Verizon Wireless MiFi 2200 Intelligent Mobile Hotspot
Manufacturer: Verizon Wireless 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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CNET editors' review
Verizon Wireless MiFi 2200 Intelligent Mobile Hotspot price range: $49.99
- 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.
Priced at $400 without a contract ($170 with a one-year contract or $100 with a two-year contract), the Verizon Wireless MiFi 2200 Intelligent Mobile Hotspot isn't affordable, especially when you consider the data plans. There are two of them: either you pay $40 for 250MB a month or $60 for 5GB month. Considering some cell phone plans give you unlimited data for just around $30 a month or the $50 unlimited data plan of Boost, these are rather expensive. There's no option to have an unlimited data plan, either, which means you will have to pay extra (5 cents and 10 cents per MB for the $60 and $40 plans, respectively) if you go over the limit.
However, as a mobile broadband router, the Verizon Wireless MiFi 2200 Intelligent Mobile Hotspot, which is manufactured by Novatel, is an excellent product. It's a tiny device that offers instant Internet access to up to five Wi-Fi devices, virtually anywhere in the United States. This is the first of its kind that we've reviewed and we really liked it. If you travel for business in a group of five or less, this superportable router will come in handy.
Design and ease of use
Just slightly larger than a credit card and about five times as thick, the Verizon Wireless MiFi 2200 Intelligent Mobile Hotspot is tiny and attractive. You can even keep it in your wallet, though we wouldn't recommend sitting on it.
On top, the device has a big power button that also works as a power light and battery indicator. This light is solid green when the device is turned on, red when the battery is low, and flashing green when it's charging. The light is almost too bright, though, which is nice in some cases but could be annoying if you want to keep the room dark.
On the right side, there's a Micro-USB port that accommodates the included wall charger or USB cable.
The MiFi 2200 ships with a small user manual booklet, but chances are you won't need to read it. You need only to connect the device to a computer using the included USB cable and you're almost set to go. When you connect for the first time, the MiFi's self-contained software will launch by itself and start the VZAccess Manager application. It then takes just a few clicks to activate the MiFi 2200. The MiFi will charge when it's connected to a computer.
After activation the MiFi 2200 will work as a modem when it's connected to a computer, or a router when disconnected. In modem mode with the VZAccess Manager software, it provides an Internet connection to only the computer to which it is physically connected. In router mode, however, it automatically connects itself to the Internet and shares that connection wirelessly to up to five other Wi-Fi devices. This mode works just like any other wireless router and clients can just pick up its signal automatically.
The default network name (SSID) and the default encryption key are printed on the bottom of the device. In case you have changed those and forgotten the information, there's also a little reset hole on the bottom of the device that brings it back to its original default settings. So generally, once the simple setup process is done, all you have to do is turn the MiFi on and you're ready to go.
Features
Given its tiny size, we didn't expect many features from the MiFi 2200 and were happy with what it has to offer.
By default, the router's Web interface is easily accessible by pointing the browser to this address: 192.168.1.1. Here you'll find regular features including the capability to change the SSID, the encryption key, the default gateway IP address, and so on. Other than that, we were impressed to find Port Forwarding, which is an advanced feature that allows for setting up special Internet applications such as an FTP server, an HTTP server, or a remote desktop connection. The Web interface itself was well organized and responsive, and works with any browser.
For security, the MiFi 2200 features both WEP and WPA encryption. It also gives the option to filter wireless clients via their MAC addresses. This is convenient when using handheld devices, such as VoIP phones, where you don't want to have to fiddle with typing in the encryption key.
Performance
The Verizon Wireless MiFi 2200 Intelligent Mobile Hotspot supports up to five concurrent Wi-Fi devices. Obviously, we'd like to see it support more, but considering its size, this number is fair. Its range is limited to around 30 feet, which is short compared with any regular wireless router, but again, this is not a surprise considering the device's tiny size.
Supporting the older Wireless-G standard (that caps at 54Mbps), the MiFi 2200's wireless LAN throughput performance was around 5Mbps in CNET Labs' tests (compared with the average 20Mbps of most regular-size Wireless-G routers). This speed is not suitable for transferring a large amount of data between network computers. However, it's still fast enough to share the Internet connection.
In our Internet connection tests, the MiFi 2200 offered around 1,000Kbps download and 500Kbps upload. These speeds reduced slightly when we used it indoors. Nonetheless, these are about the same as the speed of a budget-DSL connection, which is fast enough for general Internet needs, including streaming non-HD multimedia content.
During heavy use, the MiFi's battery life lasted for about 3.5 hours. However, when we used the Internet intermittently; it lasted much longer, up to 8 hours or even more. Verizon said that the device's standby time is rated up to 40 hours and 4 hours of usage. The device takes a couple of hours to fully charge from completely dead.
We tried the Verizon Wireless MiFi 2200 Intelligent Mobile Hotspot in both New York and around the San Francisco Bay Area, both indoors and outdoors, and the coverage was consistently good. We were able to connect from every location we tried.
On the whole, considering its tiny size, we were happy with the MiFi 2200's performance. Of course, we wished it supported more devices at a time, offered Wireless-N (which caps at 300Mbps) performance, had a longer range, and, most of all, offered more affordable data plans.
Service and support
Verizon Wireless MiFi 2200 Intelligent Mobile Hotspot has a one-year warranty for the hardware. It comes with the same support Verizon offers for cell phones, which is 24-7 technical phone support. There is also a section of its Web site dedicated to the MiFi 2200 to help you get started and troubleshoot any problems.
User reviews
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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!!
1 out of 1 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.
-Matthew1 out of 1 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.1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Nice if You Remember to Bring It and Can Plug It In
by Lifesaver1 on November 2, 2009
Pros: Great data speed, easy connections.
Cons: You have to remember to bring it and not leave it somewhere. Can't charge off USB and be shared.
Summary: I have used Verizon's network via a modem in my laptop for many years. Good, reliable service. The MiFi looked good because I could share the connection with others. ...
Summary: I have used Verizon's network via a modem in my laptop for many years. Good, reliable service. The MiFi looked good because I could share the connection with others. Bought a new laptop without the modem and got the MiFi. I am disappointed.
The embedded modem was always in my computer, worked off the computer battery, and could be turned on anytime. The MiFi is a separate device I have to remember to bring along. I've already forgotten it a couple of time, which renders the Verizon service useless.
The device charges via USB, but when charging, can't work wirelessly. Who knows why? This means you either need a fully charged battery, a separate charger, or the device can't be shared. An alternative would be the embedded modem and an Intel My WiFi, that allows sharing of a wireless signal.
Bottom line, it is OK, but not a preferred solution for me. -
Verizon MiFi
by sertasheep on October 15, 2009
Pros: Works with MAC laptop and a Microsoft XP SP3 desktop. Maintains connection in our Catskill mountain home during storms.
Cons: Doesn't work with Vista desktop.
Summary: Satellite internet connection would fail during storms. The MiFi has not failed once during any storms this summer.
Verizon tech support not able to provide any remedy to the situation ...Summary: Satellite internet connection would fail during storms. The MiFi has not failed once during any storms this summer.
Verizon tech support not able to provide any remedy to the situation with the Vista OS. The same is true of Microsoft support. Beware if your OS is Vista. -
Does exactly what it says
by fondy on August 7, 2009
Pros: Small and portable. Reliable.
Cons: 5 GB limit. Service cost. Indicator LEDs. USB Jack.
Summary: I bought this as an alternative to the declining quality of AT&T's iPhone data service in the western half of Virginia. Data speeds are fast and coverage ...
Summary: I bought this as an alternative to the declining quality of AT&T's iPhone data service in the western half of Virginia. Data speeds are fast and coverage area seems to be pretty large with the Verizon MiFi. Basically it does everything it says, which is a surprise these days.
One small disappointment just discovered. I only seem to be able to charge the MiFi via the included AC adapter. The MiFi uses a USB micro connector but whenever I connect a standard USB micro cable between the MiFi and any other USB power source, it just sits there doing nothing. I thought the problem might be related to the included charger providing 1 amp of current (double the requirement of the USB port specs), but it won't even charge when connected to the 1 amp charger that came with my iPhone 3G.
There are a few drawbacks. You have to install Verizon's software on your PC to get it running. Also to my knowledge, the only way to check how much data you have used is by physically connecting the MiFi to the PC and opening the software.
Another issue is that the power and status lights blink and/or change color to tell you the status or power levels and it takes some time to memorize them. There also doesn't seem to be a way to ensure the device isn't working when it is charging.
All in all it's a great device, just keep a close eye on your usage. Using nothing but the iPhone, I somehow managed to rack up 163 MB in the first 27 hours.
Updated on Sep 21, 2009
Updated on Oct 13, 2009Corrections: You can also monitor data usage by logging into your account on VZW's website.
The MiFi won't shut off while charging, but can be set to go into standby after a specified time by logging into the admin page via your web browser (wi-fi mode only). Battery level and signal strength can be checked there too.
Someone on the Verizon forums discovered that the reason MiFi won't charge using generic home/car chargers is due to the 3V supplied across the two data wires. A 'charge-only' cable can be made by cutting the data wires (not the red or black) on a USB micro cable and soldering them together at the MiFi end. This will allow you to charge the MiFi using any power source with a standard USB port.
Biggest con is battery life. You can buy a spare, but the only way to charge it is to install it in the MiFi (which reduces portability). If they made a desktop charger with spare battery bay, I'd buy one in a heartbeat. A MiFi app for the iPhone would also be sweet! -
An Instant WiFi Hotspot...An Instant Hit!
by Charles_Prague on July 31, 2009
Pros: Unnecessary to install carrier software. Works with any WiFi enabled device. Give instant access for up to 5 friends or devices. Pretty good speed. This baby takes coolness to a whole new level. You will never be envious of you friend's iPhone again.
Cons: No battery indicator. Takes a little time to "find" the network. Easy to leave in a restaurant. Crippled distance (no antenna option)
Summary: What on earth can be cooler than a slab of black plastic (or silver if you have the Sprint or ATT version). It's got no display, no microphone or ...
Summary: What on earth can be cooler than a slab of black plastic (or silver if you have the Sprint or ATT version). It's got no display, no microphone or speaker, no memory, no apparent input or output...and yet it is a 3G modem, browsable router (with full encryption options), WiFi hotspot, w/self contained power. Geez? Just as a VOIP SIP is an instant phone company, this baby makes It's owner a walking ISP. Novatel got it right on its very first release. And no service cost premium over the USB and PC card devices, it discounts to $0 (with a 2 year contract of course). Again, I say: What could be cooler than that?!
Questions? Ask me...
Ellery (at) StarBus (dot) com -- reply to email challenge/response
or call +1 (five-O-eight) 864..4800 -
Sprint MiFi -- constant disconnection
by pretenderkc on July 8, 2009
Pros: nice concept but it doesn't work
Cons: constant disconnection ;; 4 hours battery advetisement but only gets about 2.5 hours for use with one device
Summary: Sprint and Verizon have the exact same unit.
just different color.
they both work on the same kind of technology...CDMA network.
great concept but Sprint MiFi 2200 kept disconnect ...Summary: Sprint and Verizon have the exact same unit.
just different color.
they both work on the same kind of technology...CDMA network.
great concept but Sprint MiFi 2200 kept disconnect from Sprint network. no problem connecting between XP or Vista laptop. i got disconnection and thus have no access to the web after a few minutes of connection. the longest connection i got is about 15 minutes. the only way to get connection again is to turn off the MiFi and turn it back on. talked with Sprint tech support. they troubleshoot to be a bad unit. after searching the web, found out that other MiFi users having the same problem. so, i'm not sure if it's actually a bad unit or just a bad product out in the market before they finished testing it. will return this one and get another one. if the 2nd unit is still having problem, time to throw in the towel. -
Easy to use, portable, fast
by fosme63 on July 2, 2009
Pros: Fast, easy to use, portable, works while charging, can use on computer not equiped to detect wifi using included usb cable, works well in fringe areas
Cons: data cap of 5GB with verizon, monthly fee $59, wish device stayed charged longer
Summary: I purchased this device because I cannot get DSL where I live and I couldn't find one person using Hughes net to recommend it. I live in a fringe ...
Summary: I purchased this device because I cannot get DSL where I live and I couldn't find one person using Hughes net to recommend it. I live in a fringe area for Verizon and have ATT cell phone but ATT doesn't have 3G in my area. Verizon gives you a trial period (get details) so I tried it. Even though I only get one signal bar the MiFi works great....my family just uses internet for facebook and some games so I can't say how it works for watching movies etc. Short videos play without buffering. I don't know how much you could watch with data cap. Took on 2 day van trip and device worked great in van and I used to look up points of interest in towns we visited. Battery ran down the same time laptop did so it was ok. I have not hooked up more that one device at a time. I recommend.
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Slow compared to Sprint
by troyhayes on June 25, 2009
Pros: Connects 5 computers wirelessly
Cons: Slow compared to Sprint Mobile Broadband using a Novatel Wireless Ovation U720 modem (USB type). The 5 gigabyte download per month limitation could be a problem.
Summary: Speed is important. Running video downloads simultaneously with Sprint and Verizon showed the Sprint to be significantly faster. Too bad, as the Sprint has other annoying characteristics, such as always ...
Summary: Speed is important. Running video downloads simultaneously with Sprint and Verizon showed the Sprint to be significantly faster. Too bad, as the Sprint has other annoying characteristics, such as always asking to update the PRL list, but the only answer available is yes.
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