UPDATED 03/09/2011 - Version 4.3 iOS, available now, brought the option of Personal Hotspot for iPhone4, with an option to share the 3G internet via WiFi or Bluetooth for iPad (stay tuned for the latest posts Mobi9)
See also: My iPhone WiFi and a partner won their freedom with connectivity ...
There are more than a year MiFi've been hearing the term and until now had not felt the need to explore more about the subject. However, the moment has arrived. I have an iPhone Wifi only and am considering whether I should upgrade to 3G? My initial feeling is that it should not be necessary since I only have five broadband plans and houses scattered among devices. Specifically 3G, I have a 3G modem and a 3G iPhone unlimited plan. Can not I leverage this for the iPhone?
Well, the solutions are already out there, but not easily implemented in Brazil. The MiFi would be my first choice right now. It is a 3G-WiFi Router with Battery up to 4h, which turns your 3G chip in a portable hotspot. (See PCMagazine matter of the May 13, 2009 on the settlement with Verizon MiFi). The solution is perfect to turn your 3g usb modem into a wifi connection "on the go." Too bad that no Brazilian operator of that service is still a partner of Novatel's MiFi (pictured above), which has spread to several continents and for some reason has not yet seen in Brazil.
Alternatively, the company Telsec, with whom I spoke yesterday, promises to bring to Brazil in July your router-3g wifi pocket, PR38 (pictured), which is unlocked and accepts the right of the chip carrier. I pursued a solution but seems to be similar to the Novatel MiFi, where you can turn your chip in a broadband and personal mobile hotspot. Telsec Other options are already available on the Brazilian market are routers R100 and R250 respectively priced U.S. $ 285 and $ 699 at Walmart. Both are not as portable as well, because they need power supply fixed, but would serve to bring its 3G broadband roaming or shared event weekend, since the radius of 3G coverage.
Some differences between the R100 and R250: The R100 (photo) accepts direct your 3G modem into your USB port or a modem type Express Card. With 95 grams, it is still in a backpack along with your lap top or iPad WiFi because it has dimensions of approximately 15 × 10x2, 5 cm. The R250, costs twice the price but comes with built-in modem (just put the chip), weighs 115 grams and dimensions slightly smaller than its parent.
Obviously, these are not the only alternative 3G routers on the market, but they were the ones that struck me at the moment for personal use. Other enterprise solutions, more complete and expensive are also available, as the purpose of redundancy broadband connections, which serves as the 3G connection back to the traditional fixed-up.
I explored some more alternative use of your 3G phone for the iPad. Here is the simplest being offered (or rather not blocked) by Live functionality that enables tethering the iPhone 3G/3GS. In a very practical and simple to share your iPhone is Internet access via Bluetooth. Unfortunately, the option of tethering the iPhone still does not work for the iPad, by Apple itself probably blocked due to contracts with AT & T. The solution is to be opened by applications for iPhones (jailbroken), as MyWi, found in the Cydia repositories. Tested and work well with any computer or iPhone. A bit annoying to install, the application is somewhat unstable and costs $ 9.90, but you can opt for a free trial for 10 days ..
UPDATED 9/3/2011 - The iPhone 4 with version 4.3 of IOS, now available for download, brought the feature of the Personal Hotspot for iPhone4, is one more option to share the 3G internet via WiFi to the iPhone (stay tuned the most recent posts of Mobi9)
Finally, there is another option, less elegant of them all, but you can still save the situation when you need to have lap top and iPad working wifi. There are options for internet sharing the lap top and desktop, which can be plugged into a 3G modem or fixed and shall transmit such a network like a wifi hotspot. Having eg your Mac connected to the internet via modem, just select the Sharing options in System Preferences and configure your way to share the internet via Bluetooth or Airport, creating your own hotspot for the iPad ...
Phew! It could be simpler. I think there is a good market opportunity for the MiFi in Brazil, is not it?
Update 12/06/2010:
One month after the original post, some news in terms of WiFi are about to arrive in Brazil. The Telsec should release his pocket router soon, now renamed the PR-30. Another solution being launched by Huawei, E5 series, a MiFi router, is already being placed for sale on Internet sites. Another option, the second contribution of Fidhel that the new Novatel MiFi2372 supports Brazilian operators. That is, we should probably soon see these solutions being offered by operators themselves.
Update 02/12/2010:
Well, the iPhone is coming tomorrow, but took to Brazil and MiFi yet. All expectations with Huawei, and others remain in Telsec promise. Telsec I called today and say they still are evaluating the market before putting the sale. Huawei has already announced that he would be releasing the model E5 in November with Vivo, the demonstration was Futurecom, but have not found anyone who has found in the market. There remain some vendors offering the model on eBay and I've heard of people who bought at Ebay England. Huawei sent me a unit that I tested and I think is a good solution. Anyway, for those who can still recommending the iPhone 3G. It is very handy ...
See more articles and news about the iPhone in Mobi9:
Slingbox Fantastic! Take your cable TV with you always on the iPhone, iPad, ..................
Lecture on impact of the iPhone, social networking and mobile Internet market
Wired says the end of the web as we know it
NYT - Expert opinion on the iPad
