Sony VAIO Z and Y series laptops feature MiFi-style hotspot

The new Sony VAIO Z and Y series laptops will be able to deliver MiFi-style mobile Wi-Fi, connecting to the Internet via 3G and extending the connection to nearby Wi-Fi devices.

Sony calls its version of MiFi “Share My Connection”, and it uses the Sony VAIO Z and Y series laptops’ built-in 3G modem, along with the ability to create a private, local Wi-Fi network for up to five further gadgets to get online. That means you can connect your smartphone, handheld games console, iPod Touch, iPad or Wi-Fi equipped camera to the Internet without having to hunt down the nearest hotspot. Basically, you have your very own mobile hotspot.

While the Sony VAIO Z and Y series laptops (which are both 13.3-inch models) aren’t quite as portable as the palm-sized MiFi gizmos offered by the likes of Three and T-Mobile, it sounds like a pretty handy feature for us. Share My Connection will be available in partnership with the Verizon network in the US, and while no UK plans have been revealed, we’ve contacted Sony to see if anything is in the works. We’ll let you know what we find out.

Sony Adds MiFi Feature to Notebooks

The MiFi revolutionized sharing 3G data connections with other devices by combining a Wi-Fi router with a 3G modem in a little form. Sony has not ignored the popularity of the MiFi and is adding the capability to its VAIO Y and Z series of laptops. This new feature effectively turns select VAIO notebooks into very big (and expensive) MiFi units that share the integrated 3G connection with up to five other devices over Wi-Fi.

Dubbed “Share My Connection” by Sony, the feature will be available June 20 on select VAIO Y and Z notebooks. Activating 3G service with Verizon will be required to take advantage of this new feature.

Netgear's Universal Wi-Fi Internet Adapter Connects Consoles and TVs Alike

The Netgear Universal Wi-Fi Internet Adapter can connect anything with an ethernet port to your 802.11n network, be it an Xbox 360 or a TV. But so can many other devices on the market. What's better about this one?

Much like the Xbox 360 Wireless N adapter, Netgear's latest wireless N adapter is tiny, easily squeezing behind components in your home theater. Plus, it runs off USB power, meaning you don't need to ferret around to plug it in to a powerstrip.

Really, taking into account the convenience, the Universal Wi-Fi Internet Adapter might be the most cleverly designed Wi-Fi adapter since Microsoft's high-priced 360 dongle. And it works on anything with a USB and ethernet port, from your TV to your Blu-ray player, without special drivers.

Unfortunately, it's similar to Microsoft's dongle in more ways than one. This puppy will run $80 when it's around this May.

By the way, if you're just looking for a cheap way to connect the 360 to a Wi-Fi network, check out our feature on the matter here.

The Universal WiFi Internet Adapter (WNCE2001) for Home Theater Devices and Gaming Consoles
NETGEAR is also introducing the industry's first compact USB-powered Universal WiFi Internet Adapter (WNCE2001) that works with Internet TVs, game consoles and Blu-ray players. The first of its kind, the adapter is the only affordable solution in a small form factor that delivers optimal Wireless-N performance and works universally with any Ethernet-enabled CE device. This saves consumers from the confusion and expense of purchasing separate WiFi USB adapters for each CE device in their home theater.

The Universal WiFi Internet Adapter is powered by the USB port, avoiding the need for a long wire to the power outlet and making it more visually pleasing in the already congested home theater environment. With NETGEAR Push Connect technology and CD-less set-up, it is truly a plug and play experience.