iBox2Go’s “Internet in the box”, launched today, is a mobile hotspot that incorporates a removeable Sprint Broadband cellular card for the backhaul. The iBox2Go (FAQ) is ideal for “bedouins” who need a mobile hotspot — anywhere. The USB card can also be removed from the iBox2Go hotspot, and used directly in your laptop.
The iBox2Go comes in three flavors. The cheapest one, called the iB300, is $200 (plus the monthly Sprint bill), offers a 40-foot range. The iB100 costs $250 and gives you a 50-foot range. And the iB500 costs $350 and gives you 200-foot range.
It’s getting to be a crowded field. Kyocera’s KR2 Mobile Router may get upgraded to mobile WiMAX this year (see above). Others include;
- WAAV’s “mobile access points” include a $499 wireless router, with a single backbone connection, which uses Sprint’s EVDO starting at $59.99/month. Their AirBox X2 ($1099), is the first mobile cellular router that establishes two cellular Internet connections, binding them together for additional speed. It can also utilize WiMAX or 4.9 GHz public service frequencies for the backhaul, mixing and matching various types of backbone providers.
- Sprint’s Linksys EV-DO/Wi-Fi Router costs less than $250 (plus monthly service charge).
- D-Link has a family of 3G mobile broadband wireless routers that use cellular (EVDO or HSDPA) wireless backbones. The $300 D-Link routers are available in two versions: the DIR-450 (EV-DO) and DIR-451 (UMTS/HSDPA).
- The $700 Junxion Box provides a similar cellular backhaul solution. It’s used on Seattle buses to provide mobile WiFi, so a static (or bike-mounted) webcam shouldn’t be too difficult.
- The 3G Phoebus MB6000, a pyramid-shaped access point converts your cellular PC Card into an 802.11g access point. The 3G Phoebus is said to be compatible with most major wireless providers and compatible with most EV-DO, UMTS, and HSDPA networks, as well as slower EDGE/GPRS connections.
Related DailyWireless stories include; Solar Powered WiMAX & WiFi, Access Point with Cellular Backbone, Webcasting Concerts, Mobilizing WiFi on Trains & Cars, D-Link Mobile Hotspot, Nikon’s S7c WiFi Shooter and WiMAX World 2007.
