If you are on the go, constantly, like I am, then you may know the feeling you have when you need to send an important email out and you cannot find a wireless hotspot.  I would search high and low over the streets of some town in some state looking for a wireless connection.  Now, thanks to the MiFi 2200 from Novatel and Verizon Wireless, my hunt is, for the most part, over. 

I use the MiFi as a wireless access point inside my vehicle, or on my person.  I may have two iPhones on board and up to 2 laptops running as well, taking advantage of the abnormally fast connection that Verizon provides in this area.  If you're wondering why I have iPhones sucking off of the wireless network I'm providing then that indicates, if you are from Mars, you may not realize that AT&T does not have the best 3G coverage in this area.  It is nonexistent in Boone, NC, but Verizon has a 3G signal that works very well! It makes me contemplate jailbreaking my iPhone and sticking a Verizon Wireless SIM in it.  Hmmmmm.

 The MiFI works excellent when it is connected directly to a laptop; the connections drop occassionally, but the drops are less evident when in this mode.  When in the Wireless Access Point mode (it simply is not plugged directly into a laptop via USB) it can be....frustrating.  It seems that the MiFi likes to go Dormant very quickly when you are not on a Verizon Network and it is still temperamental even when on a Verizon network.  This is the only negative that I have had with this device because it can be frustrating to have to go to the MiFi's web-based configuration page to force it to connect back to the Internet when you're on an iPhone.   Just a few weeks ago I was in downtown Greensboro, NC staying at a hotel and I couldn't keep the MiFi connected for more than a minute at a time.  And I really, really needed it to be online.  

A bad purchase?  I wouldn't say that, for me it is just another tool that I use because out of all my gadgets, not one of them do it all.  Until that day happens I'm stuck using a AT&T USB Connect 881 cellular modem at home, a MiFi 2200 in my car when on the go, and my iPhone when I can't lug around my laptop.  Maybe I should get checked for tumors?