| If you have a WiFi enabled iPad or laptop but aren't in | | | | that come with the modem |
| a wireless hotspot then a MiFi modem can be used to | | | | - You then just connect to the usual WiFi signal on |
| connect to the cellular/mobile phone network (3G or | | | | your iPad, laptop or other device and enter the login |
| HSDPA signal) and create a wireless broadband | | | | and password details provided by the carrier who you |
| hotspot so you can get online. Alternatively you can | | | | purchased the MiFi and data plan from. |
| use a MiFi mobile wireless modem to connect up to 5 | | | | If you struggle to get a strong signal then move around |
| WiFi enabled devices to the cellular network which | | | | as network coverage can vary a lot even in the |
| could get you online on your iPod Touch, Sony PSP, | | | | space of a few metres. |
| Nintendo DSi, netbook, mobile phone or other WiFi | | | | When you pick up a strong 3G or HSDPA signal you |
| enabled devices all at the same time. | | | | should get decent data speeds enabling you to stream |
| MiFi packages are available from numerous mobile | | | | YouTube videos and loaded web pages quickly. The |
| phone carriers worldwide (such as 3-Mobile MiFi | | | | performance is as any fast as you'd get on a |
| Vodafone MiFi in the UK or Verizon/AT&T MiFi in the | | | | smart-phone but not comparable to a high-speed |
| US) and various plans exist depending on if you want | | | | home broadband connection. The signal strength |
| to sign up for a contracted period and pay a set | | | | largely depends on the cellular/mobile carrier you select |
| amount per month for a regular data allowance or | | | | and their coverage in the area you're trying to access |
| pay-as-you-go service. The pay-as-you-go plans may | | | | the 3G or HSDPA network. |
| be more appropriate if you use the service from | | | | Battery life of the Huawei E585 3G Wireless MiFi |
| time-to-time as the data is more expensive but you | | | | Modem was generally around four hours when |
| only pay for what you need. | | | | powered by the battery in the modem and in |
| MiFi modems vary in size and shape but generally | | | | continuous use". But standby time is much longer so |
| they're credit card sized and around 1cm thick. The | | | | best to turn the modem off if not in use to prevent the |
| MiFi modem is portable but equally substantial device | | | | power draining away. |
| that is like a very small mobile phone. Some also have | | | | To give you an idea of how far your data allowance |
| a micro-SD slot so you can add your own SD card | | | | will go. The 3-Mobile cellular network in the UK states |
| and use the device as a memory stick also. | | | | that 1 GB of data should roughly allow you to browse |
| How to set up your mobile wireless MiFi modem | | | | the web for 10 hours, plus send 1000 emails, plus |
| The following instructions relate to a Huawei E585 3G | | | | download 32 four minute music tracks, plus download |
| Wireless MiFi Modem (part of the 3 MiFi package from | | | | 5 four minute videos. A lot will depend on what you |
| the 3-Mobile network provider in the UK)but other | | | | use if for but simple websites such as Google with |
| modems will work in a similar way. | | | | few images require very little data usage and video |
| - Get the SIM in the modem by opening up the modem | | | | downloading on YouTube will take much more. |
| and slotting it in the SIM card slot behind the battery. | | | | Mobile WiFi Summary |
| - You'll need to charge the modem for a long period | | | | Your mobile wireless MiFi experience will largely |
| initially to get it up and running (around 8 hours). You | | | | depend on the cellular/network coverage in the area |
| can do this by connecting it to the mains via an | | | | that you'll use it and watch out for hidden charges |
| adapter plug, or alternatively you can charge by | | | | such as using the device abroad. All-in-all though, a MiFi |
| attaching it to a USB socket if you're using it to | | | | modem is a great way to get online when you're out |
| connect a laptop or other USB enabled device. | | | | of range of a WiFi network and don't have a 3G |
| - Power up the MiFi modem using the on/off switch | | | | connection built into your iPad, laptop or other wireless |
| and give it 90-120 seconds to pick up the mobile | | | | enabled device. MiFi modems also allow you to create |
| cellular signal. | | | | one connection that a number of other devices can |
| - The modem's screen contains various icons giving | | | | connect to and often the cost of the modem is far |
| you details of signal strength - all are pretty self | | | | less than paying up front for a 3G enabled device. |
| explanatory and explained in detail on the instructions | | | | |