How the MiFi Mobile Hotspot can save time, money,and headaches.

The MiFi mobile hotspot that Sprint released has become an interesting gadget for many people. It has number of different uses and has expandable memory via its micro-SD slot as well as the same signal broadcasting as your regular Wi-Fi router (standard 802.11b/g). It also has the same plans as when you purchase a 3G Laptop or mobile broadband services making the MiFi mobile hotspot a relatively inexpensive option when compared with other mobile broadband solutions. The MiFi Intelligent Mobile Hotspot also has security features such as WEP, WPA, and WPA2 and it can also have five devices and/or users connected to it at the same time.

The deal for the MiFi mobile hoptspot is you get the device for $99 (many merchants are now offering a FREE device with contract) along with entering a 2-year contract of $59.99 per month ($50 per Gig or part of overage) with Sprint. It weighs only 2 ounces and is roughly the size a couple of stacked credit cards. The MiFi 3G router alone without the 2-year contract is kind of expensive but it saves you time, money and gives you less frustration making it a very valuable asset to have. The Sprint MiFi is also totally Plug and Play and does not require any software installation to activate unlike its Verizon counterpart. The mobile router has 4 hours running battery time or 40 hours standby time but can be countered by purchasing extended batteries making the MiFi run for 10 additional hours and up to 100 hours standby time.

The MiFi mobile hotspot uses the regular WiFi "G" access point connectivity, so you don't need to worry about the hassles associated with ad-hoc, computer-to-computer connectivity. The MiFi router however, since it is basically the same technology as a regular Wi-Fi router that you likely have at home, does not have these issues. Any gadget like a PSP, iPod Touch, Nintendo DS, or any console with WiFi "A","B", or "G" wireless connectivity can connect to the MiFi router the same way they would to a regular Wi-Fi connection.

Now, the more interesting part with using the MiFi is that you can use it to take advantage of Skype’s less than $8 a month unlimited mobile service. The MiFi mobile hotspot runs on a “data-only” plan so you don’t have to worry about paying for voice calls anymore. Typically, cellphone companies won’t offer you data-only plans and bundle their call and data services. A normal 3G connection from cellphone providers such as AT&T, Sprint, or Verizon will have enough bandwidth to make clear calls with Skype. The MiFi Mobile Hotspot  data  plan, which is generally  faster than "regular 3G plans", can be used to your advantage. The size of the MiFi allows it to be carried in your back pocket (literally). The only "issue"  you have with MiFi is that it has a 5 gigabyte monthly data limit, but for 98% of MiFi users who are looking to take advange of VOIP to emulate a standard calling plan, this will not be a real issue. There are also $15 “all-day” access passes which gives you unlimited access to the MiFi router’s services if ever you really need to get online, which is a great option if your'e on the fence about deciding if you're going to commit  to a data plan contract.