PCMag Digital Network
Seen a hot gadget?  Tell Us   
Subscribe to Gearlog Update
Our FREE email newsletter delivered to your inbox.
Email: 
Format: 
Contact Us  
Sites We Like
Categories:  
linksys_wifi_finder%5B1%5D.jpg

It's been a while since I extolled the benefits of the Digital WiFi Detector, and I'm always on the hunt for newer, better, wifi network detection gadgets. While I still love that palm-sized detector, it doesn't do you any good if you find a hotspot and your computer doesn't have wireless capability built in, or you forgot to bring your wireless card with you. Well, look no further than the Linksys Wifi Finder.

The Linksys WiFi Finder supports 802.11 b/g networks, and can sniff out a hotspot in no time. The LCD display on the top of the finder displays important information like the network name, the signal strength, the channel the network is operating on, and the state of the network's security - that is whether it's open, secured with WEP, WPA, or some other type of encryption. Discovered networks are displayed in order of signal strength, and the finder can be toggled to display only open access points, all networks, or only a specific network of your choice.



When the WiFi Finder discovers a network you can use, simply plug it into an available USB port on your laptop and it instantly becomes a USB wireless adapter, ready to connect to the internet on the wireless network of your choice. Linksys also claims that the finder is smart enough to filter out interference from other competing signals, like microwaves, Bluetooth devices, and other 2.4GHz devices like cordless phones, so you'll only get clear results and strong wireless signals. It's available for $79, which is definitely a touch more expensive than other wifi finders and adapters, but given the Linksys name and the general high quality of their other products, it might be worth a look. [via Oh Gizmo!]

Post by Alan Henry
| Stumble | Digg | del.icio.us | Slashdot
Posted by: Elwyn Jenkins
May 17, 2007 9:11 AM

Good introduction to a smart little product. Finder in my pocket and travelling often, I can detect whether there is a useful network before settling down and taking out the notebook.


Posted by: king
September 21, 2007 12:12 PM

welll its quite a good one especially for us in Africa who still hastle with slow wireless adapters; this one defenately is the real deal.Just reduce this price,& tell me also how i can buy this adapter.


* = required
    Remember Me?
  
Please keep your comments on topic. Intelligent, thoughtful comments and questions are appreciated. Comments that contain personal attacks or profanity may be edited or removed. Comments containing personal information such as phone numbers, credit card numbers, or addresses may be edited or removed. Comments with advertisements will be removed.


 
Lenovo ThinkPad T400
Lenovo ThinkPad W700
Click Here Click Here
         
    Ziff Davis Home | Contact Us | Advertise | Link to Us | Reprints | Magazine Subscriptions | Newsletters | RSS Feeds | Tech Shop | Tech Encyclopedia | PC Downloads | Tech Webcasts | Tech Podcasts | Tech Video | Ziff Davis Media International
AppScout | Cranky Geeks | DigitalLife | DL.TV | ExtremeTech | Filefront | GearLog | GoodCleanTech | PC Magazine | PCMagCasts | Security Watch | Smart Device Central | What's New Now |
Privacy Policy | Terms of Service | Linking Policy | Contact Us |
Copyright © 1996-2009 Ziff Davis Publishing Holdings Inc. All Rights Reserved. PC Magazine, the PCMag.com logo and Gearlog are registered trademarks of Ziff Davis Publishing Holdings Inc. Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission of Ziff Davis Media Inc. is prohibited.