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Anyone using MiFi modem with their iPad?

R

ReviewPC

macrumors member
Original poster
Mar 8, 2010
48
0
USA
I have several broadband modems including a Verizon MiFi 3G hotspot modem. For those that don't know this is a modem that can serve up to 5 computers using it's own built-in router. The unit is about the size of a really fat credit card.

I was thinking this is a good solution for the wifi iPads. You have the portable nature of the 3G and able to serve more than one unit.

Just wondering if anyone has used it in the real world environment and whether they have any connection issues?

I know the mifi works great with my macbooks, netbooks and laptops.
 
I have one (in Australia) and it works very well with my iPad. No drop-outs so far and speed is good.
 
I am thinking it's a good solution. Example when we get multiple iPads in the house and we are out on a trip or something we can just use the mifi. Imagine paying for 6 different 3G payment plans? That's $180 per month whereas the mifi is only $60 per month.

Yes, it's limited to the 5 GB limit per month but I don't suspect we will come close to using that even with what I use it for business for during the month.
 
Yeah, I'm trying this out. So far data usage seems manageable in terms of the cap. It is not sizzling fast but serviceable. I've also sipped off it with laptop as I'm traveling which is a plus. I'd say the jury is still out for me in weighing cost and speed. BTW I'm on Verizon.
 
I'm using mine with sprint overdrive and it's fast on sprints 4g but the iPad keeps making me retype the overdrive password, it's getting really annoying
 
For the short time we had our iPad, the MiFi was our primary connection point for the device. We didn't encounter any issues. Our Verizon/MiFi gets very good coverage here at the house and speeds on RevA EVDO are about 'old class' DSL equivalent. (1.5-2 down/.5 up)

I've got an old grandfathered plan with Verizon so I'm not subject to overage charges beyond 5G per month. But to put it in perspective, my wife did some heavy surfing, downloaded about 5 apps and a couple of books...all over about a 8-9 day period on the iPad/MiFi combo and she only used about 450 megs according to my usage reports.
 
I use my iPad with my Sprint Overdrive and have not had any issues. On 3G it's not as good as the 3G from AT&T, but the 4G is amazing. I've had 5 devices including 2 iPads, 2 iPhones and a laptop and the Overdrive handled them all just fine. I personally think that a MiFi/Overdrive solution is the better deal for iPad users than say getting the iPad+3G. Just my $.02.
 
I use the mifi 2372 with AT&T and it works great with our iPads. The speed is good and we don't have any connection problems.

Randy
 
The mifi is handy. I can put it in my car and everyone in the car can have a wifi connection to it. We have used up to three laptops/netbooks at a time in the car. Very handy.
 
Oh and mifi 4G is coming soon, so that will mean even a better solution than a 3G iPad.
 
cc2096 said:
I use my iPad with my Sprint Overdrive and have not had any issues. On 3G it's not as good as the 3G from AT&T, but the 4G is amazing. I've had 5 devices including 2 iPads, 2 iPhones and a laptop and the Overdrive handled them all just fine. I personally think that a MiFi/Overdrive solution is the better deal for iPad users than say getting the iPad+3G. Just my $.02.
Click to expand...

U don't have any popups asking for the password???? If so what's ur settings for the overdrive??
 
jaeguyoon said:
U don't have any popups asking for the password???? If so what's ur settings for the overdrive??
Click to expand...

Nope. I haven't had any issues with pop ups, but i can tell you that I haven't changed any of the settings on the Overdrive.
 
I'm currently using the Verizon MiFi and would recommend getting a Verizon MiFi, which will provide better 3G coverage, on a more reliable 3G network. Not to mention you can connect up to 5 devices at a time to the MiFi.

3Gstore just announced a No Contract MiFi Option for iPad for only $49.95/mo

3gstore.com/lease
 
I have been using the Verizon MiFi with my iPad for the last three weeks and have found it to be a great companion. I get about 5 hours of battery life and a consistent 2mbps+ downstream and a 130 ping. This is in areas where my iPhone 3GS has 320kbps and a 588+ ping. In fact I am finding the MiFi has a signal in many places that my iPhone is searching.

A side benefit was observed a few days back when we lost power due to a windstorm. I was able to use the MiFi with my Macbook Pro and still get all my work done on time.

I use the MiFi on a near daily basis with the iPad and have also played World of Warcraft and only used 980 MB in 2.5 weeks. That was good news for me as I was concerned about the 5GB cap.
 
I would not own one of these w/out some sort of 3G Access.

If Verizon had a pricing plan (Opt In) like ATT it would be an even easier choice for folks.

Using MiFi as well since the 3rd - works as advertised. I actually keep a spare MiFi in my travel bag as a spare - keep it charged just in case I need another battery.
 
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