I’ve been thinking about something for a while now. That being should I purchase a USB internet “stick” for my travels. I’ve been reasonably fortunate, but certainly not 100 percent successful in near total internet access. I carry an AT&T iPhone 3GS for my personal use, a Verizon BlackBerry Curve from work, and I travel with the world’s biggest Dell computer for work in addition to my MacBook Air. I’ve been thinking lately that I’d like one more thing, a “Mi-Fi” device.
I stopped off at the local Best Buy today, and somehow walked out with just that. The Verizon 4G LTE version no less. I’m using it right now on my front porch as I type this post. It was a snap to set up, and so far, has worked just fine. Speed’s not terrible at 13.09 mbps down. I’d tell you the upload speed but the test doesn’t seem to want to work right now. That said, I wonder if this is the best option. I have 14 days to think about it, so I’m going to try it out and see what happens. I know the later iPhones (and I’ll certainly be upgrading when iPhone 5 arrives) can be used as a hotspot, but I don’t have any experiences with that option, though I will do some more research.
What’s your answer to internet on the road? Do any readers have experiences with Mi-Fi or cell phone “hot spots” they’d like to share?
I’ve found Mifi’s to be very solid in most places with good cell coverage. And, of course, you can connect your iPhone, iPad and laptop to the same unit which makes it so much more versatile than a USB Modem. I’ve always found the speeds better too and you don’t have to worry about PC/Mac software either. Best value deal for me at the moment is the European Mifi from Cellhire. $59 for a whole month and 1GB of data which covers all countries in Europe – no changing SIMs.
Thanks for the comments, I have been debating upgrading from a Verizon 3g stick to Verizon MiFi,I had thought I would give it a pass for now but these comments are making me reconsider! Thanks
Marshall –
One more vote for the MiFi 4G – I hate to parrot back a brand’s messaging, but it is the fastest, most reliable portable internet. I have an AT&T iPhone with the hotspot that I use as my backup, but the MiFi is my #1.
I used to have the 3G version of the Verizon MiFi and recently upgraded to the 4G. It is super fast and quite reliable. Many times I’ve resorted to using my 4G MiFi instead of slower hotel wifi.
Dunno if it already kicked in, but watch out for the data cap on VZW.
Verizon MiFi. Anywhere you can get a Verizon signal, you’ve got internet. Not always fastest, but best U.S. coverage by far. Just remember to charge frequently, or tether to computer (which then limits you to just one computer — no big deal). Very happy with my use of it so far.
I tether my blackberry. It isn’t fast, but it is nearly always faster than the abysmal than hotel wireless and certainly more secure.
I don’t see the need for a hotspot. I travel with only one laptop, but have just two hands in any case, so I can’t figure the need to support another machine while on the road.
For what it’s worth, my company has been using Sprint 3G sticks for a number of years but is now switching to Verizon 4G mifi cards. Two key points in favor: 1) Verizon 4G is blazing fast. It really feels like normal internet. 3G on a computer can feel even slower than 3G on a smartphone because you’re not using mobile-optimized sites. 2) Wifi is easier and quicker to use on a computer than the “stick” because there’s no special software to launch before getting going. Biggest downside is avoiding the temptation to use the mifi without plugging it in–a… Read more »