Verizon MiFi surgically implanted in iPad to create world's first bionic tablet

Sometimes, hackers hack without any constructive purpose -- they do it just because they can. This, however, decidedly isn't such a case; in fact, it's one of the more enviable hackjobs we've seen in recent weeks. Basically, a dude split open his 3G iPad, removed the AT&T modem, and installed the circuit board out of a Verizon MiFi, providing power from the iPad's battery and hooking in the borrowed AT&T antenna for hotspot range. The hack wasn't without its trials and tribulations -- the MiFi's green LED initially shone through the back of the iPad's display, for instance -- but ultimately, the proud owner ended up with a fully functional iPad that doubles as a Verizon WiFi hotspot. It's not exactly turnkey enough to recommend to lay folk, but at least Verizon customers can take heart knowing this kind of craziness is possible if you've got the stones for it.

[Thanks, Peter]

[jellotime91 Posted Jun 14th 2010 10:35PM]

So this is what Christina Aguilera was singing about?

[Delta14 Posted Jun 14th 2010 10:44PM]

i like it...

[trey992 Posted Jun 14th 2010 10:55PM]

Isn't AT&T's problem relating to their voice connection, not their data? I know Verizon advertises as having the best 3G network by far, but in reality their tests are extremely stretching the truth. AT&T actually has pretty good 3G coverage...

[benjgvps Posted Jun 14th 2010 11:12PM]

@trey992 Someone on This Week in Tech brought up a good point: You mostly hear people with iPhones bitching about AT&T, how many Blackberry users do you hear bitching?

[InsertWittyNameHere Posted Jun 14th 2010 11:05PM]

Someone out there, PLEASE give this guy and any other guys like him a job in the industry. He deserves it! This guy could probably implement that into just about anything!

[Blades Posted Jun 14th 2010 11:08PM]

Can't said hacker just disconnect the green led? That would drive me nuts! But do would a the dictatoresque environment of an ipad.

[Hydra Posted Jun 14th 2010 11:09PM]

Someone made a useable Ipad! He should mod and sell these on ebay

[MattsZ Posted Jun 14th 2010 11:50PM]

wow, where the hell is he living to get these poor speeds even with the mifi he's getting terrible speeds?

here's a quick speedtest I did on my iPhone

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h149/szfebje/e3481109.jpg?t=1276573720

[Trocks797 Posted Jun 15th 2010 12:05AM]

well...its just got to work!

[miki4242 Posted Jun 15th 2010 12:17AM]

Nice hack :-) He should get one of the first "Reclaim your (i)Gear" awards.

[StevieH Posted Jun 15th 2010 11:17AM]

"Gentlemen, we can rebuild him. We have the technology... Better than he was before. Better, stronger, faster."

[abdonjr Posted Jun 17th 2010 1:55AM]

I want to see it working. Does it say Verizon in the menu bar?