Below is a video showing a few tests that I’ve recently done on the Three Mobile MiFi in the UK, with the new WiFi iPad. @ThreeMobileBuzz were kind enough to loan a unit out to me, which allowed my 3G-less iPad to be connected to the ‘cloud’ whilst out and about.
Before you even consider watching the video, a few notes:
- I filmed it before the iPad was out in the UK & before the app stores were fully launched, hence my using the USA store. It’s taken me a while to publish online due to personal goings-on, which I may go into at some point in my blogging’s.
- I’ve cut any element where I type in passwords (obviously).
- Where I leave the device to see how quickly it delivers content over the MiFi, I’ve sped up the video. However I’ve added a crude form of on-screen timer to indicate how long things have taken.
- Covered in the video are connecting to the MiFi’s WiFi, a speed test, browsing YouTube videos, downloading of a typical app and book from the relevant stores, web browsing and streaming of live TV via TVcatchup.com.
- Yep, I know its a boring video.. it’s not supposed to be entertaining or smart. Its just a simple demo that’ll hopefully be useful to anyone thinking of getting a MiFi for their iPad.
If you think a MiFi might be your thing, first thing that I’d do is check the data coverage in your area, which you can do on their website here: http://www.three.co.uk/Mobile_Broadband/Coverage_speed The main niggle I did notice was that the speed with which I was connected varied quite dramatically on the move (FYI I live and travel mainly around East London), though it was always at a speed comfortable enough to do whatever I needed and was easily on a par with data on my O2 iPhone.
I was impressed enough with the device for me to say that I was going to purchase one. I still haven’t. What changed my mind – when I saw the prices that Three were charging for data on their iPad Micro Sim. To be short, offering 10GB for £15 on a monthly rolling contract is pretty darn incredible, so good in fact that it made me feel that I was about to be short changed on the MiFi data plan. I know that makes me seem a little, um, stubborn, but that’s the thought that struck me! So come on Three, reduce the cost of the unit or give me more data for my buck… *cheeky grin*.
Footnote: Aside from the content of the post. This is the first thing I’ve published anywhere for a number of months. As I’ve suggested above, there’s a reason for this that I’m not going into. This is my first baby step back towards what I’m hoping is normality for me, as a result if you’re somewhat inclined to leave any form of negative or derogatory comment (whether or not you think its deserved for this post), then please don’t! Thank you.
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