Sure, you can go pre-release
802.11n gear if you dare (read: stick with a single vendor). But if you're looking for the latest IEEE cred, then you're stuck with 802.11g for 54 Mbps (max) at distances of 150-feet or so. So check out
Buffalo's latest USB adapters: the WLI-U2-G54HG (pictured, right) and WLI-U2-SG54HG -- sporting an extra "
s" for suck. Let us explain. Both of these high-gain, 802.11g USB 2.0 WiFi adapters offer an impressive 1,600 feet of coverage. The G54HG does this via its directional antenna and signal strength indicator to dial in the maximum signal strength at those extended distances. The SG54HG on the other hand, packs an omni-directional antenna and a lovely pair of suction cups allowing you to lick'n stick the unit directly onto the backside of your laptop's LCD. Both products hit retail in May for about $49.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Andir3.0 @ Apr 24th 2007 8:54AM
Or...lick and stick it to the back car window so your CarPC can connect to your home network from further away?
strider_mt2k @ Apr 24th 2007 8:58AM
1600 feet is pretty awesome for some short range telerobotics action.
Directional antennas are always a great help too.
Rich @ Apr 24th 2007 9:57AM
ok but doesn't the wireless AP also have to be capable of that kind of distance?
legolas @ Apr 24th 2007 1:11PM
Hrmm.. thought this looked familiar.
Looks like the same one that goes for $30 in Japan
http://www.engadget.com/2007/01/24/buffalos-usb-wifi-adapter-boosts-range-210/
John @ Apr 24th 2007 1:52PM
"ok but doesn't the wireless AP also have to be capable of that kind of distance?"
No. Its the equivalent of a hearing aide, instead of making the sound loader you listen harder...
Scooter @ Apr 24th 2007 6:16PM
I bought the stick (SG54HP) in Akihabara a couple of months ago and can confirm that it picks up more wifi signals than regular antennas (USB and PCMCIA). The box claims a 200% boost to signal strength, which means stronger signals and more of them. And that's it! No miracles.
I had hoped to leech off somebody until I could sort out some broadband action, after moving to Germany. But everybody has their routers locked here, so no such luck. Still, might come in handy one day.
blah @ Apr 30th 2007 3:55PM
Makes me hungry