HotSpot Review: Ellipsis Jetpack, Road Warrior
We installed our Verizon Ellipsis Jetpack MHS800L in about 20 minutes into an Audi Allroad. It is one of its smallest devices at half an inch thick and with a 3.1 x 2.2-inch footprint. It is easy to hide in a car while offering an excellent network. Once secured, we set off on a test drive with the entire family and their Internet devices.
As we hit the open road, those in the backseat started using their tablets to watch TV shows and monitor Facebook for changes that could affect the world power balance. Meanwhile, my wife researched for work with her notebook and later looked for places to stop for a break.
The connection was pretty good at a download speed averaging 16.7Mbps. That’s less than what we’re used to at home, but plenty for sharing among three systems. Plus, the Jetpack can service up to eight individual Wi-Fi devices simultaneously. We can also upload at the rate of 13.3Mbps, and while my wife drives, I do some work on a web page, uploading images and text.
The hotspot works just as well on the highway, retaining its data connection at 70 miles per hour, lets us listen to Spotify as we drive, and only momentarily blinks out when we’re in a long tunnel. To us, it is a solid choice for those looking to make our vehicle Internet-ready—without the sticker price for a new car.
Pro:download and upload speeds robust enough for 8 devices, quick install
Con:intermittent connections when out of cell-range
