Sprint MiFi 4082 3G/4G Mobile Hotspot user reviews

Pros Easy to set up on linux pc, fast when connected to 4G network

Cons Drops ssh connections when switching between 3g and 4g networks

Summary I use this device for commuting on the northeast corridor train in NJ. I got it because of its advertised support for linux. West of Newark the device constantly switches between 3g and 4g networks, several times per minute in some locations. Each time it switches my ssh connections are dropped. Web browsing is unaffected. I would have been better served by a 3g only device which provides a more stable but slower connection.

Pros Using the MiFi 4082 within range of Sprint 4G (aka WiMAX) network in Los Angeles, and having no problems at all. Windows, Linux (Ubuntu 11) and iPhone all connect seamlessly. Supports direct tether in Windows (no wireless network required for desktop syst

Cons Takes about 2-3 full minutes to connect to Sprint 4G and stabilize before computer has Internet connectivity. The integrated 802.11g power is a bit weaker than a typical home router; don't expect this device to cover a whole house.

Summary Unfortunate to read the negative experience of others; I can't really account for it except to say that I'm not having any similar problems. There was some initial confusion on setup -- the Sprint store could not activate it in-store (customer's computer is required for setup according to their docs), so they sent me home and I had to call the support number and get "escalated" tech support to activate it. Took 20 minutes, but no big deal.

dslreports.com speed tests range from 1.9 to 3.0 megabits/sec download and 1.2 to 1.5 megabits/sec upload. 4G connection has never dropped; I've gone into the admin console and turned off 3G so I'll know when I drop out of 4G range. I've been running almost constantly now for several days with no problems.

This really is a fine alternative to hardwired cable or DSL for the apartment dweller that doesn't want to get tied down to a contract, and the portability is icing on the cake. Base plan price of $45/mo for truly unlimited 4G data (3GB data on the 3G network) is very reasonable.

Pros Nice design, good feel, displays are decent, micro-sd slot

Cons general connectivity issues, a little slow to connect to device when in 3G

Summary Had difficulty connecting right out of the box. Wouldn't register as visible on 'available networks' and had been properly set up, in middle of major metro area, with great signal 'blue led' and full bars signal, or so the display said. I am fairly technology-literate, people often come to me to figure things out or set them up so it felt weird me going to a Sprint tech and feeling like an idiot. After trying for a day or two in vain on support lines with no meaningful connection at all, I took it to the beach where Sprint had a store, the rep reset everything and then and it did work ok there, albeit only on 3G as 4G was unavailable there. But once I returned to the major metro area, disturbing no settings and making no changes except shutting off and on, it was invisible again and couldn't connect. Finally it did connect for a minute or two on 3G but then, same thing again. I have another (thank goodness) Sprint hotspot device and that works fine and sits right next to it. No connection issues at all, connects with my laptop even while still booting up. I run windows 7 on a 6 month new HP laptop fully updated with no issues....except for this Mifi. I WANT it to work because it looks so promising but I think it's gonna have to go back. Setup instructions are confusing, 'use tether cord....DON"T use tether cord' ...who knows. Also can't really say how it performs with 4G since I never had it connected long enough to tell, drops after a couple minutes every time. Maybe this one is defective, but why would it work someplace and then not another, when the other Sprint device works fine. Color me Confused.

Pros When it chooses to work, the internet is fast.

Cons Where do I begin? At the Sprint store, we looked up our address on the map and determined that we were in a 4G wireless area and should receive 4G service indoors and outdoors. How wrong this map was! The device would change from 4G to 3G constantly an

Summary This device is completely unreliable and utterly frustrating. If you are looking for internet service that will work consistently and without interruption, go elsewhere.