SlashGear Japan
Sprint weren’t going to let Verizon get all the MiFi 2200 EVDO Rev.A mobile hotspot love, and so sent over their version of the Novatel modem for SlashGear to take a look at. Since both units are, technically, identical, there’s no surprise as to what the Sprint MiFi is: a battery powered EVDO modem, capable of sharing out its connection to up to five WiFi devices.
Unboxing video after the cut
Like the Verizon MiFi, you can choose from an unsecured connection (not advised, considering there’s a 5GB data cap and $0.05/MB overage charges) through WEP, WPA and WPA2 encryption. There’s also a firewall and the battery is rated for up to 40hrs standby or four hours of use.
In the box there’s a sleeve case for the MiFi, printed instruction guide, AC adapter and a USB cable. The main difference between the Sprint MiFi and the Verizon MiFi – aside from case color – is that Sprint offer access to the hardware’s GPS receiver, where Verizon don’t. Sprint say that can be used to access mapping and location-based services, which is something we’ll be testing out the usefulness of over the next couple of days.
As for speed, while obviously it’s tough to compare two different networks and it’ll be dependent on your location, we’re finding that the Verizon version offers almost twice the download speed and more than double the upload speed of the Sprint MiFi. Ping times are halved, too. There’s no reason to suspect that there’s anything hardware-related affecting those speeds, so right now we’re putting the shortfall down to Sprint’s network.
We’ll have the full Sprint MiFi 2200 review very soon, so until then enjoy the unboxing video!
16 Responses to “Sprint MiFi 2200 mobile hotspot unboxed”
bluehorseshoe May 22, 2009
Can’t believe the grammatical errors in this article. As for the the difference between the two devices, there’s one glaring one that the author didn’t mention…the Sprint version has a metal casing while the Verizon version is plastic. That would probably explain a possible difference in the performance. :)
-1Ewdison Then May 22, 2009
[quote comment="58971"]Can’t believe the grammatical errors in this article. As for the the difference between the two devices, there’s one glaring one that the author didn’t mention…the Sprint version has a metal casing while the Verizon version is plastic. That would probably explain a possible difference in the performance. :)[/quote]
I can blame my English teacher for that :) I don’t believe the casing matters. I checked the signal strength before running the test and Sprint’s signal was actually better during the test. I believe speeds vary depending location.
Neutralbluehorseshoe May 22, 2009
Signal strength will show if positioned in a very strong area, but casing does come into play. Take a look at the iPhone and the first and second generation. Apple switched to a plastic casing on the second generation 3G model after discovering that the metal casing created reception issues. I love the metal casing look, but performance matters most.
Let me know when you test out the 3G capabilities. I’m curious to hear how the Sprint version delivers in that area. I’m debating on which version to buy. Thanks.
NeutralEwdison Then May 22, 2009
I’m heading to San Antonio next weekend and will benchmark both and see how it does there. Will post the benchmark result after that.
Neutralbluehorseshoe May 22, 2009
Good…I reside in San Antonio. :)
NeutralSteven Grady May 27, 2009
I’m buying one the moment they launch.
Neutralbluehorseshoe May 27, 2009
Decided to get the VZW version and test it out. Very sweet! Fast and doesn’t drop. What caused me to stay away from Sprint’s version of the MiFi is the roaming charges over 300MB per month on the 5G plan. That can add up really fast! VZW doesn’t have roaming charges, which did it for me.
+1mikechi79 June 4, 2009
I don’t think the side by side is good because I got 2.6MB down using Sprint, which is not half of Verizon. My results are here: http://ow.ly/aRAK
Neutraldistancepreps July 5, 2009
The main problem I have is the review mentions a USB cable and the video only shows an AC Adapter….which is it? I’ve heard the verizon model comes with a USB connection that makes it a modem if connected to the computer. It also would charge the unit and lock out other users.
So which is it Slashgear??
NeutralEwdison Then July 10, 2009
[quote comment="59188"]The main problem I have is the review mentions a USB cable and the video only shows an AC Adapter….which is it? I’ve heard the verizon model comes with a USB connection that makes it a modem if connected to the computer. It also would charge the unit and lock out other users.
So which is it Slashgear??[/quote]
It comes with both, a miniUSB charger and a USB cable. Yes when using USB Cable connected to the computer, wifi will be disabled and only that computer (connected to the mifi) would have connection.
Neutraldistancepreps July 10, 2009
Not exactly…I ended up buying the 2200 a few days ago and sure enough…no mini usb to regular usb connection to tether to your computer. That was 20 bucks extra.
NeutralEwdison Then July 10, 2009
[quote comment="59225"]Not exactly…I ended up buying the 2200 a few days ago and sure enough…no mini usb to regular usb connection to tether to your computer. That was 20 bucks extra.[/quote]
Verizon or Sprint?
Neutraldistancepreps July 10, 2009
Sprint. The Verizon version comes with a USB A/B cable but no GPS. I’m actually very pleased with the speed of the 2200 but the battery lasted less than the 4 hours advertised granted it was going at full speed from the get-go. The secret is to get the 2200 grandfathered into an unlimited bandwidth plan because only then is it financially feasible to own the little critter.
NeutralEwdison Then July 11, 2009
Yes, if only we can have unlimited data plan on the mifi it would be great, unfortunately no company really pushing the market towards that trend anymore.
Neutralcke November 20, 2009
Hello everyone. I use a Treo 755p through Sprint. I also use the “cable as a modem” feature for tethering. I’m thinking I can use this instead. Just plug it in. Can I buy the MiFi and use it in place of my “cable as a modem” feature? Would there be any other charges?. Thanks for you help..
NeutralEwdison Then November 20, 2009
Yes, the MIFI will work with a USB cable, the thing is you will not be able to share your connection through WIFI if it is plugged on using USB
Neutral