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TRENDnet 'world's smallest' Wireless N travel router now on sale
Looking to take 802.11n to places you never thought possible? You know -- like your studio apartment on the Upper East Side? TRENDnet's Wireless N Travel Router (which was announced way back at CES) is tailor made for cramped spaces, fitting within the palm of your hand and offering up a single WAN port, a carrying case and a USB socket. Unfortunately there's no internal battery to keep this puppy alive in the wild, but for $79.99 we can't kvetch too much.
GameStop listing points to November 3rd launch, $100 price for 802.11n Xbox 360 adapter
We already had some indication that Microsoft's new Wireless N adapter for the Xbox 360 would pack the same $100 MSRP as its predecessor, but it looks like a new GameStop listing has now all but confirmed it, and the other big remaining detail: a release date. Unless someone seriously got their wires crossed, it looks like the adapter will start shipping on November 3rd, which we presume is also the date that the MSRP of the previous generation WiFi adapter will officially drop (to $80, last we heard), 'cause GameStop sure isn't going to be moving many of them at the $100 it's asking right now.[Via Joystiq]
GameStop lists November 3 release, $100 price for Xbox 360 Wireless N adapter
When Microsoft told us that the new 802.11n adapter for Xbox 360 would be "another choice for consumers," we began to develop these crazy hopes that it would give consumers the choice to pay less than a hundred bucks for wireless 360 connectivity, either through a lower price point for itself or with a price drop on the existing wireless adapter. If GameStop's listings are any indication, however, that's not to be. According to the retailer, the new device will sell for the same $99.99 as the current Wi-Fi adapter upon its release on November 3. Though there's still hope for the price on the existing adapter to drop, it too is currently listed at $99.99. Basically, consumers will now have the choice of which wireless protocol they prefer. %Gallery-73814% [Thanks, Jugger G]
TRENDnet claims 'world's smallest' Wireless N USB adapter crown
We know, you get it -- companies are making extremely small peripherals lately. If it ain't thumb drives it's microSD card readers. Now the kids at TRENDnet want to make sure that all you newly-minted 802.11n users aren't left in the dust, so they've proudly announced TEW-648UB. Billed as the world's smallest Wireless N USB adapter (take that, Mvix!), this guy features one-touch WPS technology and Wi-Fi Multimedia (WMM) Quality of Service prioritization of video, audio and gaming traffic. Available soon with an MSRP of US $24.99. Show full PR text World's Smallest Wireless N USB Adapter Now Available from TRENDnet TORRANCE, Calif. –September 22, 2009–TRENDnet, a best-in-class wired and wireless networking hardware brand, today announces the availability of the world's smallest 150Mbps Mini Wireless N USB Adapter, model TEW-648UB. The ultra compact form factor is slightly larger than a U.S. quarter, measuring a remarkable 1.3 inches (3.3 cm) from end to end. The 150Mbps Mini Wireless N USB Adapter connects a laptop or desktop computer to a wireless n network at up to 6x the speed and 3x the coverage of a wireless g connection. One-touch Wi-Fi Protected Setup or WPS technology eliminates the hassle of entering complicated codes in order to connect to a wireless network. Simply press the WPS button on a compatible router (most TRENDnet routers feature a WPS button), then press the WPS button on TRENDnet's 150Mbps Mini Wireless N USB Adapter, confirm that you want to connect, and you're connected! Advanced wireless encryption protects your valuable data. Wi-Fi Multimedia (WMM) Quality of Service prioritizes important video, audio and gaming traffic to create a premium wireless experience. "We have looked high and low and are confident in our claim that the TEW-648UB is the smallest adapter on the market today. In fact t it is half the size of the average wireless N USB adapter." stated Zak Wood, Director of Global Marketing for TRENDnet. "Despite its' diminutive size, it performs well. We welcome all independent tests against any other 150Mbps (or 1x1) adapter on the market today. The adapter features an equally small price tag. With a predicted street price in the low $20 range, this adapter sets a new price-to-performance standard." The 150Mbps Mini Wireless N USB Adapter, model TEW-648UB, has an MSRP of US $24.99. This product will be available from all of TRENDnet's online, retail, DMR, and distribution partners.
Microsoft confirms Xbox 360 802.11n adapter
Late last week, we reported that Italian site MondoXbox had spotted an ad for an Xbox 360 802.11n adapter in the Gears of War 2 Game of the Year Edition box. Prior to that, the device was reviewed by the FCC. Speaking to Joystiq, Microsoft has confirmed that there is indeed such an adapter in the works. Unfortunately, the confirmation was accompanied by few actual details. Other than the fact that the adapter will allow gamers to "seamlessly connect with their home network with the highest wireless 'N' technology," we don't know anything about when it will release or, more importantly, how much it will cost. Microsoft did refer to the device as "another choice to consumers," which lends credence to the belief that it will be marketed alongside the current Wi-Fi adapter, as opposed to replacing it altogether. Microsoft stated that more details will be available "soon" and advised us all to "stay tuned." %Gallery-73814%
Rumor: 360 802.11n adapter spotted in GOW2 GOTY box
Image: MondoXbox.com To be more specific -- and much less acronymic -- it appears that the super speedy Xbox 360 802.11n Wi-Fi adapter has been spotted on a promotional flier inside the Italian version of the Gears of War 2 Game of the Year edition. Italian gaming site Mondobox.com (translation) posted an image of the leaflet, which you can see above. Assuming it's authentic, it seems to indicate that both the original 802.11a/b/g and 802.11n adapter will continue to exist in the same market. And that, hopefully, indicates a price drop on the ridiculously overpriced original adapter. We've contacted Microsoft about the peripheral and will update this post with new information if and when we receive it.
Xbox 360 802.11n WiFi adapter reviewed by FCC
The IEEE recently standardized the 802.11n WiFi protocol, which has unofficially been appearing in consumer electronics products for over two years now. It seems that Microsoft is planning on keeping up with the times, as the Federal Communications Commission recently evaluated an "Xbox 360 Wireless N Networking Adapter" that adheres to the new WLAN standard. Using said protocol, this new adapter should afford users double the transfer speed they had using their previous dongles, and will also provide a massive boost in connection range to WiFi hotspots. Of course, none of this matters if the thing costs $200 -- an estimate we arrived at using the "double the antennas, double the price" principle. We've contacted Microsoft for comment on the new hardware's due date and price point, and to find out if the new model effectively means we'll never, ever, ever see built-in WiFi for the 360. [Via Engadget]
It's official! 802.11n standard finalized after a mere seven years
Remember when the Wi-Fi Alliance finalized the 802.11 draft-n spec some two and a half years ago? Of course you don't -- as long as your media players, laptops, and the like can connect to each other (and to the cloud) without a hiccup you probably don't care about IEEE's paper trail. The standard, which saw no major changes between then and now (meaning that all your draft-n devices should work fine with the finalized standard) theoretically connects at 300Mbps, or about six times the peak speed of 802.11g. But you already know that, since you've been using it for years now. The final standard is set to be published mid-October.
Netgear ships ultra-speedy WNDR3700 dual-band router
If you've grown increasingly incensed by those annoying dropouts caused by your 80s-era wireless router, it looks like Netgear has your cure. Though, we must say, there's at least a decent chance you don't have the coinage to procure said medicine. At $190, the RangeMax Dual Band Wireless-N Gigabit Router (WNDR3700) is one of the pricier WLAN routers on the market, though the amenities list is pretty impressive. The ReadyShare feature enables any USB hard drive to be viewed on the network, while the DLNA support and "real-world" throughput of 350Mbps shines up an already glistening device. There's even a broadband usage meter for those unfortunately dealing with Comcast caps, and if you actually use this as a remote media server, you'll definitely want to keep an eye on that.[Via HotHardware]
TViX 6600N HD media streamer exposed early (w/ video)
DViCO is back with yet another media streaming box, this time the TViX 6600N, spied by HomeTheater.co.il. What we can find of the specs indicates a worthy followup to the earlier 6500, with dual tuner DVR, HD video decoding, UPnP access, BitTorrent and claimed fast boot time. It's powered by the Realtek 1283 chipset and includes Wireless-N support. Check the video (it's in English) for a quick demo of the box itself and menus, the only bad news to report is a distinct lack of a price tag and any hope we'll ever see this in the U.S.
Mvix announces Nubbin, world's smallest Wireless N USB adapter
Mvix USA, fine purveyor of all things streaming media, is back on the scene with Nubbin, which it claims to be the world's smallest Wireless N adapter (well, it is small -- we'll give 'em that). Available from May 7 onwards, the Chiclet-esque USB network adapter is backwards compatible with IEEE 802.11n draft 3.0 and IEEE 802.11b/g, and sports up to 150Mbps speeds. Now there's absolutely no excuse to exclude any of your USB 2.0 devices from the media streaming bandwagon. Compatible with Windows, Mac, and Linux, this bad boy is yours for a song -- and $39.[Via Tech Digest]
TRENDnet unloads one more at CES: TEW-673GR Wireless N gigabit router
If you haven't seen enough of TRENDnet here at CES, you haven't been looking, but for those in need of a new wireless router, these choices are certainly sights for sore eyes. The latest entry from the company here in Vegas is the TEW-673GR 300Mbps Concurrent Dual-Band Wireless N Gigabit Router. Constructed with a dual-band Atheros chipset, the device can handle both 2.4GHz and 5GHz networks simultaneously; essentially, this enables low-bandwidth clients to be assigned to the more congested 2.4GHz band while high-bandwidth, latency-sensitive applications (such as HD streaming and online gaming) head to the uncongested 5GHz band. Can't help you out on a price, but it should be filtering out in short order.
TRENDnet churns out TEW-647GA Wireless N gaming adapter
Not quite sure what makes this "gaming router" so suitable for you "gamers" out there, but TRENDnet's a firm believer that its CES-announced TEW-647GA is ready and willing to handle those online deathmatches. Though not nearly as minuscule as the TEW-654TR, this 300Mbps 802.11b/g/n router promises a lag-free connection (provided that your broadband connection is worth a darn) and simple setup with PCs and all manners of game consoles. Check it someday after today for some price greater than a penny.
TRENDnet produces world's smallest Wireless N travel router
Looking to drag that 802.11n connectivity with you to even the zaniest of places? Those newly implemented baggage rules totally cramping your style? Enter TRENDnet's TEW-654TR, a 300Mbps Wireless N Travel Router kit which is supposedly small enough to slip completely away into the average front pocket. The device only has a LED indicator, 10/100Mbps Ethernet port, a MIMO antenna and an AC socket. No price is mentioned, but don't count on the sticker being proportionally small.
Netgear launches WNR2000 / DGN2000 Wireless-N routers
Netgear, we're here to tell you it's been far, far too long since you threw any new 802.11n gear our way, so we're pretty stoked to see a few new pieces roll out today. The outfit is formally introducing the WNR2000 Wireless-N router and DGN2000 Wireless-N router with built-in DSL modem this morning, both of which boast the company's own Push 'N' Connect with Wi-Fi Protected Setup to eliminate the need to remember those pesky network security passwords. Both units are available in kit form as well, which sees a USB wireless adapter bundled in just in case your rig is operating sans an 802.11n WiFi module. Everything is available now for anywhere between $89 and $129.
Netgear rolls out Wireless-N Upgrade Kit
Netgear looks to be doing its part to bring every last home network into the Wireless-N fold, with the company now rolling out its appropriately-named Wireless-N Upgrade Kit, which includes a 5GHz Wireless-N HD Access Point (WNHDE111) and that RangeMax Dual-Band Wireless-N USB adapter (WNDA3100) that made an appearance at the FCC earlier this year. Like most such kits, the included Access Point can function either as a standalone bridge (including with a game console or media receiver) or as a full-fledged 5GHz Wireless-N access point when it's connected to an existing router or gateway. There's also not many surprises with the USB adapter, although it does boast some "patented metamaterial micro-antennas," which promise to out-do other non-metamaterial 802.11n adapters. If that's got you sold, you can pick up the kit right now for $149.[Via BIOS]
ASUS USB-N11 Wireless N USB adapter ships with EZLink
We'll admit, ASUS has us scratching our noggins on this one. Just last month, the outfit coaxed us into believing that EZLink was simply its way of saying DisplayLink. Now, however, it seems that it's a blanket term being used anytime ASUS "simplifies" something. Whatever the case may be, the outfit has introduced its newest Wireless N USB adapter, the USB-N11. Sporting integrated support for Mac, Windows and Linux-based computers, this draft-N compliant device also features a WPS (WiFi Protected Setup) button -- this is where the EZLink comes in -- that "allows users to setup a protected networking environment with ease." Per usual, there's no mention of a price or release date, so it's on you to keep an eye out for it to land anytime, anywhere.[Via I4U News]
D-Link launches Quadband DIR-855 Wireless N Router
Perpetual HD media streaming and online deathmatches got your current router in a bind? D-Link's looking to solve said quandary by introducing the Quadband DIR-855 Wireless N Router, which quite simply "supports true concurrent 802.11n transmission over both 2.4GHz and 5GHz channels at the same time." Granted, you'll need a wireless chipset capable of detecting both 2.4GHz and 5GHz channels or either the company's own DWA-160 USB adapter to take advantage, but we suppose that's the price you pay for being able to "segregate your network by application." You'll also find 5 gigabit Ethernet ports for those times when only wires will suffice, and the OLED display up top keeps things flashy, too. Expect this one to land in May for a stiff £169.99 ($337).[Via TrustedReviews]
Netgear's WNDA3100 RangeMax Dual Band Wireless-N USB adapter spotted in FCC
Nothing too earth-shattering here, but it seems that those in the market for a dual band Wireless-N USB adapter could benefit from holding off just a wee bit longer. Netgear's forthcoming WNDA3100 has found its way into the FCC's doors, and while it doesn't look to speak with aliens or any other fancy stuff, it does support WEP and WPA / WPA2. Way too excited about this thing? Hit up the read link for test photos and a preliminary user's manual -- that ought to quell your inexplicable curiosity, right?
Linksys gets pretty with draft 802.11n home networking gear
Linksys is keeping us busy with their new Ultra RangePlus family of home networking gear. Announced are the draft 802.11n Gigabit Router ($130 WRT310N, pictured), the draft-N Broadband Router ($100 WRT160N), and a trio of Dual-Band draft-N products including a USB Notebook Adapter ($80 WUSB600N), an ExpressCard Adapter ($80 WEC600N), and new Gaming Adapter ($90 WGA600N). The WRT310N and WRT160N both feature new un-Linksys designs with a dumbed-down, flash-based user interface and enhanced RangePlus internal antenna to keep the clutter down. The dual-band gear split the load between 5GHz (HD streaming or gaming) and 2.4GHz (everything else). The WGA600N, WUSB600N and WEC600N will be available soon, the others now.
