I was pretty excited when I heard the news that M1 is bringing Mifi to Singapore. Been hearing good stuff about it on US technology podcast/videocast. Been wanting to try it out myself. Didn’t expect a local telco to bring it to Singapore.
So what exactly is a Mifi and what can it do? Mifi is a personal mobile broadband hotspot that fits nicely into your pocket. Imagine a Mifi as a wireless router without cables. Devices can connect to Mifi using Wifi and access the internet via broadband on mobile. The Mifi 2352 weighs less than 100g and is slightly bigger than a credit card. (9.8 x 6.2 x 1.3 cm) The Mifi can connect up to 5 devices at a time. Coverage is around 10 meters. It runs on a removable battery and can last up till 4 hours. You can charge the Mifi 2352 via the MicroUSB port (which means if you have a handphone charger that uses MicroUSB, you can use it on the Mifi too). AC adapter and USB cable are provide in the package.
Operation is very simple. Just press the power on button, wait a few seconds and you can start connecting your devices to the Mifi 2352 via Wifi. The settings on the Mifi is very similar to what you find on a normal wireless router. You can change the SSID name if you like. There is port filtering, port forwarding and mac address filtering. You can choose to use WEP, WPA or WPA2 to prevent unauthorized connection. Or if you are in a good mood, open up the Mifi 2352 for anyone to connect. (Haha. Not advisable even if you are on a unlimited plan)
One thing I like about the Mifi 2352 is that there is a microSD slot to allow file sharing over Wifi.
You can also connect the Mifi 2352 to a PC using the supplied USB cable. Once connected, the Mifi 2352 will become a normal 3G mobile broadband modem. This is pretty good if you run out of battery. But note that when connected to a USB cable, the Wifi on Mifi 2352 will be turned off. Which means only 1 device can use the Mifi when it is connected to a USB cable.
Like most 3G modem, the Mifi 2352 also gets kinda warm after long usage. Guys, I strongly advice against putting the Mifi 2352 in your jean/pant’s front pocket while in use.
I’ve been using the Mifi 2352 for a couple of days already and I’m loving the idea of having a personal mobile broadband hotspot. The Mifi is useful for sharing internet connection among your friends. It is also great for those who have multiple Wifi devices like handphone, netbook, iPod Touch or PSP. The only thing that I don’t like about the Mifi 2352 is the battery life. I wish it could be longer so that I can keep the Mifi turned on for the whole day. Other than that, the Mifi 2352 is a great device.
The Mifi 2352 is now available at M1.
Update: While the Mifi 2352 is a great device, the M1 BroadBand on Mobile isn’t quite up to par. I experience lag and loading errors sometimes. Let’s hope M1 will improve their Broadband on Mobile network soon.
In Short:
A personal mobile broadband hotspot where ever you go.
Likes:
Easy to use
MicroUSB
microSD slot for file sharing
Dislike:
4 hours battery life only
Many thanks to Denise from M1 for sending me the review unit.
on Sep 11th, 2009 at 12:15 PM
Thanks for the review. Was really considering to get this from M1 but didn’t really understand how it worked.
on Sep 11th, 2009 at 1:31 PM
Ideal for devices like netbooks or web tablets that do not accept USB dongles and/or have no WWAN connectivity.
on Sep 11th, 2009 at 3:06 PM
serwei: Netbooks can use USB dongles.
on Sep 15th, 2009 at 11:28 AM
If you can charge it via a handphone USB charger does it cause the UNIT to flip into single user mode, or does it stay in its multi user WIFI mode.
on Sep 15th, 2009 at 11:44 AM
Matt: If you are charging via power plug, then yes, the Mifi will still be in WIFI mode which allows up to 5 users to connect to it.
Note that the package comes with a power adapter for charging directly using power point.
on Sep 15th, 2009 at 4:06 PM
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on Sep 16th, 2009 at 5:22 PM
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on Sep 17th, 2009 at 10:53 AM
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on Sep 21st, 2009 at 8:00 PM
SIM free MiFi 2352 with free worldwide shipping from the official Novatel Wireless distributor http://store.mpxsys.com/novatel-wireless-mifi-2352-white.html
on Sep 22nd, 2009 at 2:41 PM
You can connect it to a portable USB battery pack. Can make it last more than 10 hours.
on Sep 22nd, 2009 at 10:40 PM
Tedt: That’s a great idea! And if we are able to get those USB battery pack that comes with solar panels, it would make the Mifi last even longer.
on Sep 23rd, 2009 at 8:32 AM
I got a Tekkeon MP1800 for S$68. It’s pocket size and slightly smaller than a hp. supposed to last about 10 hrs extra but I haven’t pushed it to it’s limit yet.
on Sep 28th, 2009 at 10:23 PM
hi dk
Actually this is not new. I have been using M1 broadband v2000 plan. IT comes with a USB powered USB router which also has WEP/WPA WiFi for sharing out or you can use the 4 switch ports.
On top of that, the plan comes with a free incoming call SIM. outgoing calls are 8cents/min. Just hook it up to your normal telephone (POTS) and you have a full mobile office with internet and voice line (yes you have a 9 series mobile number).
on Sep 29th, 2009 at 2:36 AM
ocworkbench: From what I understand, the previous 3G router requires a powerpoint or USB power. Its slightly bigger and does not have a built in battery.
I think the Mifi is a much better option.
on Sep 29th, 2009 at 12:34 PM
Yes and no dk.
It can be powered by USB port. or you can power it using AC adaptor. The only difference is that it doesn’t have battery pack.
btw, how many batteries does it require and how long does it last before it gets flat ?
ocworkbench´s last blog ..Will Light Peak replace USB 3.0 and all other interconnects ?
on Oct 12th, 2009 at 3:47 PM
can you use the device with sim card from starhub or singtel?
on Oct 12th, 2009 at 4:39 PM
Victor: Yes, you can use sim card from another operator. The device is not locked to M1. But you need to configure the APN under the setting.
on Feb 8th, 2010 at 6:20 PM
m1 is selling their plans for about S$36.00 per month. Based on your experience with M1, do you think it is worth to pay that amount for that MIFI plan?
How does it compared to Singtel Mio 3mbps Wireless home connection?
I’m considering of terminating my Singtel Mio plan and subscribe to m1 for my internet service at home
What do you think of that?
on Feb 10th, 2010 at 1:12 AM
Karen: Out of the 3 Telcos in Singapore, M1 is the slowest. I suspect it might be because they have too many customers on unlimited plan. But if you are looking for a Mifi, M1 is the only choice since the other 2 telcos doesn’t have it.
Are you going to use this for mobile or at home? If you are going to use at home, I suggest get a proper broadband. The Mifi is more for mobile and not suitable to replace your home internet connection.
on Feb 25th, 2010 at 3:28 PM
Thanks dk for the review. We need more like this in Singapore to help the consumers out.
This is more of a M1 broadband question but have you tried using Skype using the mobile broadband network? With all the issues such as latency and dropped connections I’m wondering if Skype was even useable at all.
Unlike gaming Skype at least (non-video) doesn’t require heavy bandwidth.
Thanks!!!
on Mar 14th, 2010 at 9:57 AM
May I check where can I buy Mifi 2352 without signing up any plan with any of the service provider? I’m already a Broadband on Mobile user. Was wondering if I can slot in my current sim card into this device and hook onto Internet. If yes, I badly need to know where I can get this seems highly ultra portable device!
Thanks!