WiFi Access

[UFO Pilot]

I am getting ready to purchase a WiFi broadband plan and need some advice. I want to be able to use 2 laptops at the same time. Verizon offers Mifi-2200 that will support us to 5 WiFi devices. I see others who use a USB card and a
wireless router to accomplish the same thing. One laptop has Windows XP and the other one has Windows 7.

Can someone explain the pros and cons of both options for me?

[AlexSian]

Quote:

Originally Posted by wthomas1 I am getting ready to purchase a WiFi broadband plan and need some advice. I want to be able to use 2 laptops at the same time. Verizon offers Mifi-2200 that will support us to 5 WiFi devices. I see others who use a USB card and a wireless router to accomplish the same thing. One laptop has Windows XP and the other one has Windows 7. Can someone explain the pros and cons of both options for me?

when the mifi first came out, i put up this information:

The MiFi is right for you, IF ...

you might want to read through that, as a starting point.

[dixon.mld]

I just went to the mifi yesterday. My existing aircard from verizon was not keeping up to date with their system changes, hence connection problems. This card is ideal in our home and in the rv. It shows that its reception of the signal is better and faster in connection speed. To date I am happy, however, I can get the old system back at no cost up to 30 days. At home I locate the mifi in a central area and plug it into a wall plug for operation and charging. Seems to be a good choice for two computers. Plus I did not like the aircard taking up space when I carried the computer around the house. Free to try, you may enjoy it.

[Bill Adams]

The mi-fi is a good unit with the most recent software release but I still prefer the flexibility and additional user options offered by a separate air card and a Cradlepoint router.

[LindaH]

The biggest downside to the MiFi is that it doesn't have an external antenna port for use of an external antenna. For *us* this would negate our use of this device since we're often in places where we need both our external Wilson antenna AND our Wilson wired amplifier in order to pull in a useable signal.

[UFO Pilot]

Can I use the Cradlepoint Router and any USB Aircard that Verizon offers? I see that some Cards are listed as Windows 7 compatible and some are not. As I said before, one laptop has XP and one has Windows 7.

Which router is the best for RV use? I see that the Cradlepoint MBR900 is listed as 3G/4G.

[Samarai]

I was using my Cradlepoint 350 router with the same aircard when I was using XP and Vista. Have upgraded two computers to Win 7 and still use the XP computer. No changes in the router or aircard.

[Bill Adams]

Quote:

Originally Posted by wthomas1 Can I use the Cradlepoint Router and any USB Aircard that Verizon offers? I see that some Cards are listed as Windows 7 compatible and some are not. As I said before, one laptop has XP and one has Windows 7. Which router is the best for RV use? I see that the Cradlepoint MBR900 is listed as 3G/4G.

The computer operating system is not relevant as the Cradlepoint will provide the necessary connection software. Here is a list of the supported Verizon modems:

Novatel MiFi 2200
Novatel USB720
Novatel USB727
Novatel USB760
Sierra Wireless 595U
UTStarcom UM150
(Pantech UM150)
UTStarcom UM175

[cyko]

I got the mifi and am happy with it. I now have an unused Kyocera D-1router and 650 air card. It does have a Wilson antenna connector with it. If anyone can use it let me know. Terry Smay

[JCM]

You can get a Wilson end that stick onto the card with velcro - works great. I recommend the Cradlepoint 350 router.

[bdaball]

One month into the mifi and all is fine. Currently using at home in place of a wireless router with one XP and one Vista laptops. Have tested on the road locally several times successfully. Getting ready for a three month road trip so we will find out real quick if we made the right choice.($59.99/mth)
If you go with the mifi, make sure you have the folks at the verizon store load, "VZ Access manager" for you. We had a little hiccup with the install and currently are running without it. That is the management point for settings etc of the unit.
Signal strength and speed seem equal to our current high speed at home. Access and connection speed will mirror your usual phone reception.

"Hard telling-not knowing"...

[JCM]

I am using the wilson booster on my verizon card I bought 4 days ago. Works great and even supports a majic jack for phone calls.

[UFO Pilot]

I bought a Verizon AD3700 USB modem and a Cradlepoint MBR1000 router. The router isn't here yet but I bought a month to month plan and got the modem up and running. I am looking at a Cricket 600A booster antenna, anyone have any experience with this antenna?

[UFO Pilot]

Well I should have done more investigation before I made my purchases. The AD3700 does not work on the Cradlepoint routers. The company I bought the AD3700 from will exchange it for a Novatel USB760 and refund the $ difference. They also paid for the shipping on the return. I highly recommend "LetsTalk.com" as their customer service is outstanding.