OMG- Is the PDA CELL PHONE GONE?!

MiFi 2200 by Novatel Wireless

The answer to the above question depends on who you ask.   But as we enter further into the year 2009 we see more types of devices and solutions for those of us who are on the go.  Just as Sprint launches the most successful handset of their time, the Palm Pre, we see another Internet on the go solution.  MIFI; it is not misspelled.  It is basically a Wi-Fi hotspot wherever you are!  No more looking for Wi-Fi hotspot hotels, coffee shops, etc.  This pocket sized data card (3.50″ x 2.32″ x 0.35″ and only weighs 2.05 oz) services up to 5 Wi-Fi enabled devices at once.  That is any combinations of cell phones, laptops or whatever.   No cords, cables, software, tethers etc. as it runs on an 1150 ma lithium battery.  The speed runs on the Sprint 3G network at 600kbps to 1.4 Mbps downloads.

Some great benefits come to mind here.  Once again if you travel a good deal, your hotspot is essentially in your pocket.  The car, diner, hotel, park, beach or wherever Sprint has a signal turns you into a hotspot.  You can use your Wi-Fi enabled cellphone with 100% signal through the Wi-Fi as opposed to the tower.    In meetings or with friends, anyone can Wi-Fi in to your MIFI.  The card currently goes for $99 after $50 mail-in rebate with qualifying 2-year contract.  Also a monthly fee of $59.99 is required.  This is for unlimited usage.

Here are some other of the high benefits to consider;

• E-mail with large attachments
• Corporate Intranet and internet
• Digital Imaging
• Location based applications
• Video/audio streaming
• Rich messaging
• Bandwidth intensive applications for sales and customer service

So does this kill the PDA cell phone.  Not really.  But it does make you think of the possibilities that are out there.  It also gives some users a real solution.  It is my opinion that this little device is worth a look.

Written by

-Wire Wizard-