Tech Review - ZTE MF70 3G WiFi Modem

 I have been looking for a pocket WiFi modem to fulfill my mobile (as well as non-mobile) Internet needs. My first mobile modem was Huawei’s E1553 USB dongle, which is capable of surfing the Internet using (from fastest to slowest) 3G, HSDPA, W-CDMA, and GPRS. I actually have two: one from Globe Tattoo and another from Smart Bro. (I had to buy two because Globe was faster at work while Smart at home. All you need to do is to insert a SIM card into the USB stick, plug it into a USB port, and click “Connect” on the on-screen dashboard. However, it could only connect to one device at a time—the computer it was plugged in.

I took a look at the pocket WiFi devices sold by Smart and Globe (click on the links to see the respective networks' products). Both of them offer devices like the Alcatel One Touch Y580Y. It’s basically a “headless” mobile phone with an LCD screen, a battery pack, and slots for the SIM card and the memory card (no keypad for texting or dialing).  But I found it prohibitively expensive: a postpaid plan can cost more than one thousand pesos a month while a prepaid pack costs around four thousand pesos up front. Plus, these units are SIM-locked to their respective carriers so cannot insert a SIM card from another network. That would mean I would have to buy two wireless models! I simply couldn’t afford it.

However, the greatest discoveries are often born out of serendipity. I was going around SM Hypermart Bacoor one time when I happened upon a kiosk of a certain local mobile phone seller (I forgot--gotta check) and a small box caught my eye.

It was a USB dongle; but unlike other USB modems, this one serves as a WiFi hotspot!

The staff members were very accommodating and friendly. They showed me that they are using the very same device, which was plugged into a USB charger that comes with any mobile phone. They patiently answered all my questions and even demonstrated the product by having me connect using my Android phone. To my surprise, the connection was very fast. Satisfied with the product’s performance, I purchased the unit.

The modem was package in an small, unpretentious box; so there is not much to write about unboxing it. The kit includes the modem and an instructions leaflet. That’s it.

In order to insert a SIM card (and/or a Micro SD card), one needs to snap off the plastic side cover. At first I was afraid of breaking the side cover but it does hold up to repeated opening and closing. (With a memory card inserted, the stick can also be used as a USB thumbdrive.)

It is truly plug-and-play (not plug-and-pray, hoping that it will work). Just insert any SIM card, plug it to an outlet using a cell phone USB charger or plug it directly to a USB port and voila! you’re ready to go. When connecting for the first time, you will be asked to enter a passkey that is supplied with the unit. (This also keeps the neighborhood kids from leeching off some free Internet.) No dashboard that will appear on the screen; instead your browser will be directed to a homepage where you can connect and tweak any settings (like change your passkey).

Since it doesn’t have its own battery pack, the modem needs to be plugged to a power source for it to work on the go. When I am about I plug it to my CDR-King Powerbank (also reviewed on this blog) and I’m ready to be a walking WiFi hotspot.

My WiFi router connected to a USB hub connected to my powerbank. Now I can enjoy wireless Internet at Jollibee. :)

I first field-tested during the elections last May 14. I plugged the device to my powerbank and placed it inside a small sling bag. My brother and I were able to while away our boredom by surfing using our mobile phones while waiting our turn to vote.

My WiFi router attached to my powerbank inside my sling bag. And that's a tin DVD case of Jason Statham to stiffen my bag.

Another test came in the way of an outing with my (former) co-teachers. As we were travelling from Cavite to Laguna I surfed to my heart’s content using my Android tablet. They thought my tablet comes with a SIM card until I showed them the modem in my sling bag. At the resort, I plugged the device to the wall and shared the passkey with anyone I with a smartphone or tablet. We all enjoyed the fast Internet connection. I was even able to access the Internet on my phone while in the pool! (The phone is protected by a waterproof case I bought in a recent trip to Palawan.)

I am pretty happy with the ZTE MF70. The only downside is that it does not have its own power. And it seems to suck up power from my powerbank pretty fast. (I have since learned to put the modem in a side pocket where it can be ventilated—it uses less power that way.)

The ZTE MF1 in action: Plugged to a standard USB charger.

* * *

Shortly after I brought the WiFi modem that I discovered that Cherry Mobile has released a WiFi USB dongle-cum-phone called the MF1 (click link to see the item on the Cherry Mobile website). It’s NOT an Android phone with tethering capabilities. It’s a very small, single-SIM mobile phone which can function as a WiFi hotspot. I’m wondering why it isn’t as popular as it should. I once checked it out at a Cherry Mobile kiosk and nobody seems to be noticing it!

Image courtesy of Cherry Mobile via AskHideki.Com.

The CM MF1 is around Php 2,000—about the same price as the ZTE MF70. Since it’s a fully-functioning phone, it could use its own battery when surfing on the go. I have been kicking myself that I didn’t discover this first, but oh well. I console myself with the fact of the phone battery’s small capacity, which is nothing compared with my 5,000 mA powerbank. I keep telling myself that I don’t need it.

Keep telling yourself that, darling.

(For reviews of the CM MF1, checkout Technoodling, WalkingCuriosity, and AskHideki.)