New Cradlepoint firmware turns MiFi into -- wait for it -- a 3G WiFi router

You might imagine that Cradlepoint's feeling a bit of heat since Novatel released its fantastic MiFi series, since the whole idea behind Cradlepoint's gear is to turn 3G modems into WiFi access points. It's cool, though, Cradlepoint managed to find a tricky angle: you can't charge the MiFi, use it as a USB modem, and have WiFi enabled at the same time! We still think we'd stare, point, and laugh if we were walking through an airport and saw some dude with these two cute little boxes tethered to one another, but we've got to admit that this is a pretty big Achilles' heel that Cradlepoint's managed to solve here; all it takes is a firmware update for your Cradlepoint, and voilà, you've now got MiFi compatibility.

[tuzzman101 @ Jul 10th 2009 1:41PM]

Dear Engadget,

Font jokes? Really??

Must be a slow news day.

[Chris Ziegler @ Jul 10th 2009 1:50PM]

I don't get the "must be a slow news day" comments... never have. I mean, we always mix newsy stories with color stories.

[Sublimewulf @ Jul 10th 2009 4:13PM]

I agree with Chris, the news is much more entertaining with a bit of color.
Although I dont understand why people hate comic sans LOL.

[Wwhat @ Jul 10th 2009 2:01PM]

Why do people always have to be so derisive to comic sans?

[leapingmadly @ Jul 10th 2009 2:06PM]

As someone who has viewed hundreds of fonts I found it quite humorous.

[Chad @ Jul 10th 2009 2:34PM]

@Chris,

It's an old /. meme. Slashdot is more focused on "Stuff that matters" so when a "fluff" story hits the front page many comment it must be a slow news day. But I agree what with Engadget covering covering "OH NO HE DIDN'T" to crapgadgets saying a story got posted because it was "a slow news day" doesn't really wash.

[Mile @ Jul 10th 2009 1:43PM]

I know for a fact that Verizon box is not self-aware.

[Joe baldwin @ Jul 10th 2009 1:49PM]

That's bull! You can totally charge the mifi and be on wifi at the same time. It's only when you have it connected to your laptop and using it as a modem that it can not be in wifi mode. If it's plugged into the wall with the wall charger, car charger, or at a airport plugged into southwest airlines little usb charging spots it can be active and shooting out TONS of wifi signal.

[Chris Ziegler @ Jul 10th 2009 1:51PM]

Yep, that's an important distinction! I've updated the post.

[Joe baldwin @ Jul 10th 2009 1:54PM]

Thank you chris

[Tom Wilson @ Sep 21st 2009 7:42PM]

Actually, there's a very simple XML hack that lets you tether your MiFi and still have WiFi turned on...

You just need to back up the configuration file to your PC, set the "RouteOverUSB" value to 1, and upload the file back to the unit. After that, the MiFi's 802.11 radio will be on, even while tethered.

[Rob @ Jul 10th 2009 1:51PM]

I just got a MiFi yesterday, so I am having trouble understanding what you are saying? I had it plugged in to a wall charger and was in the internet over wifi last night. In fact, I cannot seem to get it to stay turned off when it is plugged in to power - it automatically powers on. But the battery is fully charged after 6 hours of use last night.

[mediatone @ Jul 10th 2009 2:08PM]

The PHS 300 is much more like the MiFi than the CTR 500 since it is battery operated. I was happy to see the Comic Sans comment.. it is the clown of fonts.

[TJ @ Jul 10th 2009 2:12PM]

Yeah, plugging it in via USB disables the WiFi...pretty lame, but overall an EXCELLENT product. I throw this little guy in my pocket and feed my iPhone 3GS WiFi everywhere I go. It's like having an iPhone on Big Red! Well, until you make a phone call. *drop*

TJ

[PeterF @ Jul 10th 2009 6:28PM]

Kind of a waste isn't it?

[pavlindrom @ Jul 10th 2009 2:15PM]

Comic Sans... Oh, how it reminds me of the Office Movie with the font that everyone believes and the the comment that it must be Comic Sans... oh my. Good old days* that never get that old anyway.

Note: I know it was yesterday, but how else is a 21-year old going to have good old days?

[dan2600 @ Jul 10th 2009 2:16PM]

I have a cell phone with a simple data plan and cable internet at home

I can check email on my phone, and then when i go home i can surf the web.

My phone can even call people by dialing their unique user number (sometimes called a phone number)

life is good.

[Destricto_Ense @ Jul 10th 2009 2:35PM]

Great picture. I have threatened my father for using Comic Sans in his lecture slides.

[OneLove @ Jul 10th 2009 2:51PM]

test

[Jeremy W @ Jul 10th 2009 4:22PM]

Fail. Ironically enough, you would have passed if you hadn't done the test.

[solarpos @ Jul 10th 2009 2:58PM]

build it into a laptop.

[Jeremy W @ Jul 10th 2009 4:24PM]

Why? Laptops with built-in 3G data cards already exist, I'm using one right now. I can't use WiFi and the built-in data card at the same time, but I can't imagine why I'd want to.

[PeterF @ Jul 10th 2009 6:29PM]

There are already built in data cards for laptops. If you mean you want to share 3G over WiFi, that is possible, too.

[EVDOalex @ Jul 10th 2009 3:05PM]

there are more useful reasons to have a MiFi plugged into for instance the MBR1000 router.
-- you can then connect DVRs and computers that do not have WiFi, via ethernet.
-- you can have more than five wireless clients
-- you can use wifi at distances futher than the MiFi's measly 30ft range.

[dbush @ Jul 16th 2009 10:48AM]

When connected to a laptop in modem mode, MiFi's Wi-Fi is disabled. When you need to throughput and range of a more robust router the MBR1000 provides what MiFi cannot. Plus the addition of Ethernet ports gives the option of connecting non-Wi-Fi enabled devices, not to mention up to 32 devices, not just 5. May sound funny, works great.

[yrag @ Jul 11th 2009 1:59AM]

Chris Ziegler— you funny man. Make boxes say funny things. Me laugh.

[RangerRick @ Jul 11th 2009 6:03PM]

Uh, the Cradlepoint firmware doesn't do anything for the Mifi ("Cradlepoint firmware turns Mifi...". It is applied to the Cradlepoint device.

[Aaron @ Aug 2nd 2009 4:23PM]

It is possible to enable the Wifi while connected to usb. Login to MiFi, download backup of the config file, open in notepad, change 0 to 1. Save and upload the new file

[fto_23 @ Aug 7th 2009 10:08AM]

So which would you buy the Novatel 2200 mifi or a cradle point?

[TomXP411 @ Sep 21st 2009 7:42PM]

I'd totally take the MiFi. There's no point to the CradlePoint when you have an integrated device available.