which is better usb or mifi

IMHO the best solution these days is to get a smartphone and use it as a hotspot. That avoids having an additional device and you have the advantage of being able to use the phone for all the wonderful things it can do on its own. We use an Android phone with our WiFiRanger to accomplish exactly what you can do with a USB modem plugged into it.

One of the differences is the power of the WiFi transmitter. Both systems produce WiFi signals, but the Cradelpoint router is more powerful. You may find the MiFi unit limits how far you can get from the device.

(double post)

Operationally I don't believe anyone can judge which one is better than the other unless you are comparing them on the same service and carrier, otherwise the operational opinions are meaningless.

Functionally I've had a PCMCIA card that slid into a router in the RV, or the PC direct. A borrowed USB stick for awhile, and now a Verizon Mifi as a result of both AT&T and Sprints dismal coverage and incompetent planning of service in Quartzsite. Best thing that happened!. For me the Mifi is way more convenient since I can turn it on and toss it back in the computer case when using it at an airport, etc., and use the iPhone on it as well. That also gives me two different phone services using my Vonage VoIP app., something a USB just cannot do in this size package. The USB being a 2" appendage is always prone to getting snagged or pulled out, and likewise with the card.

Which works better on the same service? Dunno....

wanda573 wrote:
Hi,
Actually as long as you can get a Verizon signal you have wifi.

I know I'm being technical here, but there are 2 radio signals at work here, one being the cell tower to the mifi over 3g,4g etc and the actual wifi 2.4 signal being transmitted from the mifi to the laptop etc.


you most certainly will have wifi capability if the mifi is powered up and the clients are connected to it

this is in no way is dependent on the cell tower connection, which you don't have to have(no internet) to have wifi

Hi,

I bought the mifi Jet Pak from Verizon for our trip to Florida. I had no problems using it for 3 months at any of the state parks on our trip from MO to Sarasota, Fl. Actually as long as you can get a Verizon signal you have wifi. As the previous poster said it provides internet for multiple devices on 4G and 3G and a much slower connection EV-DO.

I have the Verizon version of the MiFi it's called "Jetpack" It a 4G device that can support 10 device on 4G and 5 devices on 3G. I don't have any experience with the USB device (UML290) and a separate router. But I can say the Jetpack is certainly more portable. I use mine in the car on trip, at family reunions, various events (like my son's tennis matches). It's great because it's small, I've had the Jetpack in my pocket while I sit on the bleachers using my WiFi only iPad. I get really good reception with it in all the areas I have been. Sometime simpler just might be better. There is also an external antenna you can use, I have it but I've never used it.

Hope this helps..
-Pat

rescue7 wrote:
I have a usb Verizon uml290 modem, I use with a cradlepoint router. Is the mifi type any better to use or is what I have better?

I have both -- UML290 on Verizon data plan and MiFi on Millenicom 20GB plan.

If Millenicom had a 20G plan for a UML290, I'd jump at it.

From my experience, a USB-type is easier to plug into a quality router, like a Cradlepoint, while my MiFi even w/Sleek amp is no match for my UML290 in a Cradepoint.

No. Not only that, it's not as good.
I use the 290 in a WiFi Ranger, but the idea is the same.
You have a system that is as good as any and no update is required.