WIRELESS AND MOBILE NEWS

Shortly after reviewers raved about the Novatel Wireless MiFi 2200, from Verizon Sprint announced it will offer the intelligent mobile hotspot device with GPS.

The MiFi 2200, will available in the first week of June will allow users to connect to the Internet by bridging WiFi-enabled devices like laptops, MP3 players and gaming devices to Sprint's 3G network - the EVDO Rev A Sprint Mobile Broadband Network.

Sprint will launch the service under the Sprint Mobile Hotspot name, and it will be the first in the U.S. to support MiFi's GPS capabilities, allowing users to take advantage of select location and mapping applications.

On reviewer noted that he couldn't wait to try the MiFi 2200 out, It's every mobile geek's fantasy to walk down the street, bathed in a personal cloud of high-speed wireless goodness."

The Sprint MiFi 2200 will cost $99.99 after a $50 mail-in rebate with a new two-year service agreement (excluding taxes). Customers can choose from two plans for the MiFi 2200

• $59.99 per month mobile broadband only plan (excluding taxes and surcharges) or

• $149.99 per month Simply Everything Plan + Mobile Broadband (phone plus device connectivity -- excluding taxes and surcharges.)**

Both plans include up to 5 GB per month and 5 cents per megabyte overage for the MiFi 2200.

Sprint Claims The Sprint Simply Everything Plan(R) + Mobile Broadband = $599 savings annually vs. comparable Verizon plan.

Wireless and Mobile News has reviewed the MiFi 2220 in our "Review of Reviews of the MiFi 2220," while we are working on our own review.

MiFi 2200 Specs

• Easily fits in the palm of your hand -- dimensions: 3.50"x 2.32" x 0.35" and weight: 2.05 oz.
• Brushed aluminum finish.
• Provides mobile broadband Rev A Internet access wirelessly.
• Supports up to five WiFi-enabled devices.
• Simple to connect with Hands-Free Activation (OMA-DM). No software installation required
• Universal Wi-Fi compatibility.
• Advanced security through WPA2-PSK, WEP and SPI Firewal.l
• MiFi GPS capabilities to take advantage of select location and mapping applications, such as getting driving or walking directions or finding the best restaurant nearby.
• Battery provides four hours of user time, 40 hours standby on single charge..