Verizon Wireless MiFi 2200 Intelligent Mobile Hotspot
Manufacturer: Novatel Wireless Inc. Part number: MiFi2200
- More product information:
- Editors' review
- User reviews
- Manufacturer info
- Bottom Line:
- If you can afford the required service plans and keep within the required data limits, the Verizon Wireless MiFi 2200 Intelligent Mobile Hotspot is an excellent product for mobile Internet access.
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| ![]() | In stock Get free shipping on orders over $25! | as of 05/22/2013 |
CNET editors' review
Verizon Wireless MiFi 2200 Intelligent Mobile Hotspot price range: $249.99
- Reviewed by: Dong Ngo
- Reviewed on: 06/11/2009
The good: The Verizon Wireless MiFi 2200 Intelligent Mobile Hotspot offers a great mobile broadband solution for individuals or a small group of people. It's tiny, easy to use, and offers instant Internet access virtually anywhere in the U.S.
The bad: The Verizon Wireless MiFi 2200 Intelligent Mobile Hotspot supports up to five Wi-Fi devices only at a time and its wireless LAN throughput speed and range could be faster. It comes with expensive and limited data plans.
The bottom line: If you can afford the required service plans and keep within the required data limits, the Verizon Wireless MiFi 2200 Intelligent Mobile Hotspot is an excellent product for mobile Internet access.
User reviews
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A review of the actual MIFI product, not other factors
by simtiaz on December 15, 2009
Pros: Fast download/upload speads for a mobile device. Portable, easy to configure and use. Does exactly what it is designed to do.
Cons: Battery life could be slightly better, but still not bad considering that it can support multiple devices. Would be nice if this could be used internationally.
Summary: I've read multiple reviews about this product and I found it interesting that many of the complaints were not about the product itself, but rather, about Verizon's data ...
Summary: I've read multiple reviews about this product and I found it interesting that many of the complaints were not about the product itself, but rather, about Verizon's data caps which are static accross the board for ANY mobile broadband device (assuming the user does not have a grandfathered unlimited data account). The other main source of user complaints seems to be due to a lack of understanding of how the product works. For example, some users complained about the device shutting itself down - this is due to the power settings which CAN be modified. Others complained about having to remember to bring it along - really? Kinda like one has to remember to bring his/her wallet/purse, keys, cell phone? Wow.
Ok, now for the actual product review: I upgraded to the MIFI 2200 frrom a USB Card and I can honestly say there is a world of difference.
For starter's the setup was a breeze - I got home and plugged it in and it automatically installed VZ Access Manager and activated itself. Once actviation was done, I unplugged it and started using it in Wifi mode - no need for VZ Access Manager from this point on (unless I want to use the device in USB/non-sharing mode)...
Next, the ease of use is godsent: If other's want to use my data connection, they no longer need to worry about first downloading VZ Access Manager - they simply find my SSID (which can be customized) in their wireless profiles manager and type in the password (also customizable). The MIFI device assignes them an IP and they're online !!
The speed is pretty good too, but will obviously degrade as more users are added. WIth two users connected, I clocked 1.75 mbps download and 668 kbps upload. Another advantage is that unlike most aircards, the throughput stays steady when on the move (in a car/train).
As far as configurability, I already mentioned that the SSID, password, and power setting can be customized but you can also experiment with MAC filtering, port forwarding, port restrictions, SSID broadcast, and much much more.
This device, like all other Verizon Wireless devices, comes with a 30-day guarantee so you really don't have much to lose. If you are looking for a portable/mobile broadband solution, this is a great option.7 out of 8 users found this user opinion helpful.
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As good as it gets. You won't be disappointed.
by matt6405--2008 on September 24, 2009
Pros: Lightweight and compact design. Speed throughput is quick and efficient, haven't had any glitches. $99.00 plus a $50 Visa-Card...got it for $49.00 bucks w/ 2-year agreement. User replaceable battery.
Cons: 5GB limit. My first, an ExpressCard has the Unlimited version of the mobile broadband plan. I know 5GB is a lot, but up to 5 people can be connected at once, all "eating" off the same 5GB...I can see it going quickly.
Summary: I travel quite a bit, always going here and there. And like most people nowadays, I'm chained to the Internet. I love the video tip, CNET did showing how ...
Summary: I travel quite a bit, always going here and there. And like most people nowadays, I'm chained to the Internet. I love the video tip, CNET did showing how you can use this modem in conjunction with the iPhone. I don't know if I'm ready yet to lose my iPhone 3GS (32GB) data plan...but it's nice to know I could save some money if I go that route. In any case I added this second mobile broadband line to my account due to the sharing of my primary line's ExpressCard. Basically got tired of hunting down who had the card last. The MiFi is a great concept and so far it lives up to everything it is advertised to do. I don't know how well the battery performs, but to be honest...I don't care. If I'm in a pinch I can plug it into my laptop's USB, or if it really becomes a problem I can buy an additional battery, considering that the batter is user replaceable! Yay!
The "router's" configuration page was pleasantly easy to navigate, so I could rename the SSID and add my own WPA passphrase. Because as you know, it's all about personalizing your tech hardware right? Right.
I'm connected as we speak via my MiFi and the connection is plenty fast. Set-up was a breeze on Vista, no problems, just a couple of restarts...too easy. I also dialed up Netflix's website and pointed my browser over to the "Watch Now" section. Before I could blink a few times, my test movie, "Quarantine", started to play.
I popped on my iPhone's WiFi and it found my MiFi, typed in my passphrase and vola, my iPhone was now connected to "WiFi"...great for all those iPhone Apps that say they'll only work over a WiFi connection.
Lastly, I will say this, Verizon has a 30-Day money back guarantee, so what do you have to lose. Buy it, try it, and if you don't like it...take it back and pay nothing. You can't lose! Trust me, and happy mobile computing.
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Some current users are exempt from limits
by slammersworldx on October 2, 2009
Pros: If you are a current subscriber with unlimited plan this is a great device
Cons: If you are not grandfathered in, I would recommend another company other than Verizon
Summary: Ordered one today.....I am grandfathered into Unlimited Service, so limits don't apply to me........Been using USB720 and internet sharing on my Mac to connect multi-devices....this will ...
Summary: Ordered one today.....I am grandfathered into Unlimited Service, so limits don't apply to me........Been using USB720 and internet sharing on my Mac to connect multi-devices....this will simplify things for me....and with my discount I got it for 49.95 + 23.00 for 12volt car adapter...couldn't be happier!!
3 out of 4 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Perfect for business on the go
by whiteston on June 11, 2009
Pros: - small
- connects automatically
- works like you would expect it to
- One of the few gadgets that truly does make life easierCons: - Stays on while charging even if you try to turn it off
- You will want to have a grandfathered unlimited plan for all the band widthSummary: this is a perfect piece of equipment for the person that travels with their family. We often have multiple laptops on as we travel down the road and this thing ...
Summary: this is a perfect piece of equipment for the person that travels with their family. We often have multiple laptops on as we travel down the road and this thing is perfect. I can also take it into lunch meetings with me and everyone can have wifi access.
'Slick' does not even begin to describe it.
I will never go back to a USB broadband modem.3 out of 4 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Can't install - detect device with Windows 7 or AppleOS
by IleyP on July 23, 2010
Pros: I can force finding the device and managed to get it activated; when it is working, it is FAST
Cons: I can't do anything with it, such as change the SSID or code. VZAccess Manager is WORTHLESS since it can't find the device, tethered or wireless.
Summary: For the actual money they want, it is a worthless item. For people who are getting it to install without any issues, unreal, since my 3 friends have had the ...
Summary: For the actual money they want, it is a worthless item. For people who are getting it to install without any issues, unreal, since my 3 friends have had the same problem. If 4 of us can't install the produce, then it is WORTHLESS.
2 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Fantastic device on a great network
by johnpent on December 23, 2009
Pros: First - was using ATT usb card, did not work well with Win 7. The network was poor in big cities. Took Verizon MIFI to NYC, Boston and others. Works great. Use laptop and ATT Iphone through the wireless network. So fast compare to ATT
Cons: I honestly have not found an issue yet. Of course the $59 for only 5 Gig is an issue. Wish they would have a reasonable fee for extra megs.. maybe 1 cent instead of 5 cents?
Summary: Let's talk network. I am not having to pay for every hotel's wifi internet now because I REALLY PREFER to just use the device rather than hook up ...
Summary: Let's talk network. I am not having to pay for every hotel's wifi internet now because I REALLY PREFER to just use the device rather than hook up to some hotel network. You never realize you are using a wireless card. It is super fast. I was so sick of the ATT network dropping out. Any big city and it was so poor. Las Vegas, NYC... very poor. Lot's of bars, but the bars were meaningless.
Let's talk device. How nice to just have my home wifi and my verizon mifi network configured in my system. The only other network I ever use is the gogo network on planes.
I never even attach the device to my laptop through the usb unless I need a charge. Rarely do I write reviews, but I am so much more able to do my work with this device. Incredible.2 out of 3 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Excellent for last-ditch internet connectivity
by Techjunkier on January 19, 2011
Pros: Provides reliable connection for low-bandwidth use. Incredibly easy to use, literally plug-and-play. Interface is straightforward, but gives you plenty of information.
Cons: Not for streaming, gaming, or other high-bandwidth usage.
Summary: We live in an area shunned by cable and wireless providers. Our prior connection had been a sattelite provider who charged for speed of up to 80Mbps but provided 60 ...
Summary: We live in an area shunned by cable and wireless providers. Our prior connection had been a sattelite provider who charged for speed of up to 80Mbps but provided 60 kbps with a ping time of 2000msec. The MiFi gives us a much higher speed connection that doesn't go out when it gets cloudy.
The salesman and the reviews told us from the get-go that it wasn't good for streaming or gaming, so you've been warned. Again. And I know my expectations are low given my previous provider. But if you're looking for a low-bandwidth connection, this little engine CAN!1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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can save money in the long run...
by urantia2012 on December 10, 2010
Pros: just as fast as the usb 175 and just as fast using as wifi. download speeds are about the same using as a usb vs wifi router, very convenient in that it does not jut out like the usb 175.can tweak the device which helps if yu do not have ac access.
Cons: not compatible for 4g when it comes to your neighborhood from what i was told by a verizon tech. battery situation need serious attention. would love just to not worry about short-life batteries, even though they are rechargeable.
Summary: if you are grandfathered in and wait for the renewal cycle (which i go for free) for discounts, it is the deal to have, but the limited gigabyte per month ...
Summary: if you are grandfathered in and wait for the renewal cycle (which i go for free) for discounts, it is the deal to have, but the limited gigabyte per month plan really kills me, especially if you go over that limit. i would suggest that if you are a valued customer and keep renewing contract, why not offer a high gb or unlimited access to internet as an incentive to keep your customers
1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Try to find another broadband!
by mcguirefolks on June 9, 2010
Pros: Can't think of any!
Cons: We live in the country, so it's almost as slow as dial up. 5 Gigabytes may seem like a lot, but you can't watch youtubes or you'll go over. When you travel, there's major dead zones, so it's useless a lot of the time. Wish we hadn't gotten it.
1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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not bad, but limited pros
by axobeauvi on December 10, 2009
Pros: it's pretty fast (for 1 or 2 computers) and easy to use (once you go through the activation process)
Cons: the battery time seems really short
the activation should be more universal, like a web or java
when it's charging it doesn't send out a signal, so if you are stationary for a long period you can't just plug it in and use it at the same timeSummary: I am demoing one for my company that plans to deploy a bunch of linux netbooks, but since you can't activate it from a web interface, it's proving ...
Summary: I am demoing one for my company that plans to deploy a bunch of linux netbooks, but since you can't activate it from a web interface, it's proving to be a real hassle.
other than that it is snappy and I like how portable it is.
for short tech support help or checking e-mail it's great, but the battery doesn't last long enough to do any real work, plus since you can't use it while it charges there are long periods where you just have to wait for it.1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
Manufacturer info
- Manufacturer profile
- Browse Novatel Wireless Inc. products on Shopper.com
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- Manufacturer:Novatel Wireless Inc.
- Phone: 888/888-9231
- Email: http://www.novatelwireless.com/feedback.htm (form)


