The Bottom Line
The Wi-Fi Detective can be a very useful tool to save time and effort when looking for wireless networks while on the road. The Wi-Fi Detective is an economical and compact solution.
- Multi- purpose: Wi-Fi Detector, Wi-Fi Network Adapter & Access Point
- No batteries or external power required.
- Easy to use and carry - can fit into a pocket.
- Display can be difficult to read.
- May get false negative results.
- No protective carrying case.
Description
- Compliant with IEEE 802.11 B/G 2.4GHz standards.
- Rechargeable battery uses USB port to recharge.
- Compliant with USB 2.0 and 1.0
- Wireless LAN adapter works with Windows 98SE, ME, 2000, XP and Vista.
- Dimensions: 0.55" x 1.12" x 3.58" (L x W x H)
- Weight: 1.06 oz
- Display: 96x32 with EL backlight.
- Security: 64/128/256-bit WEP Data Encryption, WPA (TKIP with IEEE 802.1x) and WPA2 (AES with IEEE 802.1x).
- Warranty: 1 year.
- CD including drivers, utility and manual is included. A printed manual is also included.
Guide Review - StarTech.com Wi-Fi Detective
The Wi-Fi Detective from Startech.com is a very easy to use mobile gadget that provides dual functionality for mobile professionals. The Wi-Fi Detective is very compact and sturdily constructed. The Wi-Fi Detective includes a printed Instruction Manual, take a couple minutes to read through it first.
It is interesting to note that the warning about not connecting the USB adapter until the software has been installed is not mentioned until Page 5. This should be mentioned first before explaining how to use the device.
In order to start seeing what Wi-Fi networks are available, simply move the slide button from Off to On. I was again surprised by the number of open wireless networks in my neighbourhood and want to remind everyone that they should change the SSID on their wireless routers when setting up a home or business Wi-Fi network. Don't forget as well that you shouldn't use someone else's wireless network even if they happen to have left the door wide open.
Using an external Wi-Fi detector such as the Wi-Fi Detective is a real convenience as you don't have to worry about booting up your laptop, waiting for everything to load only to discover there are no wireless networks in the area you happen to be.
The information provided is quite satisfactory and with good lighting very easy to read. I did have some issues with bright sunlight and catching glare from indoor lighting. This was simply remedied by moving the Wi-Fi Detective to a better position.
The Wi-Fi Detective can be used in multiple ways which makes it a valuable mobile accessory. If you have an older model laptop that doesn't have integrated Wi-Fi then you can use the Wi-Fi Detective as your wireless adapter or you can use the Wi-Fi Detective as an access point to share Internet access with co-workers. You don't need three separate gadgets or worry about carrying them all.
