http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/12/ask-engadget-best-useful-wifi-network-detector/ Engadget Comments for http://www.engadget.com/media/feedlogo.gif http://www.engadget.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/12/ask-engadget-best-useful-wifi-network-detector/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/12/ask-engadget-best-useful-wifi-network-detector/
Besides that I don't have much to suggest besides those goofy T-Shirts :)]]>Mar 12th 2010 12:28AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/03/12/ask-engadget-best-useful-wifi-network-detector/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/12/ask-engadget-best-useful-wifi-network-detector/+1 a smart phone is probably the best bet here... even used on ebay, no service required.]]>Mar 12th 2010 12:30AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/03/12/ask-engadget-best-useful-wifi-network-detector/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/12/ask-engadget-best-useful-wifi-network-detector/http://www.thinkgeek.com/gadgets/electronic/89d1/]]>Mar 12th 2010 12:32AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/03/12/ask-engadget-best-useful-wifi-network-detector/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/12/ask-engadget-best-useful-wifi-network-detector/Mar 12th 2010 1:16AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/03/12/ask-engadget-best-useful-wifi-network-detector/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/12/ask-engadget-best-useful-wifi-network-detector/Why cary any device? ThinkGeek has a wi-fi detecting t-shirt you can wear!
http://www.thinkgeek.com/tshirts-apparel/interactive/991e/?cpg=cj]]>Mar 12th 2010 3:47AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/03/12/ask-engadget-best-useful-wifi-network-detector/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/12/ask-engadget-best-useful-wifi-network-detector/
Yep any smartphone or even an iPod touch, has WiFi and will tell you quickly if you need forgo booting up your laptop or if you will be able to surf away...]]>Mar 12th 2010 9:22AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/03/12/ask-engadget-best-useful-wifi-network-detector/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/12/ask-engadget-best-useful-wifi-network-detector/It's nice to get a good piece of software to gather the info for you as well. The list is good but they can give you more specific data and strength info. I use AiroMap and it will use your GPS to map the data and export to software like google earth and garmin map programs, etc.]]>Mar 12th 2010 3:20PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/03/12/ask-engadget-best-useful-wifi-network-detector/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/12/ask-engadget-best-useful-wifi-network-detector/Mar 12th 2010 9:01PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/03/12/ask-engadget-best-useful-wifi-network-detector/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/12/ask-engadget-best-useful-wifi-network-detector/
Better yet, ZxXEL AG225H is a wifi detector complete with LCD screen. But unlike most thumb drive sized wifi detecotors, this one serves a second function as an actual 802.11 network adapter and once a network is found it can then plug in to your computer and connect to the new found network.

It's cheaper than a used smart phone, uses less power, smaller than a smart phone, and serves a more "useful" secondary function. Oh and smart phones, especially older ones with worn out LiOn batteries will need constant charging.

The ZyXEL can be found on ebay for about $25 and around $60 from discount online e-tailers.

http://the-gadgeteer.com/2006/01/16/zyxel_ag_225h_wifi_finder_and_802_11a_b_g_usb_2_0_adapter/
http://www.livedigitally.com/2005/11/09/zyxel-ag225h-review/
http://www.notebookreview.com/default.asp?newsID=2745]]>Mar 15th 2010 3:45AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/03/12/ask-engadget-best-useful-wifi-network-detector/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/12/ask-engadget-best-useful-wifi-network-detector/Mar 12th 2010 12:33AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/03/12/ask-engadget-best-useful-wifi-network-detector/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/12/ask-engadget-best-useful-wifi-network-detector/yeah everyone knows 3g is faster than wifi!

/s]]>Mar 12th 2010 1:10AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/03/12/ask-engadget-best-useful-wifi-network-detector/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/12/ask-engadget-best-useful-wifi-network-detector/Mar 12th 2010 1:11AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/03/12/ask-engadget-best-useful-wifi-network-detector/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/12/ask-engadget-best-useful-wifi-network-detector/are you paying for his wifi detector?]]>Mar 12th 2010 1:15AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/03/12/ask-engadget-best-useful-wifi-network-detector/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/12/ask-engadget-best-useful-wifi-network-detector/Mar 12th 2010 2:52PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/03/12/ask-engadget-best-useful-wifi-network-detector/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/12/ask-engadget-best-useful-wifi-network-detector/
Also he might live in Canada, not the USA. Which makes it worse because both those things are HORRIBLY expensive in Canada and very much not worth it.]]>Mar 12th 2010 12:36AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/03/12/ask-engadget-best-useful-wifi-network-detector/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/12/ask-engadget-best-useful-wifi-network-detector/Mar 12th 2010 12:39AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/03/12/ask-engadget-best-useful-wifi-network-detector/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/12/ask-engadget-best-useful-wifi-network-detector/He doesn't need a contract, it doesn't need cell service to serve this purpose. If he doesn't have a smartphone he just needs to get a used one on ebay for like $70 or whatever they go for. turn the phone on and check for wi-fi... might not be much faster than the computer but it won't use his battery, and he could keep it in his computer case turned on all day]]>Mar 12th 2010 12:39AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/03/12/ask-engadget-best-useful-wifi-network-detector/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/12/ask-engadget-best-useful-wifi-network-detector/
Are you in Canada?]]>Mar 12th 2010 12:40AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/03/12/ask-engadget-best-useful-wifi-network-detector/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/12/ask-engadget-best-useful-wifi-network-detector/Mar 12th 2010 12:41AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/03/12/ask-engadget-best-useful-wifi-network-detector/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/12/ask-engadget-best-useful-wifi-network-detector/
That's like saying you need to look up a book at a library but instead of writing down the code for a single book, you attach the library catalog to a trolley and drag it around with you. If I had a normal pay as you go cell and was told to pick up a smart phone just to find wifi, I'd probably give them the middle finger.]]>Mar 12th 2010 12:43AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/03/12/ask-engadget-best-useful-wifi-network-detector/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/12/ask-engadget-best-useful-wifi-network-detector/There's plenty of plan in Canada without any contracts and various pricing options.
Virgin mobile, koodo, fido. Telus don't have them, neither Bell (last time I check).
But you don't even need a carrier to detect wifi with your smartphone.]]>Mar 12th 2010 12:44AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/03/12/ask-engadget-best-useful-wifi-network-detector/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/12/ask-engadget-best-useful-wifi-network-detector/
50 bucks is not only expensive, but they lock you in 4-5 year contracts.

Also the only ones that give SIM cards instead of using GSM or whatever is Rogers which is also equally frustrating.]]>Mar 12th 2010 12:46AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/03/12/ask-engadget-best-useful-wifi-network-detector/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/12/ask-engadget-best-useful-wifi-network-detector/I don't see whats so unattractive about it. its a device, most wi-fi detectors are around $50, there are used winmo smart phones on ebay for more much more than that and they offer the increased functionality he wants. why would you give someone the finger who just answered your question. the difference is less than $20... someone who spends more than the 2 minutes I spend on ebay could probably find a used smartphone for $25]]>Mar 12th 2010 12:49AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/03/12/ask-engadget-best-useful-wifi-network-detector/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/12/ask-engadget-best-useful-wifi-network-detector/
Considering the fact that a smartphone is not only probably larger, but you'll have to navigate through a bunch of menus and if you already have a phone it will be STUPIDLY USELESS.

YO DAWG WE HEARD YOU LIKE PHONES SO WE PUT A PHONE IN YOUR POCKET WITH YOUR PHONE SO YOU CAN PHONE AND CHECK WIFI WITH YOUR PHONE.

I've seen a billion wifi detectors however that are the size of a pager and if it finds a locked wifi, it'll put a little 'lock' icon beside it. We're trying to go as convenient and small, and cheap as possible while still maintaining the fact that it can tell you if it's locked or not. Not just 'get a smart phone' which is not useful at all. Hey, why don't I just strap a battery to my wii and drag that around? It'll tell me if there is wifi around, and I can PLAY GAMES. Amirite?]]>Mar 12th 2010 12:52AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/03/12/ask-engadget-best-useful-wifi-network-detector/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/12/ask-engadget-best-useful-wifi-network-detector/Ummm, i have 30$ prepaid, no contract, no time lockup.]]>Mar 12th 2010 12:52AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/03/12/ask-engadget-best-useful-wifi-network-detector/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/12/ask-engadget-best-useful-wifi-network-detector/
Mind telling me what carrier? I'd like to get in on this. o:]]>Mar 12th 2010 12:53AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/03/12/ask-engadget-best-useful-wifi-network-detector/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/12/ask-engadget-best-useful-wifi-network-detector/You're wrong.
Smartphones aren't hard to use, and give you much more information on wifi networks.
]]>Mar 12th 2010 12:55AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/03/12/ask-engadget-best-useful-wifi-network-detector/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/12/ask-engadget-best-useful-wifi-network-detector/I'm on FIDO.
]]>Mar 12th 2010 12:57AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/03/12/ask-engadget-best-useful-wifi-network-detector/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/12/ask-engadget-best-useful-wifi-network-detector/"I've seen a billion wifi detectors however that are the size of a pager and if it finds a locked wifi, it'll put a little 'lock' icon beside it"

Link one and /thread. I believe you, I just don't know of any with the "little lock icon". My suggestion accomplishes his task, albeit ungracefully. we would all welcome a better device I'm sure, but remember there are many unprotected wi-fi networks that don't have internet access, only local access (I see them all the time). A smartphone would allow him to determine if there was actually internet access too.

I almost think denji is just trolling this comment section]]>Mar 12th 2010 12:59AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/03/12/ask-engadget-best-useful-wifi-network-detector/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/12/ask-engadget-best-useful-wifi-network-detector/
Like everyone else said the best bet would be to check eBay or craigslist for a cheap smartphone or dare I say it...iPod touch (my 1st gen works great and can be bought used for pretty cheap these days) that way you have something that not only checks wifi but can also play games and what not. Much better in my opinion than using a stand alone wifi detector, heck, the one that adidar83 suggested coated $49!!!! What a waste!]]>Mar 12th 2010 1:08AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/03/12/ask-engadget-best-useful-wifi-network-detector/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/12/ask-engadget-best-useful-wifi-network-detector/I wifi tether with my droid for $30 a month or $360 a year, roughly the cost of a netbook. If you can't afford a netbook what device are you using to access the internet?]]>Mar 12th 2010 1:12AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/03/12/ask-engadget-best-useful-wifi-network-detector/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/12/ask-engadget-best-useful-wifi-network-detector/
Well given most students have the need for a phone then it fits the bill perfectly. Buy one off contract and add a plan if you can't afford it. You don't need a fancy one either.]]>Mar 12th 2010 1:52AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/03/12/ask-engadget-best-useful-wifi-network-detector/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/12/ask-engadget-best-useful-wifi-network-detector/
I agree.. Also the person could be a traveller, like i was, where getting on a 3g internet plan or even considering roaming options are wayyyy outta the budget..
]]>Mar 12th 2010 1:59AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/03/12/ask-engadget-best-useful-wifi-network-detector/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/12/ask-engadget-best-useful-wifi-network-detector/
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=300359592902&rvr_id=&crlp=1_263602_263622&UA=L*F%3F&GUID=31be10531270a02684339cc3ffed2587&itemid=300359592902&ff4=263602_263622]]>Mar 12th 2010 11:10AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/03/12/ask-engadget-best-useful-wifi-network-detector/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/12/ask-engadget-best-useful-wifi-network-detector/
Another vote for the Zyxel AG- 225H. Simple, effective, convenient (not too expensive either. Got mine for $35). I've had one since 2007 (it replaced the crazy Japanese one I got in 2006 that died...though that one was cool too, you could scan, select an open AP, lock onto it, and then plug the dongle into your laptop and it would auto connect to the AP).

Needs a refresh in 802.11n flavor...

This comment thread is nuts though! Almost the entire first page is comments recommending using $200 - $500 smartphones.]]>Mar 12th 2010 12:19PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/03/12/ask-engadget-best-useful-wifi-network-detector/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/12/ask-engadget-best-useful-wifi-network-detector/Mar 12th 2010 1:54PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/03/12/ask-engadget-best-useful-wifi-network-detector/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/12/ask-engadget-best-useful-wifi-network-detector/Unless you're a complete total n00b.]]>Mar 12th 2010 12:40AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/03/12/ask-engadget-best-useful-wifi-network-detector/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/12/ask-engadget-best-useful-wifi-network-detector/
it wastes battery to boot up just to look for wifi]]>Mar 12th 2010 12:42AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/03/12/ask-engadget-best-useful-wifi-network-detector/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/12/ask-engadget-best-useful-wifi-network-detector/14 hours netbooks exists. I love mine :)]]>Mar 12th 2010 12:46AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/03/12/ask-engadget-best-useful-wifi-network-detector/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/12/ask-engadget-best-useful-wifi-network-detector/Mar 12th 2010 1:25AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/03/12/ask-engadget-best-useful-wifi-network-detector/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/12/ask-engadget-best-useful-wifi-network-detector/Mar 12th 2010 1:55AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/03/12/ask-engadget-best-useful-wifi-network-detector/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/12/ask-engadget-best-useful-wifi-network-detector/Mar 12th 2010 8:56PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/03/12/ask-engadget-best-useful-wifi-network-detector/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/12/ask-engadget-best-useful-wifi-network-detector/Mar 12th 2010 12:42AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/03/12/ask-engadget-best-useful-wifi-network-detector/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/12/ask-engadget-best-useful-wifi-network-detector/Mar 12th 2010 12:46AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/03/12/ask-engadget-best-useful-wifi-network-detector/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/12/ask-engadget-best-useful-wifi-network-detector/http://wefi.com/

Also just because its open doesn't always mean you should use it, especially in terms of security. If you have a VPN then its fine though...]]>Mar 12th 2010 12:49AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/03/12/ask-engadget-best-useful-wifi-network-detector/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/12/ask-engadget-best-useful-wifi-network-detector/Mar 12th 2010 8:59PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/03/12/ask-engadget-best-useful-wifi-network-detector/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/12/ask-engadget-best-useful-wifi-network-detector/Mar 12th 2010 11:38PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/03/12/ask-engadget-best-useful-wifi-network-detector/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/12/ask-engadget-best-useful-wifi-network-detector/Mar 12th 2010 12:49AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/03/12/ask-engadget-best-useful-wifi-network-detector/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/12/ask-engadget-best-useful-wifi-network-detector/Mar 12th 2010 1:00AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/03/12/ask-engadget-best-useful-wifi-network-detector/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/12/ask-engadget-best-useful-wifi-network-detector/Mar 12th 2010 7:02AM