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Kensington WiFi Finder

About.com Rating 4

From Catherine Roseberry, for About.com

The Bottom Line

The Kensington WiFi Finder is an intereting peripheral for mobile workers to have handy. It can be used to determine the strength of Wi Fi signals and if there is in fact any Wi Fi within a 200ft area.
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Pros

  • Does not require connection to any mobile gadget
  • Very compact and portable
  • No software is required to operate

Cons

  • Can be tricky turning it off

Description

  • Detects most available WiFi networks with just one button.
  • Compact and lightweight to fit in a pocket. Actual dimensions: 2.95"L x 0.39"H x 2.17"W
  • Detects 802.11b and 802.11b/g signals up to 200ft away.
  • Filters out other wireless signals.
  • Uses 2 CR2032 button cell batteries.
  • Covered by Kensington 1 year warranty.

Guide Review - Kensington WiFi Finder

I found the idea of a WiFi Finder intriguing and wondered just how a mobile worker could use one to their best advantage. The review unit I received was quite compact and fit easily into a pocket. There was a toggle to connect it to a keychain or neck lanyard.

I liked the fact that I didn't need to boot up my laptop in order to detect a WiFi signal but instead just turned on the WiFi Finder. It has three green lights which indicate the strength of the signal.

The benefits I see for mobile workers to use the WiFi Finder are when you are at a hot spot location that you have an account with the provider, and don't wish to enter the establishment, whether because the location is too busy or you have work that is confidential. Working from your vehicle provides you with more privacy and perhaps in some cases more comfort.

Another scenario the WiFi Finder would be useful is in an airport or hotel and you wish to connect but aren't certain if you are within range of the signal.

It's a handy peripheral and can be very useful for mobile workers to use.

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