MiFi Hotspot | Best Bang for Your Buck?

Internet everywhere

Verizon wireless has launched Novatel’s portable MiFi 2200 personal hotspot gadget, which allows users to carry access to wireless broadband Internet just about everywhere with them.

Anywhere you can pick up a Verizon signal, which is just about everywhere in the country, you can use the MiFi. You don’t even have to be a Verizon customer. But, just as with any Internet service, you do have to pay the provider.

Cost breakdown

The MiFi 2200 itself costs $100, after a rebate. That sounds little pricey for a device that’s only the size of a credit card, but imagine being able to stream TV shows during a car ride or check your Facebook account from an airport bathroom.

But don’t run out and get a cash advance to buy a MiFi just yet. You wouldn’t want to sign up for a service you can’t afford and have it end up on your credit cards. Contracts are $40 per month, which allows 250 MB worth of downloads, or $60, which gives you 5 GB worth of download power.

Is it worth it?

So, let’s take a look at the pros and cons here, cons first. The monthly fee of $40-$60 is definitely a lot higher than some of the other services available out there. Also, most monthly Internet service providers do not put a limit on how much you can download. The 5 GB limit on MiFi would definitely get in the way for a few people I know.

So, it’s not cheap and there’s a download limit. Onto the pros. You can use it almost anywhere! That concept just blows my mind. Imagine being able to hold a business meeting and have a working computer any place you want. It’d be like having a computer that just automatically has a built-in connection all the time. That might be worth the extra monthly-fee cost. If you don’t often do a lot of downloading, the MiFi 2200 could completely replace your home Internet service. ... click here to read the rest of the article titled "MiFi Hotspot | Best Bang for Your Buck?"