Move Over Starbucks, MiFi Is Here

City-wide reliable, free internet connection was the rallying cry of local governments at the turn of 2000, but municipal wifi programs crashed before launch in cities like San Francisco, Chicago and Houston. Bottom line: too expensive. Today local businesses use wifi to woo customers and extend their stay. Perfect for coffee shops, Starbucks counts on that extra latte while you finish one more email, even Burger King offers free wifi. But certainly there are times when you’re not hungry, don’t want a cup of coffee, aren’t in your office or at home, and you just want to get online.

Last month Verizon introduced a new mobile broadband device called MiFi. Now you can be your own WiFi hotspot. That’s right, push the button and you’ve got your own internet access bubble, a cloud of your own to send email, surf the Web, make VoIP calls … anything you do on the internet from any of your devices, can now be done anywhere you are. And unlike previous mobile broadband devices, you can connect up to 5 gadgets and run them simultaneously. That could be 5 of yours or if you’re feeling generous, you and four lucky friends. Yes, you’re a walking Starbucks.

If you can picture yourself in any of the following situations, consider MiFi.

The family car trip: With MiFi in your pocket, your copilot searches for the next must-see point of interest on a netbook, the kids play online games on their PSPs, and you can enjoy the trip in peace.

The Business Trip: No extra hotel internet charge for you or visits to the lobby to get online with another impatient guest breathing over your shoulder. Impromptu web conference on the golf course? Yes, your foursome can all log in with your password and get the conference rolling.

At Home: You’ve got a wireless router for your computer, Xbox 360 and maybe the Netflix box for your TV. Replace it with the MiFi and now you’ve got a router that you can take with you. Perfect for singles or families who travel en masse.

SuperSaver Trick: With MiFi you can use your iPod Touch or an unlocked cell phone for cell phone service with Skype, a VoIP provider. Domestic Skype calls are free and placed over the internet. MiFi offers a reliable connection wherever Verizon is available. Goodbye minutes, hello --- one provider for all your communication.

The MiFi device is about the same size as a stack of six credit cards. It has one on/off button and a button that blinks green when you are connected to the internet. Once installed, it automatically locates your nearby devices and provides your own password protected connection. Contrary to old plug-in wifi devices, MiFi can be accessed from relatively long distances (ours worked at 150 feet from netbook to MiFi) and has no trouble sending signals through walls and from floor to floor. Unfortunately, the battery life is short at about 4 hours, but MiFi charges through any device like a computer that is plugged in to an outlet. And like a cell phone, it can be charged with a car charger.

The Mifi is $99 after $50 online rebate with a 2 year contract. Service fee is $40 or $60 per month, depending on data size. You’ll want the $60 package if you’re using it for all your internet needs, but you can also buy a pay-as-you-go for $15 a day if you’re planning on occasional use. Like a cell phone, you’ll pay full price for the MiFi at $269 without the contract.

Have a question? Email Leslie Meredith at leslie@toptenreviews.com