StarTech.com's Wi-Fi Detector Reviewed

**breley** · 09-03-07, 07:37 AM

Reviewed by Bryan Eley (breley), Reviewer for Aximsite/Mobilitysite

Product: Wi-Fi Detector (with built-in display) On site, StarTech refers to the device as:
Wi-Fi Detective: Wi-Fi Finder with LCD
StarTech.com ID: WIFIDETG
Manufacturer: StarTech.com
Price: $74.99 (USD)

Wireless Access Point, Wireless Access Point, wherefore art thou, Wireless Access Point?
Need to sniff out a nearby hotspot? Want to be a nearby hotspot? Mobile workers, students and casual users rejoice! StarTech.com has a device for you, the Wi-Fi Detector with a built-in (LCD) display. Slightly larger than the typical USB memory stick it can easily fit into a pocket for those times when hauling out a laptop or other mobile device and spending time looking for a hotspot isn’t convenient.

To read the rest of the review, click here.

**Rishad** · 09-03-07, 08:24 PM

Nice little gadget! This would be very useful as a WiFi adapter for those who don't have one built-in.

kparikh82276 · 09-04-07, 12:24 AM

I'm thinking of the price. What is the difference between this device and your phone or pda scanning for wifi?

I mean that's what i would use it for. In fact i think that's what i do currently just to find signals. If i do i use my pda, but i do have an option to get my computer out.

What say you?

why would i want to spend 74 dollars?

**breley** · 09-04-07, 07:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kparikh82276

I'm thinking of the price. What is the difference between this device and your phone or pda scanning for wifi?

I mean that's what i would use it for. In fact i think that's what i do currently just to find signals. If i do i use my pda, but i do have an option to get my computer out.

What say you?

why would i want to spend 74 dollars?

Well, I'm not sure the device was meant to necessarily supersede or replace the wi-fi scanning capability of a mobile phone or PDA per se.

My impression is that it is designed to augment a more cumbersome mobile device, such as a laptop or even perhaps a tablet. The Wi-Fi Detector's real strength is its abilty to switch on and locate APs in about 10 seconds or so and its relative portability and convenience vis-à-vis other such devices.

For a someone fully comfortable with the wi-fi scanning ability/tools of their phone or PDA, the Detector likely may not suit their needs. Since such devices already have some wi-fi detection ability, the question is really then price and convenience. Is having a small USB memory-stick-sized unit to locate hotspots for you worth $75 given your smartphone/PDA can already do it?

Let's say you're using the Detector and you find a hotspot. In order to use that hotspot, you now have to bring out your mobile device, enable wifi, scan for the detected locations again, and then associate with them. So, in that scenario, it might not make sense to use the device given you are essentially performing a redundant function: you've detected a hotspot, but then must redetect said hotspot again with your mobile device in order to use it.

However, it might make sense for a table or notebook user (especially if its an 802.11b device since the Detector is 802.11g capable when used as a network adapter) since you'd have to haul out the larger device, power it up, log it, then run the wireless scanning capability of the internal 802.11x network card, if one exists.

Does that make sense?

**Chris Leckness** · 09-04-07, 08:27 AM

Great Review

**breley** · 09-04-07, 08:57 AM

Thanks, Boss!