Hawking H-AI6SI

Pros: looks cool
Cons: doesn't work which makes it dumb

I just purchased one of these antennas. After opening the box I was quietly confident that this thing was going to be the answer to my limp signal lameness. To be honest I started to worry that the antenna was going to be so good that it would send ...

Pros: Easy to install, somewhat effective depending on circumstances, available for cheap
Cons: Not as effective as might be desired

I snagged this from Micro Center for cheap. It was being clearanced and was also an open/returned item. I have an SMC 2804WBR router and had to spend a few minutes trying to guess which antenna was the 802.11b/g and which one was 802.11a. My problem ...

Pros: Extremely easy to install. No software downloads/upgrades required. Greatly increases operating range within minutes.
Cons: I have not experienced any so far.

For several months I have been plagued by poor performance on my wireless router. I was not getting anywhere near the suggested operating range of my US Robotics 8022 wireless router. Again, poor return policies kept me from returning the router and eating the cost of another router. After several months of trying to find a suitable alternative, I found the Hawking H-AI6SI antenna. I went out on a limb and purchased one. Literally within minutes after receiving the antenna, my laptop was operating at peak wireless efficiency throughout my 2-story house. I was getting "very good" status reports as I carried my laptop around the house to test the new range. I was even able to get good status outside! This antenna is as simple as it gets! There is no software. All I had to do was disconnect one of my wireless router antennas and connect the Hawking Antenna and my wireless woes were over. Again, I have already recommended this product to friends in the office.

Pros: Easy install, consistant signal strength, improved overall signal
Cons: Not a miracle worker

This antenna is an improvement over many of the standard antenna include by the manufacturers routers. First it is taller and has its own stand. The 12" cable allows you to place it away from the router and in an unobstructed place. I have mine on the second floor in central room on the backside of the house. This provides adequate single to the second floor and bothsides of the house. Signal stength from Good to Very Good 54Mbps throughput on a Wireless G.
The steady signal allows many wireless cards sync and work more effortlessly.
I've appreciated having this antenna. Its alittle pricey for what it is but you use it everyday so why not....
Remember from my experience it won't overcome being in a basement, or passing thru a wall with metal reinforcement, it'll boost from a low Good to a solid very good on a well placed router.