So I picked up a Tekkeon MP1800 external battery pack.  This is s self-contained battery that charges via USB or Wall socket (note the wall plug is NOT included).  After being fully charged, it can be used to power a lot of different devices such as Cell Phones and … a MiFi card.

I did an online endurance test yesterday and was able to maintain a WiFi connection of the MiFi with the extended battery for more than 14 hours continuously.

When I halted the test because I didn’t want to leave my Netbook running unattended, the MP1800 still had power to give and the MiFi itself was fully charged.  So even if the MP1800 had died then, I still would have had at least another 3-4 hours left.

The only issue I’ve had is that I can’t power the MP1800 at the same time as it is providing power as the manual suggests can be done.  When I try, it faults the USB port and shuts down the Notebook and Netbook.  I’ve sent an inquiry to Tekkeon to find out what is going on there…

The device comes with a variety of tips that include Samsung, Mini-USB, Micro-USB and others but does NOT include the wall adapter that is shown in the manual.  It comes with a black carry pouch as well.

I picked up a Novatel MiFi 2200 (Verizon) service.  This device has it’s own battery, and makes a WWAN connection over the Verizon EVDO Rev A network and provides a secure WiFi portal for up to 5 devices.  Combined with an external battery pack Tekkeon MP1800, I can maintain a secure WiFi connection to the Internet for 14 hours or more without plugging into the wall socket.

The size of a credit card with the thickness of about 1/4 inch, the unit is very small and easily fits in the Netbook case.  The battery life on it’s own is about 3-4 hours.  Can also be Tethered to the PC to provide USB connectivity and WiFi at the same time (contrary to initial reports.  Will post a note about that shortly).

Like the USB720, I get typical 800kb – 1.2 mb connection speeds using the WiFi connection.

Sprint offers the same device as well made by Novatel though it supports GPS which Verzion seems to think is not important.