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I ditched my iPhone's hotspot for this 5G travel router - and I'm never going back

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Why This Matters

This article highlights the limitations of using smartphones as hotspots and introduces the Acer Connect M6E 5G travel router as a reliable, durable alternative. Its advanced features and robust build make it a game-changer for consumers needing stable internet on the go, signaling a shift towards dedicated portable networking devices in the tech industry.

Key Takeaways

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A few years ago, I had a vision of never needing a mobile hotspot again. After all, my iPhone -- a gadget that's never more than an arm's length away -- has that feature, and connecting to it is a doddle if all your devices have the Apple logo.

But it's a poor experience. Try as I might, the connection is almost always unstable and slow (especially when streaming or connecting to a remote system). It's a massive pain if you have any Android devices because they continually disconnect, which hammers the iPhone's battery.

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Over the years, I've tried a few different mobile hotspot devices, but most have been underwhelming, especially given the price tag of some.

When Acer offered me the chance to test out their new mobile hotspot, my expectations weren't high. Yes, on paper, it looked great, but they all look great on paper.

But it didn't disappoint. In fact, the Connect M6E blew me away.

Built to last

The Connect M6E is a rather odd-looking mobile hotspot. It's a white box measuring 5.5 x 3.4 x 0.8 inches and weighing 10.5 ounces. It reminds me more of an external hard drive or an iPod (remember those?) than a mobile hotspot. It features a 2.4-inch color touchscreen that controls the entire device (no app needed).

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