It's funny how quickly life changes. 20 years ago, if you wanted the internet on your laptop and you weren't in Wi-Fi range, you would have to rely on a cheap USB dongle that offered paltry 3G speeds and failed as often as it worked.
These days, you can just tether your smartphone. But if you need a bit more than just a smartphone connection or you're travelling overseas, Netgear has just announced its new 5G M7 hotspot.
The Nighthawk 5G M7 (model MH7150) is a portable Wi-Fi 7 hotspot that's designed for travellers and remote workers who need reliable internet on the go.
What sets it apart from previous mobile hotspots is the new eSIM marketplace built into the companion app.
Instead of hunting down local SIM cards or paying exorbitant roaming fees, you can browse and purchase data plans directly through the Netgear app. The marketplace covers over 140 countries, with plans ranging from 3GB to 20GB. For launch, Netgear has partnered with Gigs to provide the data plans.
The device itself is compact and lightweight, making it easy to toss in a bag. It delivers Wi-Fi 7 speeds of up to 3.6Gbps and can handle up to 32 connected devices simultaneously, which is enough for a family on holiday or a small team at an offsite.
If you prefer wired connections, there's USB-C connectivity, or you can use an Ethernet adapter (sold separately).
Battery life sits at around 10 hours of continuous use, and the M7 can double as a power bank to charge other devices while you're travelling. It's powered by Qualcomm's Dragonwing SDX72 chipset, which is designed to deliver multi-gig 5G speeds.
Security features include WPA3 encryption, a built-in firewall, Netgear's Advanced Router Protection, and automatic firmware updates. The device is unlocked and certified with major Australian carriers, so you're not locked into a specific network.
The Nighthawk 5G M7 is available now for $799.
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