'Internet-on-the-go' is certainly getting popular in Bangladesh these days. With the advent of 3G and handheld mobile devices, more and more youths and professionals are opting for portable hotspots/routers. In today's issue of Bytes we review such a device: ZTE MF65 3G Wi-Fi Pocket Router.
Let's start with the aesthetics: This sleek white beauty has an appealing dimension: 99.5mm x 53.7mm x 14mm. Only two small round buttons on the top and a weight of 65 gm. The OLED notification bar in the front lets you know the status of the device by blinking a combination of blue, red and green lights indicating the battery, wireless connectivity and network strength.
Coming to the network, it supports 2G and 3G, both. So if you are in an area outside the 3G coverage of your operator then the router will automatically switch to EDGE or GPRS.
The web GUI of this router is OK. There are multiple features which can be found here. You can send SMS from this router so you don't need to retrieve the SIM every time you need to activate your internet package. Adding to that, this modem has USSD feature. So, no need to unhook the SIM card. You can check your balance right from the router.  The router also comes with multiple SSID option meaning you can now have two separate Wi-Fi networks from you own device. More advanced features i.e. bandwidth allocation, Channel allocation, Network range selection etc can also be found in this device. Moreover the router can also be used in AP Mode where it can be working as a range extender of an existing wireless network.

The battery of the device is decent. We were able get a four hours of usage period on a single charge. But when we connected two plus two four devices in multiple SSID modes (two different Wi-Fi networks) the backup time dropped significantly. It gave out in two hours and couple of minutes, from full charge. But that is expected. Dividing the bandwidth four ways is certainly strenuous for any pocket device. The only thing that can be considered as a negative point in this device is the heat emission. The heat emission is actually normal and not at all noticeable if you keep it in the coat pocket, not pant pocket!
The speed and browsing experience was pleasant. In our 48 hours browsing spree we had connection drop only once or twice. Using a GP SIM we were able to distribute near-fairly amongst the entire four devices.
The router comes with a Micro USB cord and USB charger. Packaging is decent too. The instruction manual is not that helpful for a first-timer. But now-a-days who needs a manual, right?

SPECS
Radio: 3G (HSPA+,HSUPA,HSDPA etc) 2G (EDGE/GPRS)
Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi 802.11b/g/n, 10 Wi-Fi connections
Messaging: SMS, USSD
OS: Windows, Mac, Linux
Memory: MicroSD Slot, up to 32GB
Others: 3 LED light indicators, AP/STA, Multi SSID, WPS, IPv6
Battery: 1500mAh
Price: Tk. 3,945/- with one year warranty
Bundle offer: TK. 4,400/- Plus Teletalk SIM with 5 GB Internet