WiFi detector

[dust]

Anyone know where you can get a dedicated WiFi detector locally? One created by Smart ID?



Was wardriving in Makati today and found a lot of open hotspots.

[Maverick]

This one seems good and is pretty cheap.
----------------------------------------------
Kensington Technology Group
WiFi Finder



With this WiFi detector, you no longer need to cross your fingers as you wait for your notebook to boot up. Just press a button and the Kensington WiFi Finder lets you know if your location is "hot" - instantly. Three lights indicate signal strength. The compact and lightweight design fits in your pocket. It detects most 802.11b and 802.11g signals up to 200 feet away and filters out other wireless signals, including cordless phones, microwave ovens and Bluetooth networks. No software or computer needed. What could be easier?

[dust]

I read the reviews concerning between the two and a lot of website (actually almost all of the newest ones) preffer Smart ID's solution. Kensington has a lot of issues daw.

[directX]

The Kensington is crap! Don't buy it.

The Smart ID can be bought at ThinkGeek.com. They ship overseas and accept international credit cards. I bought mine there.

[Maverick]

just curious as to why the Kensington is crap?

[berniej]

@maverick: I've seen it reviewed at TechTV's Fresh Gear and the reviewer literally threw it away in disgust. Apparently, it does a good job in detecting the presence of wi-fi signals but it doesn't say if the hotspot is "protected" or not, thus there is still a need to open up a notebook to know if the wi-fi signal is usable. It also detects those 1.2 GHz cordless phone signals and BlueTooth signals (not sure about microware ovens near it).I'm not so sure about SmartID if it shares the same weakness.

I think the ideal gadget for this (for now) is either a wi-fi enabled PDA because using it will not only detect the presence of a hotspot but it can also detect whether the hotspot is open or not. But then again, it won't be as cost effective as those dedicated wi-fi detectors

[Maverick]

thanks for the info bernie...

My iPaq 5450 has WiFi built in, which is what I use to check if I'm in a hurry if there's a signal in the area or not... hehehe..

[directX]

Smart ID vs Kensington. Also Kensington vs Smart ID.