This is a great little gadget, enabling wireless G, 54 MB/s (and backwards-compatible to the slower wireless B, 11 MB/s) access to many desktops and laptops, without having to open up your pc or laptop and risk damage and voiding your warranty. I paid $11.99 from Fry's Electronics. It's usually on sale for $9.99.

The box contains a very slim, clear dongle, with a protective cap, and an installation cd. I have also used the 3025 model, which is a dull gray unit, and somewhat larger. The 3025 model died after about a year, and this one seems more robust. The disc contains the installation software, as well as the manual, a quick install guide, and an Adobe Acrobat Reader.

Setup is pretty straightforward. You insert the disc, and the program should autorun. If not, just right-click the cd icon after opening My Computer, and select "autoplay." You may have to poke around and click on the setup file. Follow the prompts, and then later insert the dongle.

You could use Windows' wireless setup, or the included software, which I prefer. If you're having trouble connecting with one, you could always switch to the other.

After installing mine, I was presented with 5 wireless networks in my location. I easily connected to one simply by selecting it in the menu. If it's a protected network, you will have to select the type of encryption-either WEP or WPA-and enter the network key, even if it's your own network. This is simpler than it sounds. If it's an unprotected network, then this isn't necessary.

You should use Windows' wireless configuration tool to set up a wireless network. If you are networking with another computer that you have access to, you can access files in the shared folder on either, and play video or music files stored on one on the other, remotely-located computer. Refer to the included documentation for more detailed information.

I have used this product successfully on several desktops and laptops, with few or no problems. Any problems were resolved by properly naming the wireless networks with the EXACT SAME NAME on both computers, which need to be configured with Windows' wireless configuration tool, especially if you want to share files. It's extremely portable, and you could use it to set up a computer to access a wireless network at work or someone else's house in minutes, even if you have to download the driver from the web. It should be available here-- http://www.airlinkplus.com/wireless

After the software is installed, and the unit plugged in, it will flash continuously while searching for a wireless network. While connected, it will light steadily.

Performance is superb. It's USB 2.0, but backwards-compatible to 1.1. I've even used it succesfully on an ancient Toshiba 2100CDT laptop. I believe the range is advertised to be 30 feet, and I have had no problems accessing the web across a wall separating my office from a computer on the opposite wall, about 20 feet. It includes an extension cable so the built-in chip antenna can be optimally placed.


Recommended: Yes