One of the most aggravating things about the iPhone/AT&T is the inability to tether an iPhone to your laptop for connectivity to their 3G network. For a while there were work-arounds, like using an old RAZR phone with an iPhone SIM to connect, but AT&T thwarts tactics like this and they're illegitimate besides and not recommended. That I pay AT&T nearly $200/mo and still can't tether my iPhone/laptop is frustrating to say the least.
Verizon offers a product called the MiFi that provides you with bandwidth wherever you are in Verizon's expansive coverage area. The MiFi is an EV-DO Rev. A-capable modem. When in Rev. A coverage area the MiFi receives up to 1.4Mbps downloads and up to 800 Kbps uploads. In my tests I consistently realized average download speeds of 1.04Mb/s and upload speeds of 532.48 Kbps.
A router capable of supporting up to 5 devices simultaneously, users connect to the MiFi as they would any wireless network. About the size of a stack of 8 credit cards the MiFi sports a sleek, black, single-button interface. Two LEDs provide important status information; Amber means it's charging, blue lets you know you're roaming and flashing red warns you the battery is low. Charging the MiFi takes about 2.5 hours with the provided AC adapter and lasts approximately 4 hours for a single WiFi client. You can also keep it plugged into USB to provide continuous use (or as long as your laptop lasts), or buy an external battery pack for up to 10 hours of usage time or 100 hours of standby time.
With it's current pricing schedule, the MiFi attracts the weary road warrior and the internet-addicted. Verizon's 5GB data plan costs $59.99/mo ($0.05 per MB after allowance), which is equal to $1,439.76 (and 120GB of data ) over the life of the 2-year contract. It's unlikely that most of us would max-out the 5GB monthly allowance for 'typical' business use. However, for professional photographers in the field, or other field workers who need to send large files remotely, you better keep war driving or order hit the coffee shop for another half-caf, double vanilla latte and giant cookie.
The MiFi 2200 is currently $49.99 from Verizon ($99.99 with $50 online discount) with a 2-year contract. If you're looking for fast, reliable internet access wherever you travel within Verizon's renowned coverage area, the MiFi is an excellent choice to stay connected. Verizon's included VZAcess Manager software indicates when you're in Rev. A coverage area and also gives you access to the router's admin functions and battery life.
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