Clearwire today announced the CLEAR iSpot, a mobile hotspot with dedicated support for Apple’s line of mobile devices, including the iPad, iPod touch and iPhone. The iSpot uses Clear’s WiMAX network. You get unlimited data and 4G speed for $25/month.
The iSpot is made exclusively for Apple mobile products. iSpot users can share Wi-Fi with up to eight Apple mobile devices, without a long term contract.
But the hotspot works ONLY with Apple’s iOS devices for $25/month. If you share service with other computers, Clear will unlock it, but the cost is bumped up to the standard $40/month unlimited service plan. Clear is the only wireless broadband service that is truly unlimited.
The $99 mobile hotspot is temporarily on sale for $29, supports 802.11b/g, comes with batteries, a USB connection, and an optional 12v DC cigarette lighter adapter.
The iSpot expands the CLEAR line of personal mobile hotspots, which includes the CLEAR Spot 4G and CLEAR Spot 4G+, which includes Sprint’s 3G network and is similar to the Sprint Overdrive. There’s no 3G capability integrated in the iSpot.
Apparently the original battery operated ClearSpot, which lacked the WiMAX USB client, has now been discontinued, although you can still get one from Cradlepoint as the PHS 300. The iSpot is available nationwide today and available in CLEAR retail stores and authorized dealers beginning August 10.
I’ve been happy with my $40 unlimited Clear WiMAX service in downtown Portland. It delivers a steady 6-8 Mbps to my apartment and replaces my DSL. I use a Clear USB dongle ($80) with a USB-powered external docking station for additional gain.
The WiMAX USB connection runs into my Cradlepoint MBR 1000 which takes USB, ExpressCard and Ethernet connections and has proven to be a wonderful and trouble-free WiFi router. I run an ethernet cable to my computer and the Cradlepoint supplies free WiFi around my apartment complex. I also bought a battery-operated ClearSpot on Craig’s List for $75 for mobile sharing. I use a jailbroken iPhone and run T-Mobile’s prepaid voice service (10 cents/minute), and use WiFi for data.
Thankfully, my friend Roger Ryder, set it up for me. I may sound, at times, like a wireless guru, but believe me, I get confused by all the configuration settings.
