Alternative to MiFi for Non 3G Owners

[Croozin]

If you happen to have a USB 3G data plan and you're kick'n yourself for not having a MiFi, there is a solid alternative -- a portable 3G travel router. I believe Cradlepoint is another vendor that plays in the same space, but I decided to chance the Zoom 4506 b/c it seemed to have broader USB modem support. Sure enough my AT&T USB modem was detected immediately without any configuration.

Some nifty features include the following:
1) wireless N network speeds in addition to B & G not that I verified
2) Lithium battery -- 3hrs after a full charge
3) easy to configure web based admin page to configure but it seems ready to go; the default 192.168.1.1 address probably conflicts with your home WiFi so needs to be changed
4) Accepts Ethernet based Internet connections -- e.g. hotel with only wired connections (haven't test)

Cons:
1) Ugly, creaky, cheap @ss build quality but who cares
2) No travel case
3) Size -- way bigger than a MiFi but smaller and lighter than a portable hard drive like the WD Passport

Unknowns:
1) No clue about it's transmission range -- I live in a small NYC apartment
2) Who knows if this company exists in a few months so future USB modem support unknown b/c this is all about the flashable firmware (apparently it works with USB tethered Blackberry -- will test tomorrow with coworker).

Feel free to ask any questions.

Disclosure: I am not a paid spammer by Zoom Tel but just a satisfied consumer; Waiting for my iPad to be shipped by MacMall cuz I'm too cheap to pay the local sales tax

http://www.zoomtel.com/products/mobile_broadband_overview.html#4506

 

[noah82]

That's the definition of ghetto rig.

 

[ml2k1]

If you're going to use a usb 3G modem, you'd better off getting the 3G version of the iPad since it seems like you're be paying for 2 data plans. Myfi is awesome because you're making use of your iPhone 3G data plan that you're already paying.. If you don't have an iPhone with 3G, I could see how this rig would be awesome but if you do have an iPhone, I think you're better off with just Myfi

Edit:Oops just clicked on the link and realize it routes your existing 3G, ignore my comment.. Yeahh haha that's a good alternative to mywi.. Ghetto but it works

 

[Croozin]

Agreed it's ghetto. My company is paying for my 3G USB "modem" and I can't at will go and upgrade to the MiFi. Additionally there is more flexibility to this unit -- e.g. travel to Europe where there sell prepaid data SIMs and rent USB data modems by the day and this alternative sounds great. Additionally when one is hopping around Europe many hotels have WiFi in the public areas but in the rooms you are tethered by an Ethernet connection. Again a win for this unit.

Yes this setup is ghetto but my lifestyle is not ghetto. To someone who travels throughout the world, this setup may be attractive.

That's the definition of ghetto rig.