Review by Michael Smith (Veshengro)
MiFi™ 2352 – Intelligent Mobile Hotspot for HSPA Networks (for Europe)
MiFi delivers the ultimate in personal freedom. With the simple push of a button, wirelessly access the Internet from virtually anywhere with any WiFi-enabled device.
MiFi supports multiple users, you can share your high-speed connection with friends, family members and co-workers.
The world’s first Intelligent Mobile Hotspot, MiFi is the fastest and easiest way to get online on the go – and it even fits in the palm of your hand.
Your Internet, your applications, your content, your way.
MiFi is your own cloud of connectivity: great for personal and business use providing instant access to email, download large files, and surf the web with your laptop while simultaneously allowing up to five computers or personal devices to be connected. Easily swap and transfer files with built-in microSDHC slot providing expandable storage capacity of up to 16GB.
Features
- Connects up to five Wi-Fi enabled devices simultaneously
- Computers, PDA’s, cameras, music players, personal and game players and more
- Rechargeable Lithium Ion Battery
- GPS- enabled
- Advanced internal antenna system
- NovaSpeed® capable
- Auto-install and auto-connectivity
- 10M (30 ft) range of network coverage
Benefits
- Wireless and secure internet connectivity from virtually anywhere
- Portable and convenient – smaller than a deck of cards
- Great for travel – family, friends and colleagues can connect
- Perfect for the mobile professional – creates a virtual office wherever you go for your and your co-workers
- Easy installation with MobiLink™ Connection Manager- no CD required
- Enhanced performance and less connectivity interruptions with NovaSpeed®
- Lasts up to 4 hours on a single charge so you can be anywhere and have connectivity (when connected to one Wi-Fi device)
So much as to the information from the Novatel; now let's look at how it works:
After a few initial hiccups in getting the review unit going – and that was not so much the unit's fault as that of some of the settings – the device works a real treat and I am rather very sad that, theoretically, I am supposed to send it back to Novatel. <snif>
Connecting to the service is fast as it the connection to the device via the WiFi access system of a Netbook, for instance, such as an ASUS EeePc with Linux, as what I have been primarily using with the device during test.
This is probably the only mobile Internet modem that can be used also with Linux Netbooks and computers in general. Dongles that are available from the various providers, be this O2, T-Mobile, Vodaphone, etc., do not workk on any Linux OS whatsoever, despite some claims.
This Mobile Internet Hotspot from Novatel, on the other hand, can do it and extremely well. In addition to that you can have the device in the pocket of your shirt, jacket or even in a holster on the belt, switched on, and you can use your computer on the Internet without any wires or other attachments plugged in. Very neat indeed, I must say.
Oh, what you mean “do I like it”? Yes, I do, and so would anyone, I think.
In the UK the device is available via Carphone Warehouse on contract of minimum £20 per month with the device coming free, on T-Mobile and Vodaphone, though it is possible, as I have done for the test unit, to use O2 Pay-As-Go service.
It can also be bought without a contract in some outlets and then, as far as I was able to ascertain, sells for somewhat a little over £200 depending where you get it.
When one considers that a Vodaphone dongle or one from O2 costs £15 per month on a contract basis and can only be used with Windows OS (and maybe Mac) then for the Linux user or he/she who uses more than one OS, the £5 extra would be worth it.
Personally, I am definitely sold on this device rather than any of those dongles, but then again, I need it for Linux, and the dongles just do not do Linux.
So, if you want to and have to use a Netbook or other computer with Linux on the move, or just want the freedom not to have to have to plug in a dongle to your computer when on the move then go and treat yourself to one of those MiFi 2352 Mobile Hotspots. I do not think that you will regret it.
For those who do not have WiFi on their laptops and have WIN or MAC they can, via a USB lead, plug the device in like they would a dongle. That does not, however, work with any Linux OS.
Great little device with great capabilities and that I can very much recommend from what I have seen of it so far and one that really could help me in my line of business.
© 2009
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