Battery-powered Wi-Reach Classic turns any USB 3G / 4G modem into portable WiFi hotspot
By Darren Murph 
posted February 16th 2010 9:45AM
posted February 16th 2010 9:45AM
Mobile broadband routers certainly aren't new, but Connect One's take on the whole thing just might be our favorite (yeah, even more than Cradlepoint's offerings). Of course, we'd pick up a MiFi of some sort if we were buying into the space today, but for those still under contract with a USB WWAN stick, the Wi-Reach classic adds a whole new level of utility. Put simply, this minuscule device boasts its own battery and a sole USB socket, which is used to connect with whatever 3G (and after a future firmware update, WiMAX / LTE) USB card that you slap in there. Once in place, you're now in possession of a mobile WiFi hotspot which can be shared with up to ten WiFi-enabled devices. We're told that the device can last for up to five hours on a full charge, and it can even be re-energized via USB. Interested? Prove it. It's up for order right now for $99.
What had happened to the comment system?
I will buy this device, once 3g comes into existence in india
Still don't see how this is better than Cradlepoint's portable 3G/4G wifi router. It accepts WiMax right now (and also 3G), runs on battery if needed.
@Rev6
I like it better because it looks like the modem will fit down into the router as opposed to the cradlepoint where it sticks out the side.
@Rev6 Ding ding ding! Winner!
@DarrenMurph Plus battery. Alot of cradlepoint's solutions don't have battery built in.
So, if Verizon has crippled Internet Sharing on the phone, as they have with my HTC TP2, this won't work, or will it?
@aiiee
This works by turning your USB modem into WiFi. If your phone has WiFi (I'm don't know and am to lazy to look it up) it will work. However, you are talking about two contracts and two separate devices.
Any word as to whether I could use this with a tethered iPhone? If so it just might be the device I am looking for.
@bignah go to Connect One's web site, they explain it better there.
That is a cheap effective backup Internet versus getting an overkill router with 3G fall back. Or for remote area shared broadband, nice.
Over here in Oz it could also be handy for share houses. Cheap and can get a prepaid 3G stick.
they only mention 3g on the site and i see no place online to order???
Ok -- I'm game. Where is it posted for sale at $99?
@dhodory I'm totally game on this (much more elegant solution than Cradlepoint's), but am dismayed with the lack of support on some major USB modems (no Sierra wireless nor Option Wireless support). I emailed sales@connectone.com to see what they have to say on it. If it's good, then I'm down to ordering one of these.
@victor: Ouch! No Sierra Wireless support? I THINK (not sure) that's what I have -- SprintPCS 3G/4G USB modem.
@victor: I take that back, I have the Sprint U301 USB 3G/4G modem. No idea who actually MAKES the thing.