Review: Zain MiFi (Video Included)

Unboxing Zain MiFi

As I mentioned before, We were given a Zain MiFi device to review in Blog37 (thanks to Zain’s marketing division). Honestly, the device was easy to install and configure, if you follow the included manual, which is so easy to follow by the way.

Below is a video I made during the installation of Zain MiFi.. watch it, and then I’ll take you through a detailed review

My review will consist of:

• Package contents
• Shape
• Installation
• Compatibility
• Accessibility & Performance
• Pricing & Availability

PACKAGE CONTENTS:

The package is well branded with Zain’s brand identity and colors, carrying basic but important information about the device and its features.

Package contents (click on image to enlarge)

Contents:

• Zain MiFi
• USB cable
• Rechargeable (Li) Battery
• A/C charger (Comes with 2/3 pin)
• Quick start guide

SHAPE:

Coming with a black & silver sleek design, Zain MiFi weighs 81 grams, 9.6 cm in width, 6 cm in length, and 1.3 cm in height… small enough to call it a “Pocket Router” ! Actually it is smaller, and even lighter than my BlackBerry Javelin. Only once single button is on the device’s exterior! which would show how simple it is to use, turn on and off. There are also a Mini-USB socket & a Micro-SD slot.

INSTALLATION:

First of all, make sure that you follow the installation guide included within the package! it carries alot of important information about system requirements, usage, features, and image-guided installation steps. Zain MiFi Installation steps summerized:

• Install both your Data SIM-Card and battery.
• Make sure you charge the device for a minimum of 4 hours before your 1st use.
• Turn on & connect your MiFi device to your computer – through WiFi or Cable.
• If you’re connecting through WiFi, you’ll find the initial WiFi access info on the battery cover (inside). And then would be able to gain control over the MiFi internet access through an IP address! Check the image below.
• If you’re connecting through USB, the device will install “Zain MiFi Manager”, allowing you to control Internet access through a single mouse click! Check the image below.

Zain Wireless control interface (A/E)

Zain MiFi manager

COMPATIBILITY:

Zain MiFi is compatible with:

• Microsoft Windows 2000, XP, and Vista (still not sure about Win 7)
• Mac OS X (10.4.7+)
• Linux (2.4, 2.6)

ACCESSIBILITY & PERFORMANCE:

Zain MiFi restricts access to no more than 5 users simultaneously, but considering that it is a “single subscription” shared connection, this would sound fair enough if used outdoors (Camp, or chalet!). Performance has shown a great user experience in terms of device control, internet access and speed.

PRICING & AVAILABILITY:

Zain MiFi, so far as I knew, will be bundeled Zain’s internet plans. But it can also sold solely for a higher price. If bundeled with a plan, I dont think the device would cost you more than KD 30, or more than KD 90 if bought alone. The device will be available in all Zain branches in a couple of weeks or so.

By the way, don’t even think about using it with a Wataniya or a VIVA data plan… the device is Zain-SIM LOCKED! It’s really smart how those Zain people think!

RATING:

5/5

IMPORTANT NOTE:

Sometimes, or OFTEN… I read comments about the “Zain data traffic limit” and that it’s not enough for a user… etc. I would really appreciate it if you read the following carefully…

A mobile internet service is meant to offer you a mobile internet access allowing you to check your email, visit websites, use your chat clients…etc, and it should be limited! Why? It should be limited so it won’t affect your internet experience in a way that makes you feel sorry for the money you’re paying on monthly basis! I’m respectfully critisizing VIVA’s strategy of giving unlimited traffic – and now limiting it to 60 GB- for it’s respectful customers, because in the end, this would encourage some users to abuse the service – in terms of excessive downloading- which would definitly affect the network speed and performance in a bad way.

If you are a P2P addict (like me!!) get yourself a Home DSL subscription and enjoy watching your favorite series or movies! Which I did already