Sep 23 2004

Intego WiFi Locator

This WiFi Locater has a few key features the mobile Mac user will find useful. First of all, it is small. Rather than clutter my key chain, I used the provided lanyard to attach it to my backpack. According to the documentation, this locater can weed out microwaves and cordless phones that fool other finders. I wasn’t able to prove them wrong.

I tested mine out on a college campus. Not only did it find networks, its directional nature and strength indicator let me know where to park it to get best reception. Due to the nature of 802.11 signals (and their bouncing) these hot spots within hot spots aren’t always where you’d expect them.

From experience I knew the networks on campus were 802.11b, so I tried the locater out at home on my exclusively 802.11g network. It worked there as well. Very nice. What’s more, the bright LEDs are pretty visible even in direct sunlight. What I have yet to perfect is scanning without looking like I’m from the bomb squad. I’ll keep working on it.

Weaknesses? I have yet to see a WiFi detector that can differentiate between open and closed networks, or that can differentiate between b and g. These features would be nice, but will take time to find their way into a detector. This device could be smaller too, but I think these functions are largely a function of the technology and will improve.

The verdict? A keeper. It is not expensive, and for WiFi regulars its a lifesaver.

…and now for something completely different.

• August 22, 2002 -- Jaguar Upgrade Journal
• April 27, 2009 -- Finding Stuff
• May 12, 2007 -- 1Passwd 2.4 (code name Universal Login) is now available
• July 4, 2003 -- On the Wires with IRC

By admin • Reviews • 0