MiFi - Internet anywhere
Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7

I recently took a trip and stayed in a condo where the only Internet access was dialup. My laptop doesn't even have a dialup modem - in fact most newer laptops don't. Besides, working with dialup is painfully slow, especially when you're editing web pages, trying new software or accessing your home computer over a network using a program like LogMeIn.

The solution for me was something called MiFi. It's a mobile personal wireless hotspot that allows you to connect your WiFi-enabled laptop (or other WiFi device) from anywhere. You can access the Internet from your car, the park, a train, or anywhere else you can use your cellphone. So, it's not only good for those who travel frequently, it's good for those of you who live outside and area where high-speed internet is available.

I rented the MiFi device for $10.00 a day and it included unlimited usage. It was a snap to set up. Just push a button, turn it on, open your laptop, find the wireless connection, type in the password, and you're connected to high-speed internet access.

MiFi is not as fast as cable, but it is as fast as standard DSL service -- and many, many times faster than dialup. I was able to keep up with my email, update pages on our Web sites and do the jobs that I normally would do from home, all via the MiFi Internet connection.

Another nice thing about MiFi is that up to five computers can share one MiFi device at the same time. It's range is about 30 feet, so the computers all have to be within 30 feet of the MiFi device

The device is about the same size as a credit card and about 1/4 inch thick. It easily fits in the palm of your hand. You can slip it in your pocket or purse and connect from anywhere you where cellular phone service is available.

You're wondering how much a MiFi device costs, right? MiFi devices cost anywhere from $150 - $300 - not including airtime. Airtime charges vary. However, Verizon and Sprint both offer MiFi devices free with new two-year contracts. You can also add MiFi to your current wireless plan, but you probably won't get the MiFi device free.

For details visit your wireless carrier's web site or give them a call. Here is more information for those of you who might be interested:
www.Sprint.com/mifi
http://bit.ly/cuwxVv

It's important to point out here that you don't have to have the same carrier for your MiFi device as your cellphone. MiFi uses cellular technology but it has no connection to your cellphone service at all. You might be able to add a Mobile Internet plan to your current cellphone contract and save money, so check with your cell carrier to see what kind of deals they're offering. Keep in mind you're not stuck with your current cell carrier if you want to shop around for good deals on MiFi devices and wireless plans to go with it.

There are other ways to stay connected while you're on the go too, like USB wireless modems. Most wireless companies offer these as well. The broadband service plans for MiFi and USB modems (5GB of bandwidth for $59.95) are the same for MiFi and USB wireless modems. MiFi devices offer much more flexibility since more than one person can connect to it.

If you travel often, or you have a vacation home somewhere like EB does (kidding), or you live in a rural area where high-speed internet access may be years away, MiFi might be something for you to look into. I was very impressed with my first experience with a MiFi device.