(Review) Verizon Samsung 4G mifi with iPad

[erayser]

Took me a while to find to find a way to download the config.xml file from the Verizon Novatel 4G LTE MiFi.

Looks like the 2200 fix is NOT going to work... to use wifi while connected to a pc/laptop by USB. The config.xml does not have the following code:

<routeroverusb>0</routeroverusb>

In the 2200, you would change 0 to 1 to fix the wifi usage while plugged in with USB. Looks like the only way you can charge the Verizon Novatel 4G LTE MiFi, and have access to wifi, is to use the wall charger, car adapter, or battery backup charger. I never really plug my mifi to the pc/laptop with a USB anyway... so this isn't a deal breaker for me... but it is unfortunate.

 

[erayser]

I had a day to play with my Novatel 4G LTE MiFi at work, and the speed is impressive... but still spotty in my area. Below are my speedtests from my iPhone 4 of AT&T 3G, Verizon 4G LTE, and for kicks... my wireless at home. Overall, I am happy with it. Now I can enjoy my 4G iPad 2.

This is an interesting review video on the Novatel 4G LTE:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wZrbuX8FxB8

Samsung 4G LTE HotSpot review:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vliuK5Eaeqs

It pretty much sums up what I think about the Verizon Novatel 4G LTE, but I had better results on my speedtests. Before you say I have slow internet at home... I think we have decent speeds.

...and this was a slow night.
We usually average +-50 Mbps.

 

[Thedeathbear]

Monthly plan is too expensive. If I were to live in areas with 4g, it may replace home internet. However, $50 for 5 gb is not enough.

They give you so little so it can't replace home Internet. They want you to buy their DSL service for that.

 

[ReallyBigFeet]

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

I think the person who posted that was mistaken. While it may be true that the new LTE Mifi doesn't broadcast Wifi when connected to a PC via the USB cable (this is also true of the current 2200's), connecting a car or wall charger shouldn't nullify the WiFi transmit. There's a pinout reading on the USB cable that detects when you are connected to a PC and shunts the WiFi radio. This pinout reading isn't an issue when using a charger. I use both my older MiFi and the newer LTE Mifi on a car charger and/or wall charger all day long without issue.

 

[smithrh]

Anyone have any experience going month-to-month with one of these units?

I ask as this is the sort of thing I really really need for a few days or a week, then my need goes away for a couple of months.

 

[bowlerman625]

I had a day to play with my Novatel 4G LTE MiFi at work, and the speed is impressive... but still spotty in my area. Below are my speedtests from my iPhone 4 of AT&T 3G, Verizon 4G LTE, and for kicks... my wireless at home. Overall, I am happy with it. Now I can enjoy my 4G iPad 2.

This is an interesting review video on the Novatel 4G LTE:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wZrbuX8FxB8

Samsung 4G LTE HotSpot review:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vliuK5Eaeqs

It pretty much sums up what I think about the Verizon Novatel 4G LTE, but I had better results on my speedtests. Before you say I have slow internet at home... I think we have decent speeds.

Image

...and this was a slow night.
We usually average +-50 Mbps.

ImageImageImage

Wow! Amazing speed.

 

[benhollberg]

Why would the Novatel not work while connected to a PC or Mac, even my Clear iSpot does that.

 

[erayser]

Why would the Novatel not work while connected to a PC or Mac, even my Clear iSpot does that.

Yup, it is unfortunate... but nothing new to anyone that owned the 2200 mifi. It works fine plugged into the wall socket, so at least there is an alternative to charging the device while connected to wifi. Hopefully someone will find a workaround by modifying config.xml file... like they did for the 2200.

 

[yodaxl7]

As I've stated before, LTE with data caps is pointless. Until carriers build out networks that can handle the traffic 4G is a gimmick to bend people over for thing like $80 for 10gigs. The iPad on LTE could literally hit the data cap in a few hours streaming video. Sling player will pull up to about 1.2mb on ATT 3G which eats up right around 800megs an hour. LTE is great when I am stuck somewhere and wanted to pass the time on Hulu or Netflix but the data caps make it an impossible situation.

It's a money grab for now, and one I'll be passing up. Mobile 4G data and all the hype they advertise is pure ******** to me. Here is your 700 HP Ferarri, oh but you only have 2 miles of paved road to drive on. Have fun...

Plus, even if you use your own wifi at home and work, you are wasting the leftover cap. It would be nice if it was pay as you go. So, it would be great on vacation with in the country, of course.

 

[deluxeh0]

Great review. I also have a wifi iPad 2 and sometimes need Internet on the go. Can you give us an idea how much data you're eating up ? I wouldn't want to go over 5 gbs and get charged extra