MANILA, Philippines - Stick with one. That is the rule with Wi-Fi sticks with connection exclusive to one user only. But this has changed with the introduction of mobile Wi-Fi devices that allows up to five users to share one connection all at the same time.
Huawei now offers two affordable mobile Wi-Fi devices that not only extend usage to five people, they are also an open line so users can choose which wireless broadband network they want to connect to here and abroad.
The pocket-size Huawei E586, the world’s first HSPA+ mobile hotspot at 21Mbps download speed, and the E560 with up to 7.2Mbps download speed, both cater to individuals who require or want to have instant Wi-Fi access with them wherever they go.
The Huawei mobile Wi-Fi devices can come handy during business or holiday road trips, while on the train, in school or in places where you cannot be part of the secure networks.
“In your car, the mobile Wi-Fi lets you and your friends or family access your GPS system, gaming devices, laptop, smartphone and tablet,” said Al Dimapilis, marketing manager of Huawei Device Philippines, “making every ride fun and productive.”
Shaped more like a small bar of soap than a stick, the new Huawei devices can be used with any 2G/3G SIM card to allow users to connect through more reachable network. The admin who keeps the password can control who are the other four who can connect.
The device, small and easy to use, can be simply plugged into a Windows OS or Mac-OS based system to connect to the Net without any configurations needed. The device’s OLED display shows the connection speed, signal strength, data usage and Wi-Fi connections present.
The Huawei Mobile Wi-Fi devices work up to five hours of continuous use and 280 hours of standby time, but I guess no battery-paranoid person wants to keep it idle that long.
Similar offerings are also being offered by major telecom companies like Smart Communications with its Smart Bro Pocket Wi-Fi which also connects up to five devices at once on a shared signal of up to 5Mbps. The P495 plan gives 50 hours of surfing time.
Now that over-sharing has become fashionable, especially in the online world, it’s not a bad idea to have something as handy as the Huawei mobile Wi-Fi devices to create your small ring of personal Wi-Fi hotspot anytime.
The Huawei mobile Wi-Fi dongles are now available in major retail stores at P3,995 for E560 and P6,500 for E586. Dimapilis said sales of the units have been brisk.
Here are the specs:
Mobile Wi-Fi E586
• HSPA+ 21Mbps(DL) 5.76Mbps(UL)
• HSPA+/HSPA/UMTS2100/1900/-900/850MHz
• Wi-Fi 802.11b/g/n
Mobile Wi-Fi E560
• HSPA 7.2Mbps(DL) 5.76Mbps(UL)
• HSPA/UMTS2100/1900/-900/850MHz
• Wi-Fi 802.11b/g/n - By Alma Buelva
