Accessories Pay-As-You-Go Mobile Broadband Mifi from Virgin Mobile!

For those interested in a 3G Mifi device without a contract to provide mobile broadband to your eDGe (and other devices), Virgin Mobile is *finally* releasing a Mifi device that works with their "Broadband2Go" 3G service. The device should be in stores on Monday for $149 (you can also buy a 3G USB modem for $79, but at present it doesn't work with the eDGe).


http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/23/v...ifi-next-week/


EDIT: Just a point of comparison, here is a comparison of Virgin Mobile versus Verizon:

Verizon
- Cost of Mifi w/o contract: $269.99
- 100MB (1 day): $15
- 300MB (7 days): $30
- 1GB (30 days): $50

Virgin Mobile
- Cost of Mifi w/o contract: $149.99
- 100MB (10 days): $10
- 300MB (30 days): $20
- 1GB (30 days): $40
- 5GB (30 days): $60

Verizon's network has better coverage, but anyone who is looking for mobile broadband without a contract (e.g., I'm doing a road trip next month) I think that this is a cost-effective option worth considering.

Perfect. Thanks! I need one for a trip as well.

Update: Virgin Mobile has a webpage up for the device and is now taking orders on their website for it (doesn't appear available on BestBuy.com yet)

http://www.virginmobileusa.com/phone...band-2200.html

It is in my local sale flyer this week.

I got my mifi device this afternoon and setup was a snap. I established my account, submitted credit card info, etc. using my PC (Windows 7 64bit) and then connected with my eDGe. Took less than 10 minutes and no snafus.

The device is just like the Verizon Mifi and the user interface is pretty intuitive and simple. Speed is only so-so. Per Speedtest.net, I achieved 1.08Mbps down and 0.38Mbps up, which is on the lower end of what you would expect on 3G (granted, it was around 4:30pm local, so speed might get a little better when it's not at commute hours). But overall I'm satisfied so far and would encourage anyone looking for a 3G solution for their eDGe to consider it.

Originally Posted by walt526

I got my mifi device this afternoon and setup was a snap. I established my account, submitted credit card info, etc. using my PC (Windows 7 64bit) and then connected with my eDGe. Took less than 10 minutes and no snafus.

The device is just like the Verizon Mifi and the user interface is pretty intuitive and simple. Speed is only so-so. Per Speedtest.net, I achieved 1.08Mbps down and 0.38Mbps up, which is on the lower end of what you would expect on 3G (granted, it was around 4:30pm local, so speed might get a little better when it's not at commute hours). But overall I'm satisfied so far and would encourage anyone looking for a 3G solution for their eDGe to consider it.

Also traveling this summer and plan to take my edge. It's late, and I'm a little slow, so just wanted to clarify, the Virgin Mobile device acts like a "modem" and allows your edge and your laptop to connect wirelessly, is that correct? So basically I just need to be somewhere I can recharge it and inside their network area. Ah wait, do I need my laptop, with Vista to be able to access my account and pay, or can I do that from my edge once the account is set up?

Originally Posted by mgk

Also traveling this summer and plan to take my edge. It's late, and I'm a little slow, so just wanted to clarify, the Virgin Mobile device acts like a "modem" and allows your edge and your laptop to connect wirelessly, is that correct? So basically I just need to be somewhere I can recharge it and inside their network area. Ah wait, do I need my laptop, with Vista to be able to access my account and pay, or can I do that from my edge once the account is set up?

You might find the Wiki article on MiFi helpful: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MiFi

Basically, it's a combination 3g modem and wireless access point. Once it's setup you just log onto it as you would any wireless network.

I did the initial setup on my laptop (Windows 7), although it's all browser based so you might be able to do it on the eDGe. It takes 5-10 minutes and is pretty straight-forward. But once it's set up, you just power it up and log the eDGe on (i.e., you don't need to sign in with a PC every time).

Thanks walt526, appreciate the link and info!

Yes i must say, i was told Virgin Mobile network isn't half as bad. However i got clear and its great!