HotSpot in your Pocket
by Chris Guld, www.geeksontour.com
Just because you buy a computer with built-in ‘Wi-Fi’ doesn’t mean you can connect to the Internet from anywhere. You need to have a Wi-Fi hotspot to connect TO. Usually that means being in a Starbucks with a Wi-Fi hotspot, or a Hotel, or an RV park. Your computer connects to their Wi-Fi hotspot. Wouldn’t it be nice if you could carry your own Wi-Fi hotspot around with you?!
I’m not talking about plugging something into your computer. I’m talking about having a Wi-Fi hotspot in your pocket. You computer can connect to it, just like you connect to Starbucks or the RV park.
The Mi-Fi
There is only one button on this little device. It’s either on or off. Stick it in your pocket and your computer can connect to your own private Wi-Fi hotspot whereever you are. And 4 other people with Wi-Fi enabled devices can connect as well.
This device has been around for almost a year now. My favorite review is a video by David Pogue. Verizon now has a complete tutorial video on it. We don’t have one of these so I can’t give you a firsthand review. If you have one, leave a comment and tell us what you think.
Many geeks don’t like them because they can’t accept an external antenna and they’re not a true router that they can configure themselves. The convenience of this single-button-hotspot-in-your-pocket seem to override a lot of drawbacks to me.
Mi-Fi is also available on the Sprint Network
Walking Hotspot
About a year ago, someone wanted to show me how her cellphone, in her pocket, was a Wi-Fi hotspot. I corrected her, saying that she had her terminology mixed up. A cellphone can provide an Internet connection, but Wi-Fi is a different technology. Luckily, I see enough new technology every day, that I know not to stick to my guns too forcefully. “Show me” I said. I brought my laptop over and proceeded – like the scientifically proven flightless bumblebee - to fly! I opened my wireless network list and, indeed, I could see her cellphone listed as a connection! I connected with the password she gave me and voila! I was browsing.
How did she do it? With software from www.walkinghotspot.com. It only works on cellphones that use the Windows Mobile software – so that leaves a lot of us out of luck. Verizon is out. Here is a list of supported phones.
After that experience, I immediately updated our ‘Internet on the Road’ seminar handout.
Palm Pre Plus
The latest new Smart Phone (or ‘App Phone’ per David Pogue) from Verizon is now a Hotspot right out of the box. Well, almost – you do need to download the app for 3G Mobile Hotspot. I went straight to Verizon to get one, but …. Jim is so enjoying his Motorola Droid – that I decided to wait a bit. Maybe something similar will be available for the Droid. Upcoming article: Internet by Droid 
Beam me Up Scotty!
Chris Guld, www.GeeksonTour.com
Computer Education for Travelers
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This thing really works. Have had it for 6 months, use two computers. Bought the 5GB and may knock it down $80 for 5gb so it’s pricey but we got rid of the DSL so we only pay one fee now.As fast as the Centurytel DSL
My wife and I have used the MiFi for about a year. We use our computers for work in our coach and the MiFi does a great job. No complaints . . .
My husband and I recently bought the MiFi2200 device for $99 with a $50 rebate in the mail and signed up for the 5G service from Verizon – base price of $59.99. Various taxes will raise that price to around $69.99. We switched from using Hughes Satellite service due to a malfunctioning transmitter. So glad we did. I love the MiFi’s convenience. No longer will we have to haul around the bulky Satellite equipment and endure the set up frustrations and signal loss that clouds and wind would always bring. We have yet to try it away from populated areas. That may be the drawback, but at least we don’t have to worry about trees in the way. One caveat…near the Mexican border, but still in the US, we incurred Mexican Roaming charges when in WiFi mode. When tethered to the computer it can be set to not ROAM, so no further Roaming charges were accrued.
First, thanks so much for your informative newsletter! You guys are always right on target and provide wonderful information and answer lots of my stupid questions!
We have had MiFi from Sprint since December and love it. I had a Sierra 594U aircard, a Cradlepoint Router and a booster antenna before. This has a lot less problems as it only has on or off. It works or it doesn’t. I liked the USB connection on the Cradlepoint but there is a cord that can connect the MiFi to a USB – you just have to ask for it – and pay another $20.
I could never get internet on my Palm LifeDrive, now I surf like a champ. It feels more secure and is easy for dummies to set up. We are lucky in that we have had Sprint for so long we aren’t subject to the 5MB so my hubby and I use it unlimited.
I keep thinking I will turn off Sprint and only turn on when we are on the road but then I would lose unlimited. There’s always something isn’t there.
Anyway, it works good and we have seldom had complaints and haven’t had to call Sprint suppport once since we got it.
I have the Verizon MIFI2200 and love it. I am always in the “boondocks” when at home. The MIFI works wonderful in unpopulated areas. I use it in the motorhome and have “NEVER” not been able to connect. I previously had the USB 727(?) and it did OK, but nothing like the MIFI. I stay on line 24/7 whether in the motorhome or at home, or in the car! I have a booster I used with the USB unit, which is compatable with the MIFI too! Verizon coverage seems to get better everyday, it is the only service that gets out from the fishing hole.
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