$179; www.skyroam.com
Let’s face it … whether we’re home or on the road, we can’t function without Wi-Fi. Getting a reliable internet connection away from home can be a challenge sometimes. Solis X, the new portable hotspot from Skyroam, is a promising device that provides Wi-Fi anywhere you need it.
The Solis X, an upgrade from Skyroam’s previous Solis model, is billed as the “world’s first global Wi-Fi smartspot.” Out of the box, it looks like an orange hockey puck with a modern, sleek interface. Set-up is fairly easy with the free downloadable app (iPhone and Android) and a quick QR-code scan (which can be found at the bottom of the device).
The Solis X shares data with up to 10 connected devices, with access to both 2.4Ghz and 5Ghz Wi-Fi bands.
The Solis X features a built-in camera, a speaker, two microphones, and a USB-C port. It’s also capable of storing 4GB of media. It has a 4,700mAh battery that charges via USB-C and should last up to 20 hours under normal use. The USB-C port can also be used to reverse-charge your phone or other devices.
There are no SIM cards to insert, as the Solis X downloads an electronic SIM that gives it access to an account in the country you’re in (available in more than 130 countries). While it’s convenient for international travel, I wish I could insert a T-Mobile sim card for domestic use.
Customers can purchase Wi-Fi data either by the GB, by day or by the month.
• By GB: $6/GB at high speed, though it expires in 30 days with no roll-over.
• By day: $9/day, which gives you 24 hours of unlimited data
• By month: $99/month for unlimited data
The Solis X provides 4G speeds, though I did not get the opportunity to test in foreign cities.
If you can’t find a free Wi-Fi signal from a hotel or Starbucks, the Solis X is a worthy investment, especially if you travel a lot. It’s small and light, and packs easily. It makes a great travel companion, so you’ll never be caught without a Wi-Fi signal when you need one.