Has anyone ever tried using mifi on a non 3G iPad? I heard something about it but I don't know how it works

I've used a mifi on my iPad.

It was a 3G Virgin Mobile mifi, bought at Best Buy for $150. The service for each month of Unlimited data was 40.00 flat. No other fees or taxes. Not bad for also being month to month/contract-free.

I returned it for a full refund before the end of the month, not because it didn't work(it worked beautifully), but because something better came along.

I bought a CLEAR iSpot for $20, and pay just 25.00/month flat, for Unlimited data at 4G speeds (5-7 Mbps on avg), allowing me to tether up to 8 devices at once.

An iSpot is basically a mifi with a different name. They're all personal portable routers, designed to provide wifi in a radius around it, just like the routers we use in our homes, schools, and work.. except these are smaller and are battery powered, usually lasting up to 4 hours between charges. You can also leave it plugged on an put let indefinitely, or plug it into your vehicle's 12v outlet for extended use or on long car trips.

It pretty much works the same as using a regular broadband router via DSL or Cable. Just that the mobile hotspot works on 3G.
So you just turn on your hotspot and then connect to the network it provides as if it were a regular router (it sort of is a router anyway).

I use a Virgin Mobile MiFi with my 16 gig, iPad-1 wifi only. Works fine, in fact, better than AT&T when in the boonies. (Sprint is the provider). My wife's iPhone loses all signal when deep in the heart of Texas.

I pay $20.00 a month for 1gig of data, when I elect to have the mifi active. Buying from WalMart. The device is slightly larger than a business card and about as thick as 2 quarters, stacked. Lasts 3-4 hours on a charge and came with a wall-wart and a cable to plug into a power port in the car.

Current price, online at WalMart is $129. (didn't notice where the original poster is located so, if this is not applicable, sorry.

regards,
J

Originally Posted by UNheardof28

Has anyone ever tried using mifi on a non 3G iPad? I heard something about it but I don't know how it works

It works like any hotspot. It's wi-fi.

I have a Verizon Mi-Fi ... 'tis my main internet interface ... I can connect up to 5 devices ... mixed brands (not just Apple, but PC, WII, etc.) ... data speeds are limited by EV-DO ... maybe 1.5 mb/sec ... not too slow. Connects within 30 feet max. Code protected, very secure. Can use in AirCard format hooked up via USB also (not on iPAD) ... keeps the battery charged. Battery will go for about 4 hrs, then needs recharage. I keep it connect to my Mac Mini, but can use any computer or device in the house...then the USB maintains the battery... more convenient.

Our iPAD2 wi-fi only hooks up immediately like... any hot spot. Slick. Costs $50/mo with 5GB cap. Typical Verizon plan. I am ending my second year of the plan. LTE is coming which is reportedly GSM, so I don't want to lock myself into a 3G iPAD. 4G is on the horizon... so we'll see.

We travel a lot, so we have our own hotspot ... it works. Hope that clarifies.

I use the Clear Ipspot also and, it works really well in my area. I can also tether it to my Mytouch 4g and use T-mobile's HSPA+ which is just as fast, if not faster at times.

The cool thing about the Clear Ispot is, it's unlimited. I've watched Netflix and streamed Nfl games with the Nfl sunday ticket app flawlessly.

I have a clear spot... I love it!

Glad I saw this topic..we are trying to decide, 3G or wifi, and if wifi, which mifi service...so your opinions are very helpful.
I looked up the CLEAR iSpot and it says it is not available in the areas (by zip code) I inquired about...10001 and 92126. Their pricing has changed also...now they have it posted for the unit that gives you 4G & 3G, it is $225. and plans start at $55 per month. For the 4G only unit, it's $99 w/plans starting at $45 per month. ~Just sharing what I found~

I do not have the ispot I find the clear spot to be more versatile. My husband can use it with his netbook and I can offer friend Internet when we are hanging out (suddenly I have sooooo many friends) I think it's nice to have an unrestricted device. The ispot is a pretty shade of white... And discounted... But, the regular one is just better.

I use clear for my home Internet and phone. It's better than dsl, but not true high speed Internet, I can watch YouTube and maybe a video now and then, but that's pushing the limit. I'm not a big tv or movie person, though... So this plan is perfect for me.

I was able to ditch my cell phone. I have my voicemail sent to email, or answer my VoIP line when at home. I make phone calls, don't laugh, from my iPad. The system works great and minimizes interruptions that distract me from my math.

Phone will be a thing of the past soon enough, I might pick up an iPod touch to make calls from while walking around the city. Still trying to decide if I really need it.

It felt so good to sell that blackberry on eBay. Buh by big phone bills and annoying ringing, bad web browsing ...

Cell free is the way to go!

Verizon mifi for me. I have one of the old plans that is unlimited. Being on the road a lot and streaming video I go over 5 gb so I plan on trying to hold on to the plan.