MiFi 2200 vs. Cradlepoint PHS300

3Gstore · EVDO Addict Joined: 19 Sep 2006 Posts: 3160

Many of our customers has asked us to compare the MiFi 2200 to the Cradlepoint PHS300... so we did!

MiFi 2200 versus the Cradlepoint PHS300

use this thread to tell us what you think about the two routers, but stay on topic please.

tz1 · Posted: Mon Jun 15, 2009 5:11 pm Post subject:

I'm definitely considering getting a Mifi but will really, really want the PHS to support it tethered and/or link the two via WDS which would need to be added to the Mifi (or I will have many hits on Verizon's ESN switcher page). Which one? Both.

The use cases are different. The mifi will stay in my pocket or desk and provide personal evdo access. The PHS provides an entire home or office with connectivity (including WDS to my printer when I'm back at home).

The Mifi will fit in my pocket and many other small places. The PHS is compact, but the USB connector is such that the modem sticks out the long side and they don't have compact USB shorty cables (though I probably could make one by gutting a portable hub) that would allow it to be stored attached to a USB modem in a compact fashion. The PHS is portable, but not a pocket device.

On my motorcycle, the PHS is on, but in my saddlebag with 12V power. The Mifi will be somewhere closer, perhaps behind my internet tablet or in my tank panel pocket.

Neither have external Wifi antenna connections (which is more annoying on the PHS since I get a sphere instead of a disc and sometimes I want it to reach). My Pantech has an antenna jack but the Mifi doesn't, which is important in edge service areas, but it might defeat the point of the Mifi.

cying · Posted: Mon Jun 15, 2009 8:04 pm Post subject: MiFi vs PHS300

I have been using PHS300 with Sprint in the US and SwissTel in Switzerland for years. Works fine.

Got the MiFi with Verizon the first day of launch.

Learned a few things not in the available sources:

1. MiFi EvDO Rev A speeds in Metro Boston and Santa Monica sub 1Mb. In most suburbs well under 300kb. Basically, if you want to cancel your DSL or Cable, don't.

2. MiFi as a router, hangs. Like most routers, it hangs and require a power reset. So, don't think it is "enterprise" ready.

3. The supplied USB cable looks like but is NOT a normal USB cable. So you got to practically chain it to the MiFi so you do not lose it. When attached by USB, the WiFi is disabled and the whole thing acts like a USB EvDO modem. Drivers included on virtual CDs for Mac and Windows. I plugged it into an OSX leopard and was able to easily use the OSX built-in WiFi hotspot software to turn my MacBook into a hotspot with UNLIMITED clients. So much for the lame 5 client "limit" of MiFi.

4. Battery life not as advertised. Surprised? I'm not. Definitely not 5 hours. More like 2 to 3 hours.

5. Heats up in your shirt pocket. Sure it fits in your shirt pocket. First, it lights up your pocket at night and can be freaky. Two, it heats up quickly so I have to make sure my iPhone acts as a barrier. Ha, you are saying, why is this idiot buying a MiFi when he can use PdaNet on his Pwned iPhone? Well, reliability. MiFi is an order of magnitude more stable and reliable than the flimsy PdaNet connection through the iPhone3G. So much so that as I am writing this, I am trusting my MiFi to update firmware on my slingbox remotely!!

Bottom Line: MiFi works almost as well as PHS300 and is definitely doing what it advertises to do. Zero setup is needed. I would advice all buyers to include these additional info in their order with 3gstore.com:

1. LAN address (192.168.2.1) and admin password (e.g. password) for the MiFi router.

2. SSID for MiFi and WPA key desired (since you plan is limited to 5GB, you should use encryption just to make sure no one drains your bandwidth)

3. Account password you want on verizon or sprintpcs website for customer access for new customers. This way, you can view your balance on line.

You will get the box delivered all set up and ready to plug-n-play. 3Gstore customer service is the tops! Crazy to buy MiFi from anywhere else.

HTH

Charles Ying