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Monthly cost
$50-5Gb
$80-10Gb

Device Cost
Device online: $99 with a 2 yr agreement
In-store: $149/$50 mail in rebate.

Rate plan prices are applicable on month to month, 1 yr and 2 yr agreements. Only thing that changes is the price of the mifi.

Also: activation fee of $35 for new acts. If your a Verizon customer already and upgrading to one of these no.

1. LTE is not wide spread. It is not available yet on many markets.
2. That speed is still no as fast as my home internet service.
3. Too expensive.
4. Why on god's name is it 80 dollars for 10GB?
5. Just get thunderbolt phone and tether. It's cheaper.

Cost might not sound important, but it is very important.

So, no. It sucks.
 
1. LTE is not wide spread. It is not available yet on many markets.
2. That speed is still no as fast as my home internet service.
3. Too expensive.
4. Why on god's name is it 80 dollars for 10GB?
5. Just get thunderbolt phone and tether. It's cheaper.

Cost might not sound important, but it is very important.

So, no. It sucks.

1. LTE is covered everywhere i go. Work, Home; etc. So i could care less.
2. That speed is faster than my home internet speed of 10 mb/s. And still what like 5 times faster than 3 g?
3. Too expensive? Its the SAME COST as the AT&T & Verizon 3g Ipads on the $50 & $80 plans. The only difference is that it doesn't have the cheaper plans.
4. Why on god's name are all the companies this expensive? why should verizon try to be cheaper than other companies when their giving you speed no one else can.
5. THe thunderbolt isn't cheaper. Its free to tether for the next month. After that its an extra $20 +$30 unl. data plan. However, the tethering plan only give you 2 gb. So it comes out to the SAME THING.
6. Why would i want a thunderbolt? Im not getting a phone that will last me 3-4 hrs.

Also the Samsung MiFi battery life is gr8 compared to any tethered phone. Its tiny. I leave it on in my backup and use it as needed.
 
Cost might not sound important, but it is very important.

So, no. It sucks.

Actually most people that get mobile broadband get it for work, businesses; etc. So price really doesn't matter much to me. For my work i need internet wherever i go. Besides tethering without permission their isn't really any cheaper options.
 
1. LTE is not wide spread. It is not available yet on many markets.
2. That speed is still no as fast as my home internet service.
3. Too expensive.
4. Why on god's name is it 80 dollars for 10GB?
5. Just get thunderbolt phone and tether. It's cheaper.

Cost might not sound important, but it is very important.

So, no. It sucks.

I never said price or anything was not important nor did my review. I gave my observations and opinions about the device, and listed the service prices just as an FYI since someone asked.

You have no credentials to say that Vereizon's LTE service sucks purely from reading an Internet forum, in real life it is so superior to any 3G or WiMAx device out there. Also the prices are what they are if you don't like them then don't buy it, some people seem to think they are fair.

Also you cannot compare a WIRELESS device to a dedicated landline modem that has fiber connected to it which will always be faster.
 
A few responses to some items I saw mentioned.....

From tests in my area, this 4G WiFi is faster than the existing novatel 3G in a pure 3G environment. I can't give speed tests, but response time was definitely faster. Battery life seems much better.

This thing isn't big. It's about the footprint of a credit card and about as deep as the iPhone 4.

It's not more expensive than the ThunderBolt, it's cheaper due to not having a voice plan. ThunderBolt is $30 for 2GB of data and $20 for the tethering plan. That equals the cost of the 5GB data plan of the MiFi not including the voice plan.

Data rates fluctuate greatly depending on the coverage. In my area, I only get rates between 3-5Mbps which is on par with the rates I get with AT&T with H+.


I already have a Novatel through work. My plan was to grab this device with a WIFI iPad2 for the faster speeds. I ended up getting the 3G iPad and I'm going to take the MiFi back. Works out to the same price and I don't have to tote another gadget around. Eventually work will upgrade my Novatel to the 4G and I can hold off until then.
 

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I have a Novatel 2200 3G and I'm trying to decide whether I should upgrade to the Samsung or wait for the Novatel (Novatel was supposed to be released concurrently with the Samsung, but is MIA so far).

Samsung advantages:
1. available now
2. 4G indicator light

Novatel 4510L 4G advantages:
1. GPS capable
2. external antenna port
3. more indicator lights: signal strength, roaming, battery level (Samsung only glows yellow < 20%), GPS, SMS, connected devices

Battery life and performance to be determined.

Am I missing anything? I'm leaning towards waiting, but would like to hear other people's opinions.
 
The samsung is nice because you can log into the web based admin panel and see the specs such as signal strength and also battery info plus every setting the device has.

Tdfreeman: question for you, when you are charging your's when it reaches full battery does the light turn blue like it is supposed to like the manual states? Mine doesn't change color and stays green the entire time.
 
The samsung is nice because you can log into the web based admin panel and see the specs such as signal strength and also battery info plus every setting the device has.

Has there been a report that the Novatel's won't have console access?
 
I'll be putting in for one to replace my 2200 at work.

In terms of data plans, they will likely all go down that road of "capping" data per month, but then just like cell plans, someone will quickly drop that sh it and the rest will be forced to follow suite.
 
I guess caps don't really bother me on these devices. They aren't a replacement for home/office wifi, just a way to augment it. I've been on a grandfathered Verizon unlimited plan for several years now. Moving to an LTE device I'll likely lose it. But my average monthly use even with heavy travel is still only about 3g per month.

I guess if I were streaming netflix all day it would matter but I don't have time to loaf like that anyways so for the needs I have the caps don't really matter.
 
thanks for the review. battery life is the key. the 2200 lasts a good long time now and works for me as needed.
 
4g

I'll keep my 29 dollar unlimited AT&T plan I don't care if it's 1g 6g whatever seems very fast for me
 
Verizon 4G

I also have the Verizon 4G Samsung device and I can verify that it works fantastic with my 3G iPad, iPhone or any other wifi device. I live in the Los Angeles area and can reach up to 15 MB/S with the device. I had been using the Novatel MiFi 2200 which was only slightly faster than the iPad/iPhone built in 3G, but the speed of this new 4G device is phenomenal. I have the 10 GB data plan. The primary purpose is a backup to my not-so-reliable Time Warner 15 MB/S hard-wired cable modem. Since I will use it only when it is appropriate/needed, I should not run into being charged for going past my cap.
 
The samsung is nice because you can log into the web based admin panel and see the specs such as signal strength and also battery info plus every setting the device has.

Tdfreeman: question for you, when you are charging your's when it reaches full battery does the light turn blue like it is supposed to like the manual states? Mine doesn't change color and stays green the entire time.

The power light never changes from green to blue. I never read the manual, so I didn't know it was supposed to change.

Another downside for me is there is no "tethering". I like using the VZAccess panel to see signal strength, battery, connection time, etc. I also use it in airports and such so I wasn't using WiFi and able to be hacked. I guess I'm a little paranoid there. I suppose I could get used to pulling the web interface up.
 
Cool, Thanks for the review..
Too bad 4G isn't hitting the Central Coast in Cali any time soon.. .
I have a MiFi 2200 and ordered the ATT 3G iPad2 so I'll have all my bases covered for wireless internet !!!
 
. . . Thanks, I was strongly considering getting one of these also. Even though I Furthermore, I figured having both AT&T and Verizon data capabilities would give me even more coverage in the most places since I'd always have 2 networks to choose from.

But like I said, I'll hold off for now, but will reconsider later if the prices drop on the device, since I'd likely only want to go month-to-month instead of signing a 1 or 2 year commitment.. . .


I think it will be awhile before the 4G mifi prices drop. However I bought a refurbished 3G MiFi 2200 on Ebay for $40. The seller has a big supply, so his source may be Verizon.

With my $40 investment I can do 3G Verizon on a month-to-month basis and control my costs (up one month, down the next is necessary; off completely if I want)
 
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Just an FYI on the new Novatel MiFi device (MI4150). I got one today to try. Critical flaw: it doesn't broadcast WiFi signal when its charging using the USB cable via a charger. So, its useless if you are charging from a car adapter or a PC/Mac.

The Samsung one does this fine. I switched the Novatel for the Samsung and will try it.
 
Thanks for this review, I've been mulling over getting this box for a couple days now, so it was timely.

Verizon hinted at some major market announcements coming any day now for LTE - I'm looking for a bit more coverage before I pull the trigger, and that may push me over the edge. Right now, however, my house isn't yet under LTE coverage but much of my commute and work is.

I'd like to have an external antenna option for use while mobile but not sure that this is an actual requirement. One thing I do need is for the unit to work while being charged.
 
Just an FYI on the new Novatel MiFi device (MI4150). I got one today to try. Critical flaw: it doesn't broadcast WiFi signal when its charging using the USB cable via a charger. So, its useless if you are charging from a car adapter or a PC/Mac.

The Samsung one does this fine. I switched the Novatel for the Samsung and will try it.

I had this same issue with my Verizon 2200 mifi. I had to download the config file from admin, and did the following changes:

From
<routeroverusb>0</routeroverusb>
To
<routeroverusb>1</routeroverusb>

Uploaded the config file, and rebooted. I was able to connect while it was charging with the USB cable after making these changes.

I went to the Verizon store today... I am really thinking of upgrading to the 4G mifi. I always liked verizon's coverage with my 2200 unit, but it was never faster than my AT&T 3G (when I had coverage). My 2200 has been very useful to me when AT&T 3G isn't working for me. I know I get better coverage with Verizon on my 2200, but if this is faster... then I may upgrade.
 
Verizon's LTE coverage should be growing by leaps and bounds. There's a coverage map on their website; it's clunky but it will show down to the street level. So far it hasn't shown any changes for me in the last couple of months but Verizon is supposed to be announcing a lot of new and expanded markets very soon (actually I thought it was supposed to happen already so "imminent" may be applicable here).

I'd still want to connect over WiFi, I wouldn't need actual tethering. It just has to charge and transmit WiFi at the same time.
 
Just an FYI on the new Novatel MiFi device (MI4150). I got one today to try. Critical flaw: it doesn't broadcast WiFi signal when its charging using the USB cable via a charger. So, its useless if you are charging from a car adapter or a PC/Mac.

The Samsung one does this fine. I switched the Novatel for the Samsung and will try it.

I just tested the Novatel 4510L using a car adapter....it worked fine...charged and transmitted a wifi signal. Maybe yours was defective?
 
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I just tested the Novatel 4510L using a car adapter....it worked fine...charged and transmitted a wifi signal. Maybe yours was defective?

Test it with the USB cable connected to your laptop or computer. I had the same issue with my 2200, and the config file changes I posted earlier is what fixed the issue.

Anyhow, I went to Verizon earlier today and just asked for the 4G LTE MiFi... and didn't look at it till now. Looks like I ended up with a Novatel 4G LTE MiFi instead of the Samsung. Looking at this article... there isn't much difference between the 2 so I'm fine with it:

http://www.zdnet.com/blog/mobile-ne...te-mifi-vs-samsung-4g-lte-mobile-hotspot/2069

The LCD screen looks nice... but not as coloful as the samsung with the LED lights. I haven't tested it yet since I want to give it a charge, but I'll post pics below on the differences from the 2200. I'll be testing if there is WiFi access when using the USB charger this week. If it doesn't work, I'll test if the same fix (posted earlier) I did on my 2200 works on the 4G MiFi.

One thing I am very happy about is that my 2200 accessories works on the Novatel 4G LTE MiFi.:)
NOTE: Car adapter and battery backup charger in the accessories picture is NOT included in the box.

3g4gmifi1.jpg
3g4gmifi2.jpg

3g4gmifi3.jpg
3g4gmifi4.jpg
 
After a long wait for Verizon to release their first 4G MiFi device, I was finally able to pick one up from work today. So far I have been very pleased and wanted to give you guys a mini review of some kind just in-case anyone has been thinking about getting one.

The Device

At first I was a little wary about getting one of these because Samsung is not known at all for producing any mobile broad-band products, and I believe this is their first at the rodeo with the Verizon LTE MiFi. So far I have been very pleased with the build quality and the performance of the device, (far better than the Novatel MiFi 2200 I previously had)

Image

Pulling the MiFi out of the box you will notice that it seems slightly larger than Verizon's MiFi 2200, There are 3 status lights on the device 4G indicator 3G indicator and a WiFi activity light. I will say the lights on this device are bright and visible and not too extreme like on other devices. Materials are a soft rubbery feeling plastic, with a glossy section near the logos and lights/power button.

Image

The back is also the same smooth material and there are no rubber feet or nubs which is somewhat disappointing because it tends to want to slide if you are in the car or on a slick surface but that issue is somewhat minimal. The WiFi credentials sticker is featured under the back instead of directly on the back like with the previous Verizon MiFi which is somewhat of an inconvenience which I will explain later. Another design feature I quite enjoy on this one is the little door on the side that slides open/close to cover the Micro USB power port which is very nice compared to no cover or those dangling pop open ones.

Image
Image

Performance and Usage

So far Verizon's 4G in my area has been amazing! I was at first skeptical of their 5-12mbps rating but I have been easily getting 10 to an blazing 19 mbps down! Uploads have also been very consistent and equally astounding at an average between 5 to 15 mbps. Verizon touts their ability to achieve these speeds by their low latency which ping have been very low from anywhere 75-100ms.

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Battery life has also been pretty darn good considering utilizing 4G does take quite a bit of Juice. The device will easily last me 4-8 hours and the ability to adjust power settings through a browser log in is also a nice touch where you can customize a stand-by time from anywhere between 10min-60min of inactivity which will reduce power consumption. I really like the web-based interface to log into the unit and change the SSID and also the encryption key to what ever you would like. That feature was great because like I said the credentials sticker is under the back so if you can't memorize the default encryption password you have to take the back off every time to read it off to yourself or someone else who you are wanting to connect to the device.

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Use with iPad

Use with my Original iPad was super simple as you would expect, connect to the network and you are good to go. The Samsung MiFi allows the iPad to utilize N-draft wifi which is a nice feature as well. Loading websites on the iPad were great there was no lag and I felt as if I were surfing the web on my home WiFi network due to the LTE average of about 12 mbps. The iPad is also able to open the devices browser settings page so you can change those directly from your iPad no computer required which was also nice. Once downside was the app Verizon had to check data usage from the original MiFi 2200 does not work with the new 4G MiFi. Hopefully they will release an update soon.

Image

Conclusion

This is a great device and far superior in every way to the MiFi 2200 and also Verizon's 3G data speeds. Yes 4G coverage is limited to about 40 markets right now but it is growing quick and if you are in one of those 40 or so markets this might be a great option for you if you have just a WiFi iPad or want 4G speeds I would highly recommend this device to you.

great review! thanks!
 
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