Hi. I'm tempted to get a MiFi for my MacBook Pro, and therefore have a two-part question.
1. Is there any particular make and model that you'd recommend (or that I should stay away from)?
2. Is it much more expensive per month to rent than it is to sign a contract? I just found out via Amazon that renting one is an option, and like the idea of being able to use one on a trial basis without having to make a one or two-year commitment.
Any relevant and informed feedback would be welcome and appreciated. Thanks in advance!
Greg D2010-02-18T10:26:34Z
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MiFi is a downgrade from 3G, and for the money you pay for a MiFi router yet they say your still getting 'Mobile Broadband', you could get the same value from renting a phoneline and going broadband.
The network performance from 3G is pretty bleak, you get a standard modem used in mobile phones, you don't get no more than 200KB/s download speeds and upload speeds are virtually non-existent, and your limited to a small data allowance even if you sign away for a contract. As much as it's probably the best technology for mobile phones, it's nothing compared to broadband through a phoneline and for a computer (Windows, Mac, Linux etc.)
Their price plans for data allowances are really expensive, you can't do much online without risking the connection disconnecting when your allowance has been reached. Playing online games, listening to music on YouTube and downloading is restricted and poor, and if the network decides to throw out slow speeds, your waiting anything upto 15 minutes for a 4 minute YouTube video on standard definition mode.
That's just from my experience using a 3G Mobile Broadband dongle for just under a year, and checking my outgoings revealed that any regular internet user can spend anything from £40 - £100 a month on topping up your 'internet' with individual 1GB or more data allowance packs.
I'd just use your built-in WiFi adaptor and find any wireless networks in neighborhood, at least your getting connection quality, depending on signal strength, equal to owning the router the signal is coming from.
That or just compare a few Broadband plans out there, there are some pretty nice price plans with rather ideal data allowances and ofcourse, the download speeds you expect from the internet of today.
The macbook actually almost the same size in thickness as the macbook pro. But th emajor difference is the graphical processing power. The macbook is good for everday use and will last 12-15 years. The macbook is good for people that do graphical animation and major gaming. I your looking for a good gaming machine go pro. If you need one for the reduced price do the 15" entry pro. The 15" is lighter and still very durable.