National broadband trailblazer Internode has welcomed this week’s launch of the Apple iPad in Australia with a $299 special price for its tiny MiFi wireless access point, which delivers 3G access for up to five iPads.

The 81-gram MiFi – which is about the size of a business card holder – received five-star ratings in reviews this week in Sydney’s Daily Telegraph, Melbourne’s Herald Sun and Brisbane’s Courier Mail, declaring it the perfect partner for WiFi-only iPad models.

MiFi was designed by San Diego-based Novatel Wireless to simplify setting up a small wireless local area network (LAN). The intelligent 3G mobile hotspot supports as many as five WiFi-capable devices such as laptops, notebooks, PDAs, smartphones, gaming consoles and iPads.

3G-capable iPad models cost $170 more than the WiFi-only units. MiFi pays for itself when you have more than one iPad or other wireless device connected, allowing them to share a 3G account.

Although the MiFi has a $349 retail price, Internode customers can buy the device, which is not locked to a particular carrier, for just $249 when bundled with a 24-month NodeMobile Data 3G broadband service.

Internode product manager Jim Kellett said the MiFi was an affordable and flexible addition to the iPad. “This is proven by reviews which rate the MiFi as the only five-star accessory for the iPad,” he said.

About Internode: www.Internode.on.net

Internode is a first tier IP carrier committed to using broadband technology to redefine the national telecommunications environment. The Australian-owned company is a trailblazer that delivers broadband services to individuals and businesses throughout Australia. Follow Internode online at www.internode.on.net/about/follow_us_online.

Internode PR for media assistance: Impress Media Australia www.impress.com.au

Call John Harris on (08) 8431 4000 or email jharris@impress.com.au