Wi-fi “hotspots” go 4G
Interesting developments in the world of “hotspots” or small, very portable Wi-fi devices that connect to cellular data networks instead of your high-speed DSL or Cable line.
Also known as “My-fi” devices, these hotspots allow up to five devices to connect to a 3G cellular data connection via Wi-fi.
Sprint has just raised the bar a notch with their just-announced Overdrive mobile hotspot made for them by Sierra Wireless.
The Overdrive works on Sprint’s 3G network and also on their 4G/WiMAX network where it’s already been rolled-out. Fortunately, that includes Las Vegas – which is probably why they introduced the thing here.
Sprint’s Overdrive has a built-in rechargeable battery (good for 2-3 hours of continuous use on a full charge) so that you can use it nearly anywhere. You can also while plugged into a nearby A/C outlet or directly into a laptop’s USB port so that you have a secure, wired connection to your computer (instead of Wi-fi) and slow-charge the battery at the same time.
For the record, on 4G connections (WiMAX) the Overdrive is said to be capable of peak download speeds of more than 10Mbps with average speeds of 3-6Mbps. 3G data speeds (EVDO Rev A) peak speeds of 3.1Mbps and average downloads of 0.6-1.4Mbps.
Here in our Las Vegas hotel, the 4G connection we were able to use was pretty speedy and comparable to the high-speed” connection available in our room available for daily rental.
Speaking of costs, the Overdrive sells for $99.99 after a $50 mail-in rebate and will cost you $59.99 a month for the actual 3G/4G connectivity.
Sprint’s 4G network is currently available in a number of smaller cities but they’re promising roll-outs in Boston, Houston, New York, San Francisco and Washington, D.C. sometime in 2010. Can’t wait.
Also announced at CES are new versions of Palm’s two, slick webOS smartphones for Verizon Wireless. The big differences are the Pre Plus has double the memory (16GB) of the Sprint version (8GB) and and Pixi Plus has Wi-fi. They’ll be available later this month. Prices for both are TBA.
But the biggest additional feature for the two phones is the fact that either can be used as a mobile hotspot. That means your phone connects to Verizon’s 3G data network and you can connect other devices to your phone via the phone’s built-in Wi-fi.
OK, it’s not 4G (Verizon is busy working on that) but it is a very cool idea. In the near future, expect to hear about other smartphones which will have similar connection capabilities.