Verizon's MiFi Mobile Hotspot

This product review is going to introduce you to one of the hottest gadgets released by any mobile operator this year. The Verizon MiFi 2200 is a brand new way to get your small business online when you are away from the office.

The tiny device (just 3.5''x2''x0.4'') combines a mobile broadband adapter and a wireless router in a small battery powered box. With this combination, you can get online using any WiFi enabled device, at 3G broadband speeds any time you are in range of the Verizon Wireless mobile broadband network.

Before the MiFi, getting online meant plugging a USB modem or modem card into your laptop computer. This was not necessarily a bad option, but the MiFi does so much more than a normal modem.

Most importantly, the device will allow up to 5 people to share your connection at the same time. This is perfect if you find yourself in a meeting, and need to get several people online without each person having to invest in their own connection. Any WiFi enabled device can connect to the MiFi, which includes PDA’s, gaming devices and even wireless enabled digital cameras.

The connection is secured, and anyone wanting to use your broadband signal will need to enter a password. Alternatively, you can switch the MiFi to act like an open hotspot, which is great if you need a no-hassle way to get online with multiple users.

Speeds on the MiFi 2200 are impressive, and during a transfer speed test, we regularly saw speeds in excess of 2500kbps, which is well above what many people have at their home or office DSL connection.

The speed is more than enough for a single user, and even when multiple users are sharing the connection, each user will have plenty of speed to get some work (or fun) done. Your small business can really benefit from this device because it can also function as a great backup device to keep your office online. If your cable or DSL connection fails, you’ll be able to get everyone back online in a matter of minutes.

The Verizon Wireless MiFi 2200 runs off a removable 1150mAh battery with enough power to stay online for up to 4 hours. Standby time is 40 hours. The device can be charged using the included AC adapter or USB cable. A car charger cord is available directly from Verizon Wireless for $29.99.

If you find yourself in a situation without a WiFi enabled computer, you can still use the MiFi. Included in the box is a USB cable which allows the device to function as a regular USB broadband adapter. Verizon Wireless even includes the required drivers on the unit, so you do not have to carry a CD with you.

Configuring the WiFi 2200 is extremely simple, and can be done using any Internet browser. The web based control panel also displays usage information, which helps you keep an eye on your monthly allotment of data.

The Verizon Wireless MiFi 2200 costs $149.99 with a 2 year data contract. Data plans start at $39.99 for a 250MB/month bundle, and $59.99/month for 5GG/month.

The final purchase price drops to $99 when you purchase online (after a rebate). On a 1 year contract, the price is $169.99 and without any contract commitment, the price is $399.

If you decide to purchase the MiFi without a contract, you can still get online, but it will cost you $15 per 24 hours. Still, this could be a great solution for anyone that does not need more than 2 days of online access per month.

The combination of superb speeds, the largest 3G broadband network in the nation and a brilliant piece of hardware make this a must-have for any small business. The MiFi 2200 makes getting online a piece of cake, and the added advantage of being able to securely share the connection with multiple people could be a real money saver if you are regularly on the road with others.