T-Mobile 4G Mobile Hotspot ZTE MF61 user reviews

5.0 stars

"Easy setup and fast...pleasantly surprised" on July 2, 2011 by Loui1101

Pros: The unit is small, gets good reception, and is easy to set up if you have any knowledge of routers. I can charge and have wifi at the same time.

Cons: Not sure I've found any yet. It does get a little hot. It's very fast so you can eat up your data limit fairly quickly.

Summary: Great little unit. I'm using this with a prepaid broadband plan with Tmobile. I bought mine to use at the inlaws who dont have internet. They live out in the countryside and I would have expected slower speeds, but for there's one little pocket of 4g coverage that comes from the neighboring city so it's very fast, and I'm used to comcast cable internet at home. I have found T-mobile's coverage map to be accurate.

That being said, this unit is not an option for permanent internet simply because T-mobile's throughput cap. You can easily burn through 1gig when using 4g. Obviously this means no netflix, or videos of any kind. It runs videos fine, but obviously it eats your limit in no time. On the interstate, you get at best 2g, but good enough to check google maps for construction, check email, etc.

This unit has a built in router, and if you have any knowledge of setting up routers it's a cinch. Login with your internet browser like any other router. Most of the settings are automatic, but you can change them like your SSID, WPA2 passcode , and b/g modes. I've connected two laptops at the same time to it with no problem. I think it can go up to 4 or 5 computers.

The unit itself is constructed well. It's relatively small, and has an option for an external antenna, though I've never used it because I didn't have any problems with reception as is. It charges via USB or wall and you can charge and wifi at the same time. Battery life seems to be at least 4 hours per charge.

In all, I think this hotspot is worth the $120. I dont have any experience with T-mobile's other cheaper usb 4g reciever, but I didn't want to be limited to just one computer and I heard the reception is better on the hotspot.

5.0 stars

"Works great, less drama then Clear... better signal!!!" on April 28, 2011 by rmarsolek

Pros: I bought the modem outright for $149.99 and I also own a Samsung Galaxy Tab on the $39.99 plan, 5 GB with no overage... I have effectively removed the sim from the Galaxy TAB... put that sim into the ZTE HOTSPOT... I now get the same signal... from the si

Cons: The internet will slow down after 5GB and cap but still move to send mail and things... I HAVE NEVER REACHED THE CAP, I HAVE NEVER SEEN DATA SLOW... but I do not torrent... ever... I just game and mail...

Summary: If you can afford this cute toy... by all means GET IT!!! It is 4G... it works everywhere... that the old 3G and the new 4G works... as far as I know... (for T-Mobile) - Get on T-Mobile site for better deals... I recommend T-Mobile anytime for great internet Devices G-SLATE, GALAXY TAB, and amazing on the go internet!!!

( I DO NOT AT ALL, however, GIVE MY RECOMMENDATION TO anyone using T-MOBILE cellular service. )

Updated on Apr 28, 2011

OH YEAH, no wirelesss-N on this... so this is not for GAMING ON YOUR LAPTOP but you can send presentations, files, pictures, etc. BUT IT WILL SLOW DOWN if you use it on the 5 GB plan, there are other plans, I believe.

1.5 stars

"Isn't it much cheaper to use a phone with wifi?" on April 28, 2011 by MV

Pros: Is what it is.

Cons: And that is all.

Summary: I really don't get it. How could this ever be considered a useful alternative to simply paying the lesser extra charge required to make one's phone a wifi hotspot? Even if one doesn't own such a phone, buying one would still cost less over the long run, and be way more convenient.