Let me start by saying this little beast saved my work-from-home setup when my old hotspot died unexpectedly. The Nighthawk M6 isn't just another portable WiFi device - it's like having a mini 5G tower in your backpack.
The good stuff first: Setup was shockingly easy. Popped in my Consumer Cellular SIM (which failed miserably in my previous device) and it just worked. The WiFi 6 performance is no joke - I've had 15 devices connected simultaneously during a team meeting with zero lag. Battery life? A solid 10-12 hours of real-world use, though I usually keep it plugged in at home.
Now for the quirks: This thing gets HOT when charging with battery inserted (like 'warm pancake griddle' hot). Solution? Remove the battery when stationary - suddenly it runs cooler and somehow even faster! The web interface is powerful but overwhelming for beginners - thank goodness for the mobile app alternative.
Pro tip from personal experience: Using this in our RV across three states revealed its true strength. Switching between T-Mobile and AT&T SIMs took seconds, though rural areas definitely benefit from an external antenna (sold separately, of course).
Is it pricey? Absolutely. But when your livelihood depends on reliable internet (especially in cable-dead zones), the peace of mind is worth every penny. Just wish Netgear included a basic travel case!