MiFi

[doglady]

One of the things I really missed while camping was internet and wasn't sure what I was going to do -

I finally broke down and bought a device through Verizon called a MiFi - it let's you hook up to 5 devices wirelessly (not that I have 5 in the camper) - or if you don't have wireless capability you can plug it into a USB port -

So far I am very impressed with the speed and coverage - I am in the middle of no where and am getting full strength and speed - my only issue now is to see how much I have to regulate my usage in order to stay within my plan - but at least I can check in and see what everyone is up to.

[carold]

We have it too, and like it. We've been grandfathered in and so we still have our unlimited usage-hopefully they will let us keep it. My sister just put up an antenna which has allowed her to get coverage in even the remotest places. carold

[Liz]

I used mine all through the way to the PNW this summer with very few places that did not have signal.

[Bethers]

That's what I have also- use the wifi to let friends connect when necessary (like Sparkle has been using it here since her card is not working properly).

[retiredhappy]

Okay ladies, I knew you could connect other wireless devices with the Mifi. Now explain if you use it to connect to the internet like I use my aircard? I have pretty much unlimited time with my aircard for around $60.00 a month.

[BirdbyBird]

Question? If operating with a MiFi, is there a password in order to connect other devices? With my air card I feel secure in my banking, etc. If you are using MiFi are you more public?

[carold]

If the device is plugged into your computer, it is not accessible to any other device. If it is not, it has a 10 digit password on the back which gets programmed into your device (computer) so it can use that mifi but it only gives you access to the internet. Everything else is still password protected. It is a password protected wifi connection., an aircard that other devices can use if set up to do so. Don't know how far the range is. So, did I confuse you even more

[Bethers]

And, Karen, it comes with the same 5 G you have with your card. It will be easier to use all of it with more people using the card - but you wouldn't share your password with anyone not a friend - and you'd have limits on what they can do. But say Carol is traveling with you and has her own computer - she could go online via your card, if you let her.

As stated above, it cannot be used both plugged into your computer and as a wifi connection at the same time. But both of you can use it as wifi at the same time. When I use it on my "main" computer in wifi mode, I don't need the password. It's a secure wifi connection on both computers. And when you plug it in - it'll give you your usage and charge itself for the next time you go wifi.

[bikerchic777]

If you have a smart phone, look in the app market for a tether. There are free ones. If you want to know more, PM me.

[Bethers]

I quit tethering - for many reasons. Also quit using a smartphone, which I know some of you couldn't live without. Tethering did work well for me at one point. Now, I prefer to keep that separate - and with my new post about MIFI at $40 a month, with options to turn it on and off as needed - with real unlimited usage, I just get more upset with Verizon, AT&T, etc - but it's just business for them. At least with my MiFi through Verizon right now, I can keep track of my usage. I couldn't do that when tethering - and that's dangerous if you think you might go over.

[Liz]

I received my first aircard free with a 2-year contract and "new every 2" agreement. Traded the aircard for the MiFi when the latest 2 years was up at no cost. Same contract & monthly cost as before.

[bikerchic777]

I'm just speaking for me here. If you have the money, go for it! I am low income, soon to be no income (until I find employment again). The tether time just goes toward my unlimited media time, which I pay $30/mo for. Without it, I would have to go to the library, coffee shop, etc. to use their WIFI. I would then be checking in with you all much less frequently, like Eva, and spending money at the coffee shop

[retiredhappy]

Just saw an article about Virgin Mobile having their own mifi and its cheaper than any of the others for "unlimited" usage. I will check it out when my two year contract runs out.