For many mobile laptop users, tethering from their smartphone to get Wi-Fi is a fact of life. While this is convenient, there are some downsides. The data used by the laptop will count against the mobile data allowance, meaning potential data overages. Another pain point is that it can drain your phone's battery.

A good alternative to smartphone tethering is using a separate mobile hotspot. Today, Verizon announces the latest such device for its network -- the MiFi 7730L Jetpack by Novatel Wireless. This product is quite impressive, as it features a color display, 802.11ac Wi-Fi, and USB-C storage support. It can even be used as a battery bank to charge your smartphone. Yeah, this thing looks incredible.

"With a 2.4-inch full-color touch screen display packed with features and onscreen help, the MiFi 7730L makes it easier than ever to change settings. MiFi Share provides a new way to share files with connected devices on the local, secure, Wi-Fi network using any mass storage device with a type-C USB connector," says Verizon.

The Type-C storage sharing is quite a handy feature, and it could prove very valuable. Imagine this -- you plug a Type-C flash drive into the MiFi 7730L Jetpack. Then, by sharing the connection with friends, family, or coworkers, you can opt to share the files with them too. A mobile hotspot with shared storage -- how cool is that?

Steve Linke, Novatel Wireless Director of Sales explains, "The Novatel Wireless MiFi team is excited to deliver the next premium MiFi product to Verizon's industry-leading device portfolio. The MiFi 7730L is built with the latest technology to leverage Verizon's network advancements and has the ability to stay connected all day making this Jetpack essential for individuals and businesses looking for secure, reliable connectivity wherever and whenever they need it."

Verizon shares the following notable specs.

Access technology: Global device; LTE Cat 9; Carrier Aggregation

WiFi: Dual band; 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac

Battery: 4,400 mAh removable battery

Display: 2.4-inch TFT color touch screen display; 240 x 320 pixels

Mobile hotspot: Up to 15 device connected simultaneously

Quick charging

External device charging

MiFi Share (Mass storage access)

USB 3.1 with USB type C port

At $199, the MiFi 7730L Jetpack is reasonably priced. With that said, you can save $100 by signing up for a two-year connection plan. While I am not a huge fan of contracts, you will need Verizon service for it anyway, right? It may be worthwhile. In other words, if you plan to use it every month for two or more years, the contact could make sense.

Ready to buy it? You can get it here immediately.