Wi-Fi on the go with MiFi 2200 Intelligent Mobile Hotspot

Hunting down a wireless Internet connection is priority No. 1 for many travelers. But while Wi-Fi hot spots are common at airports, hotels, coffeehouses and conference centers, it’d be way more convenient if a hot spot could somehow follow you around. And also be available to the family members, friends or colleagues hanging out with you.

That’s precisely the allure behind the MiFi 2200 Intelligent Mobile Hotspot I’ve been testing. This credit-card-size, 2-ounce cellular modem — it’s just a tad thicker than a pencil — arrives Sunday from Novatel Wireless and Verizon Wireless. It costs $100 after a mail-in rebate and with a two-year data plan. Sprint plans to bring out its own MiFi version at the end of the month.

By tapping into Verizon’s 3G Mobile broadband network, the version I tested creates a personal Wi-Fi "cloud" to a theoretical range of up to 50 feet. You could use it on your commute (bus, train or car), vacation (lake house, beach) or working in a wayward location.

By Edward C. Baig, USA TODAY

Full Story: http://www.usatoday.com/tech/columnist/edwardbaig/2009-05-13-mifi-wireless-mobile-hotspot_N.htm