Get a Novatel MiFi 2200 card free

If there's a single device that's almost as universally adored as the iPhone, it's the Novatel MiFi 2200.

This ingenious gadget puts a mobile Wi-Fi hotspot in your pocket, delivering 3G broadband to up to five nearby devices.

Normally the card costs $99.99, but right now Wirefly is offering the MiFi 2200 for free with a 2-year Verizon contract. Shipping is free, too, though you will have to pay a $35 activation fee.

You'll also have to pay monthly service charges, but, hey, that's the price of doing mobile-broadband business. Verizon charges $39.99/month for 250MB of data (joke) or $59.99 for 5GB.

Steep, I know, but if you need a solution like this, it's aces. To learn more, read my complete review of the MiFi 2200, then read CNET's review (which, surprisingly, is even more price-hostile than mine). You can also check out the above video review.

If you've been eyeballing a MiFi, now's the time to pounce. It's a truly phenomenal little gadget; one I can enthusiastically recommend.

[Mrdigidy]

I have one of these. It is an excellent device. There's nothing like having a wireless Hot Spot in your pocket. Another added bonus is that there is no unnecessary software to install on your PC.

[aggie1993]

At those monthly service charges, I would think you are better off paying the $100 for the device and skipping the 2-year contract!! Not worth locking yourself into draconion cancellation terms for 2 years for $100!!

[yoyojam55]

The device is normally $100 on contract, it's much more off contract.

[philpalm1]

Those people selling MiFi are also hoping that you exceed the 5GB limit so they can charge you more. For sure MiFi is not for those who download a lot of stuff. However checking your e-mail and news is a lot safer if you use your own MIFi instead of some strange open Wifi.....

[Forked_Tongue]

Agreed, you're better off using a bluetooth 3G phone or pda, connect the laptop to it by bluetooth, and then using the wifi in the laptop as an access point by bridging it to the bluetooth. Almost all the mobile carriers have some form of unlimited handset data package much cheaper per month, non-contract required, and best of all no overage charges. Why anyone buys this or those stupid usb stick modems for the outrageously monthly charge plus overages is stupid beyond belief. Please everyone do a lot more research and when in doubt check out www.howardforums.com for each carrier since there are many employees that post over there who'll over the better options. 59.99 monthly vs 9.99 to 39.99 monthly is a big difference, especially when a data feature can be added or removed as necessary vs a forced two year contract, activation fee, and overage. 59.99 month may not be so bad if it was unlimited but we won't see that for a while.

[jchapa13]

Forked_Tongue speaketh the truth! :)

[rowdyc]

I've always laughed at the MIFI commercials on TV because it is a waste of money as there are many cheaper alternatives. If you have a Windows Mobile phone you can install a software on the phone for free that will broadcast a WIFI signal to any WIFI device. WMWifiRouter is a great program that has a free 30 day trial and cost around $20 and does everything and more than MIFI. HTC (the maker of smartphones) has a totally free software that works great, too. I don't know if the iphone, palm, or android has anything like this but I would not be surprised.

This is a good fine for some people, but a 2 year commitment is a high price to pay and what do you do if you're not a Verizon customer. Most of the software or hardware these cell phone companies have are just a ripoff of software that is currently available free with just a little research.

[jvbo]

So for that its important to know how much GB you're using up..
Heres a software that does that http://www.desksoft.com/BWMeter.htm

[illegallydead]

Forked_Tongue: You don't REALLY think that those "unlimited" data plans on other cell phones are truly "unlimited", do you? They will blast you for every cent you have if you reach (roughly) that sam 5GB mark on ANY cellular device, MiFi, cellphone, laptop card, or whatever. Read the fine print. There absolutely are "overage" charges!

I do agree that there are ways around locking yourself into the contract for a MiFi, but realize that that takes a ton of configuring, and many people are too computer illiterate to do it. This device fills a nice niche, and unless you are using this to download movies or tons of music, 5GB is pretty fair for "average" use...

[Forked_Tongue]

Actually illegallydead I do because I work for Tmobile, you can use the $9.99 handset unlimited data feature and tether it to a laptop and most of our pda's data service can do the same (sidekick and g1 can't). Tmobile like all mobile providers claim that they have the right to restrict, remove, or terminate the feature for any customer who uses the service excessively to the detriment of other customers. I think this is much better than being over and being charged for the overage.

[SftIX4]

$60 for 5GB... no thanks. I wouldn't give them $6 for it. Plus, they're just snooping on you anyway. I will stick with my OpenVPN solutions provider.

[PeteyBrian]

Thanks Rick! - Pricing too steep on the monthly for only 5 gb/month. They'd have to PAY $750 to $850 upfront for me to even consider signing a 2 yr contract at $60/month AND offer me unlimited data... Perhaps wealthy iPhone AT&T users in big cities like SFO can afford a device like this for gaps in their iPhone AT&T coverage and access to Verizon!

[1MansMac]

I am new to the forums but just wanted yall to know that I bout an verizon mifi for 149.00 on ebay. for some reason the sprint mifi is going for about $50 to $60 more. before the free offer, this was only $50.00 more to avoid an 2 year contract and be able to cancel any time.

[moneyrules]

I dont see the diffrecne between that and a USB 3G connector or netbook with 3G using SIM cards. They are all the same with the same speeds

[rickbroida]

The difference is, the MiFi card is a Wi-Fi hotspot, not a solution for a single PC or device.

[Forked_Tongue]

Unless you're using something like a 3G wireless router, the only item that can use your usb 3G connector is the laptop or netbook, the mifi allows multiple wifi enabled devices to connect to the internet (mifi is an integrated 3G modem built into a portable wifi router).

[1812dave]

I must say that if one can afford it, the MiFi is a spectacularly awesome device. AT first I was not going to get it, due to the cost, but I figured what the heck, knowing if I had buyers remorse I could return it. It's just TOO COOL to return. I use it just about every day and it works like a champ. Imagine having 100% connection to the internet from San Jose to LA and back. It worked everywhere but at the Griffith observatory. Worked on all the highways, freeways, in buildings, hotels, shopping centers. It is phenomenal. Speed is decent too.

[1812dave]

I must say that if one can afford it, the MiFi is a spectacularly awesome device. AT first I was not going to get it, due to the cost, but I figured what the heck, knowing if I had buyers remorse I could return it. It's just TOO COOL to return. I use it just about every day and it works like a champ. Imagine having 100% connection to the internet from San Jose to LA and back. It worked everywhere but at the Griffith observatory. Worked on all the highways, freeways, in buildings, hotels, shopping centers. It is phenomenal. Speed is decent too.

[1812dave]

I must say that if one can afford it, the MiFi is a spectacularly awesome device. AT first I was not going to get it, due to the cost, but I figured what the heck, knowing if I had buyers remorse I could return it. It's just TOO COOL to return. I use it just about every day and it works like a champ. Imagine having 100% connection to the internet from San Jose to LA and back. It worked everywhere but at the Griffith observatory. Worked on all the highways, freeways, in buildings, hotels, shopping centers. It is phenomenal. Speed is decent too.

[gescores]

Wow a 7% deal... Somebody hold me...
I guess if you really really need this functionality, 7% is better than 6, or 5, or 4, or 3, or 2, or 1 or no rebate at all... Way to go Verizon, I love your amazing, competition killing rebates...

[digitaldodd]

Jailbreak your iPhone and use MyWi. Now you have an ingenious gadget that puts a mobile Wi-Fi hotspot in your pocket without paying for another data plan. Take the $1400 savings and spend as you see fit.

[KamisB]

palm pre 79.99 no rebates...
http://shop.cellulardeals.com/r.aspx?p=Palm+Pre+Black&c=Sprint+PCS

[1812dave]

digitaldodd, I seriously doubt your coverage thru AT&T will be as robust as the coverage I get through Verizon, so your idea has little merit. IF you can't afford to pay, you don't get to play!