CradlePoint PHS-300 Turns 3G to Wi-Fi

The PHS-300 Personal Hotspot provides Wi-Fi access via a tethered 3G phone or modem.

Some people might be content to keep their speedy 3G Internet access to themselves on a cell phone or other portable, but for those who would rather share the wealth, CradlePoint technologies has you covered. CradlePoint’s PHS-300 Personal Hotspot allows those with certain 3G-enabled devices to create a portable Wi-Fi hotspot, either to share, or to just allow a broader range of personal devices to tap into the connection.

Since the PHS-300 doesn’t have a built-in cellular radio, it must link up with a separate EVDO modem or handset for use on either Sprint or Verizon cellular networks. The connection is made via a USB cable, and the PHS-300 can either sap electricity from the connected device, or power it with its own lithium-ion battery. Once running, the unit provides both 802.11g and 802.11b connections, along with WEP or WPA security for the network.

Right now, compatibility is somewhat limited, with only a handful of phones from LG, Motorola, Samsung, Sanyo, and RIM making the grade, along with four standalone modems.

The CradlePoint PHS-300 is available now through 3GStore.com for $179.99.