| | |  | Sync Software | Home » » Novatel Wireless MiFi 2200 Prepaid Mobile Hotspot (Virgin Mobile) | | | | | | | Description: | | The Novatel Wireless MiFi 2200 Prepaid Device is small and compact, making it extremely easy to travel with. Connect up to five devices to this Wi-Fi hotspot. Use the MiFi 2200 Mobile Hotspot to connect up to 5 Wi-Fi enabled devices to the 3G wireless internet, with no contract. Simple, one-touch connectivity makes it easy to operate. Get up to four hours of usage out of one charge for extended broadband access when you need it. | | | Features: | |
• What's in the Box: MiFi Broadband2Go Prepaid Mobile Hotspot, AC charger, USB cable, battery, carrying pouch
• experience faster average download speeds of 600 kbps - 1.4 Mbps
• Ready-to-connect with no software to install
• Universal Wi-Fi for ultimate compatibility
• Connect up to 5 devices simultaneously
| | | Product Details: | | | Package Length:
| 9.1 inches | | Package Width:
| 6.6 inches | | Package Height:
| 1.9 inches | | Package Weight:
| 0.7 pounds | | Average Customer Rating:
|  based on 106 reviews |
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Most "cell phone accessories" shipped worldwide. All "cell phones" ship from wholesale warehouse in USA.
| | Customer Reviews: | |
Average Customer Review:
 ( 106 customer reviews )
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
354 of 363 found the following review helpful:
 Virgin Mobile MiFi 2200 Review - Solid Device...Decent ServiceNov 28, 2011
By WolverineX004
I purchased this device last November from another retailer for $150 at the time and was able to get the $45 Unlimited plan which was and still is since Virgin Mobile still honors it for current subscribers (otherwise you will be throttled after 2.5 GB's of usage. I purchased the device since I hated using the USB sticks from other companies, would like to use it with multiple computers (up to 5 Wi-Fi capable devices) and I only had dial-up because there is nothing else currently available. At worst the service speed for me at most times has been 30kbs and at most 600kbs. The service has been known to go out, but it is a rarity and it has not done this in recent memory (likely because Virgin Mobile burnt some bridges by changing their plans from a truly unlimited data plan with the speed to back it up).
Anyways, the device itself is pretty easy to set up and should not require a call to tech-support...with that said, when I have called them in the early morning they have been more than helpful and courteous. Just follow the simple instructions that come with the device to set it up and don't forget to choose a payment method. I personally pay with a credit card and manually pay using it since I have heard of VM charging double by accident at times...I also don't like using top-up cards. Also, should your device ever become deactivated (it can happen by occasion), you don't really need to call tech support, just go to the MiFi's site that it will direct you to when you need to set it up initially and go through the set up process again. NOTE: multiple failed re-activations probably means that their network is down so just wait an hour or so and try again. Please make sure when on setup to write down all the information that is on your packaging like the SSID, ESN, Password, etc. You can also modify your MiFi's settings from the same page it directs you to on the initial setup so make it a favorite on your browser for quick access.
With all that said, while the service is not as great as it could ideally be (could be a location based issue / service based issue by piggybacking on Sprint's network) it is a solid device in of itself with the ability to help you ditch the dongles and cables and easily connect multiple devices. So to sum it up, it is a worthy price at $70 or $60 if you're currently thinking about getting the lightning deal if:
- You don't want a contract.
- You don't mind paying with a top-up card or registering a debit or credit card to pay manually or automatically each month.
- You are okay with your speed being throttled on the most expensive $50 "Unlimited Plan"
- You hate dial-up and would like to watch a one-minute youtube video in less than a month (maybe more) and enjoy the internet much more.
- You live out in the middle of nowhere and this is your only other affordable option.
- You don't use the internet for much but just the basic email and surfing.
Avoid if:
- You want more speed (I have rarely gone above the top speed in my review)
- Dislike the fact that this "Unlimited Plan" is in fact limited when you go over your 2.5 GB limit.
- Dislike that the other plans can be more expensive and are not unlimited...you can not exceed the other plans, you will need to renew your plan and it is pricier than getting the "Unlimited Plan" if you do this consistently.
- Love dial-up for the suspense it provides when you get to see the exciting conclusion of skaters hurting themselves, panda's sneezing, and the other stuff on youtube.
- You are willing to enter a contract with a more suitable carrier, however I don't believe any currently offer "Unlimited" mobile broadband in any real capacity at the moment unless it is only for cell phones.
- You have had issues with Sprint in the past or are not 100% certain that you are within their network.
- You are a "data hog" because nearly all companies that offer internet believe that they should gouge consumers because iTunes, Netflix, Hulu, Youtube, and digital consumption in general is on the rise but the infrastructure and the necessity to implement a great value quality service is their last priority. In truth, most companies whether prepaid or postpaid will have limitations...it is up to you to know if you can accept them or shop around for something better.
Anyways, thanks for anyone who read this review and felt that it helped them make a decision. If anyone needs more information on this device visit Virgin Mobile's official website and I may update this review with an email address if you have anymore questions / commentary if this review warrants additional attention. Thanks again.
85 of 89 found the following review helpful:
Great Value and Great for Entertainment, Don't Expect The Best Though.Aug 02, 2011
By Fez
This Mifi is very useful. Simply turn it on, put in your pocket and turn on your tablet/smarpthone/laptop.
Walmart has an exclusive $20/1Gb/month plan on their stores, which is great value. Although the item does what it does, there are some problems. In the southestern part of the USA, along the highways, the service cuts off. I can't explain why (poor coverage) but why wont they cover there? It's annoying. For some reason, as soon as you try to charge this thing, it turns on and it gets hot QUICK! I mean, really quick! I've never, ever, seen a small electronic get hot/warm that quick. It scares a little, because it makes you question the longetivity. Either way, it works and I take care of mine. I really do. Also, maybe I'm crazy and demanding but the speed *should* be faster. For surfing blogs, e-mail, small videos and forums it's fine. However, videos and gaming shouldnt be in your list. You'll burn through it and be frustrated by the slow speeds.
You should only get it for on-the-go light entertainment. It has value (although that mifi should cost less) but there is no contract and the plans are flexible. My best suggestion, get Walmart's $20 1GB plan. Most people will not use more than 2GB. If you think you will, get two Walmart cards or pay $50 for the unlimited 3G speed.
Great value and definitely feels great without the damn contract. Although, feel free to explore other options (T-Mobile, Verizon or whatever). Worth a look though.
137 of 151 found the following review helpful:
 Virgin Mobile is the WorstAug 20, 2011
By Jeff Jones
Do NOT go with Virgin Mobile. I was an early adopter, thanks largely to NYTimes tech writer David Pogue's review (and the no contract option). But this thing is simply terrible. For at least 1.5 years, I have tried in numerous areas to make this work--Boston, NY, New Orleans, and the hinterlands of Alabama and the Florida panhandle--all to no avail. It really even has the hardest time just giving you enough juice to do e-mail (spotty service, often just doesn't even work at all). A very frustrating device, esp. after you have paid your fee and simply want to do basic web surfing and basic social network and e-mail functions. And forget it if you actually want to talk to a human being at Virgin Mobile. I think I have spoke with a human once, at most. In short, really stinks. Do yourself a favor--go elsewhere. Can't say enough bad things about it.
34 of 35 found the following review helpful:
 MiFi is average, Tech Support a nightmareNov 28, 2011
By Sacratomato
If you buy the MiFi 2200 and don't ever need technical support, you'll probably be satisfied. It's not the fastest mifi around, but the MiFi 2200 is certainly adequate. It's the tech support that will leave you unhappy.
I purchased the Novatel MiFi directly from Virgin Mobile. I then endured 8 months of the worst customer service I have ever experienced. Before you spend any money on a MiFi from Virgin Mobile, just Google "Virgin Mobile Customer Service" and stand back.
My Mifi came with minor cosmetic damage. I foolishly requested a replacement. After sending back the original Mifi, I started getting automated emails that if the Mifi wasn't received back by a certain day, my service would stop. I didn't worry. Using the tracking number on the shipping label that Virgin provided showed that the MiFi was received by Virgin two days after I sent it. Of course, when the deadline day arrived, my service stopped.
After you call their 1-800 number, Virgin Mobile technical support has a neat way of handling customers who have a new or unusual problem, they "elevate it to a higher level". The agent will then dump you back at the original point when you first called 1-800. The agents would not stop "elevating the problem" despite all my protests. Asking the agents name prior to being elevated did no good, getting the name "Brian" or "Susan" or even "Peggy" does no good when the call centers are located all over the third world. Getting a ticket or incident number was useless, in the eight months I struggled with Virgin Mobile, not once was an agent able to re-open a previous incident. I always pictured the agents giggling as they rattled off a string of gibberish to placate the foolish American customer who wanted a service ticket number.
I have worked in telephone support myself and I know not to raise my voice or to make the problem personal between myself and the agent. But months of being "elevated to a higher level" without solutions was incredible. Asking for the agent's supervisor meant, "Yes, of course sir, I'll elevate you to a higher level".
I finally sent an email to a well known newspaper technology writer detailing the problem. I don't want to give his name because I don't want him inundated with emails. I know he's too busy to personally handle things like this, but he must have forwarded it to Virgin because the next day Virgin called me. The problem was fixed in ten minutes.
And if the agent tells you to remove the battery, wait 20 minutes and turn it back on? He's just getting rid of you. He knows that in 20 minutes, the MiFi still won't work and the odds of you getting the same agent back is zero.
All MiFi need to be re-set occasionally. On the Verizon mifi, you push the point of a paper clip into a tiny hole; 10 seconds later, the mifi is re-set. The Virgin mifi requires you to use the paper clip into the hole and then to call tech support. Over and over, you call tech support.
Saving money is very important, but after 8 months of dealing with Virgin Mobile tech support, I took a hammer and smashed their mifi into a pancake. It felt wonderful.
Update Jan 3, 2012
Reading the 4 and 5 star reviews of the MiFi 2200 made me wonder if I was just an unlucky owner of a bad lemon in a bucket of oranges. But then I clicked on "See all my other reviews" noticed that almost all the people who gave negative reviews to the MiFi 2200 have a history of reviewing a wide range of products. Meaning they are actually alive and breathing.
And most, not all, of the reviewers that gave a 4 or 5 star rating, this is their first and only review. Hmmm.......
21 of 21 found the following review helpful:
 Great WorkhorseDec 09, 2011
By J. Pearson
I have had this MiFi for about 1.5 years and love it. It gets decent 3G speed--typically 450-750 Kbps download and about the same up. Connections have been stable in my use throughout the southeast, northeast, southwest, and west coast. I've used it for email, web browsing, and remote connections via Citrix. I've also used it to stream Netflix movies, albeit in a lower quality. I've connected a number of devices without issue, including an iPad 1, iPad 2, Kindle Keyboard, Kindle Fire, Dell Inspiron notebook, Dell Inspiron Mini netbook, and a Dell Latitude notebook. I've shared the connection with colleagues and family while on the road and have had no issues. I can confirm that up to 5 devices can connect to it. Most impressive, my wife just used it with her laptop while we were in the car on a four hour trip along I-95 (east coast). The connection was solid the entire time. I typically get 2.5 to 3 hours on a charge. For extended car trips, I connect its USB charging cable to a USB lighter adapter and place the device on the dash.
I typically buy the $20 plan--I've found it to be enough data for family trips or short business trips.
It's a great device as far as I'm concerned.
See all 106 customer reviews on Amazon.com
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