Windows out of the box connects just fine, once you configure in the SSID and encryption keys. Only time I use the Verizon software is when the battery runs low and I want to use (and charge) the device from a USB port connected to my PC.

As for performance, in my office (where I can see the cell tower just across the street), [...] reports amazing 3.0MB downloads and about 700KB uploads. This is the fastest mobile device I've seen. Unfortunately, I live in an area where there's spotty coverage, and from home I seldom see over about 500KB/200KB (down/up). This is with zero to one bar in the signal strength meter in Verizon's software.

I have two small gripes: One, I'd prefer a way to set the SSID and encryption key manually. So far haven't found a way to configure anything other than the Verizon chosen settings. This makes me hesitate to share my bandwidth with coworkers I might be traveling with...in essence, there's no way to "revoke" it once shared.

[UPDATE: Yes, this is possible to do - you just point the browser to the IP address of the MiFi itself, and there's a fairly typical web-based admin capability built-in that includes the ability to change the SSID, encryption type and keys, etc. Add an extra half-star for this, although it should have been better documented so mere mortals could figure it out!]

My other complaint is something I suppose I should have thought about, but it seems to be a hassle (and expensive) to get the device working outside the USA. The rep mentioned something to me, but I didn't think about it until I was out of the country, and regretted not being able to connect.

Still, if you want to be connected at broadband speeds - even across multiple devices - anywhere you can get a cellular signal, it's a great option.

You can't purchase this from here for a $0.01. Amazon will only sell it for that price if you are a new Verizon customer. Verizon will not approve the sale unless you are an existing customer. Do not waste your time; you will lose a day of shipping. I ended up finding it for a a good price at another online wireles store. I just recieved it today 5hrs ago and it works great, installed flawless. Was easier to activate than a cell phone; happened automaticaly. As fast as cable and normal broadband. So far I'm impressed with this device. I'll update if something changes my mind, but today it is exactly what It was hyped to be.

I bought this MiFi thinking that I would swap it for my Aircard that I've been using on Verizon for several years. I was attracted by the ability to have up to 5 devices share one connection.

Overall the device will allow up to 5 devices to share the connection. And the speeds have been decent - averaging about 1.5 mb.

The problem i that this device constantly disconnects from the Internet and you are forced to wait for it to re-connect. It's not something everyone would notice (you can watch it by going to the control panel at the IP address 192.168.1.1).

There are also some really odd problems such as not being able to update the firmware from a Mac, not being able to initially turn on the device and have it work on AC power (I've always had to start it up unplugged and after it's connected attach it to the power cord).

I think this is just a really cheap product that I would avoid. It's probably near end-of-life and there are much better (and faster) alternatives coming (see Sprint 4G Novatell).

Before you buy - do a quick web search for issues around this model. I found many that I wish I'd known about BEFORE I made the purchase.