If you have a netbook, notebook, or an iPad that has WiFi but not 3G connectivity on the go you may have wished on more than one occasion that you had a broadband modem for the device. The problem for many folks is that while 3G mobile broadband might be appealing the thought of a two-year contract for a device that we may not use that often is far from appealing, not counting the price of buying the modem as well.

Cricket Wireless is a no contract wireless provider that serves much of the US. The company has a 3G network that offers data speeds of up to 1.4Mbps at its peak. Cricket has announced that its cool Crosswave mobile hotspot is now in Cricket Wireless retail stores for purchase at $149.99. The mobile hotspot is small and measures in at under 4-inches high and under half an inch thick. That small size will make the thing easy to take with you on the road.

The mobile hotspot will provide any WiFi equipped device access to a 3G connection using 802.11b/g. That means that you can use the Crosswave to connect your iPad or iPod touch online or your netbook. The internal battery of the device is good for three hours of use and 90 hours of standby per charge and is supports Windows and Mac computers. The device landed in stores today.