Asus Computer 802.11B 2.4GHZ TO 11MBPS-MARVELL MOB ACCESS POINT ( WL-330 )

Rating:
Summary: Like Something "Q" would give James Bond
Review: Okay, maybe not James Bond-cool, but very cool nonetheless. I bought this incredibly compact wireless access point to address an inconvenience that left me stirred (though not shaken): Accessing high speed internet at most hotels tied me to the desk when I prefer to sit in bed or move around. I missed the wireless mobility I take for granted at my home and office. The WL-330 really is as small as a deck of playing cards, though lighter in weight than the deck. Now, I can plug the WL-330 into the high speed connection on the desk and enjoy the same mobility I'm used to, via a secure connection. But that's not all. I can also share a single high speed connection with colleagues (in a conference room or other place where only a single network cable is available). An enterprising soul might even be able to re-sell access at the Starbucks and make a profit!

Want more coolness? The WL-330 access point can be powered by the supplied tiny A/C power supply or with a supplied USB cable. USB power means you can create a wireless network "cloud" anywhere, even on an airplane. Imagine playing a game head-to-head at 30,000 feet, first class versus coach. I suppose you could even find a collaborative business purpose, too.

But, that's still not all. This gagdget is also a signal repeater for wireless networks so, when I'm in, say, New York, and I can latch onto a free connection at the hotel windowsill but not elsewhere, now I can amplify that weak signal and save on hotel high speed access charges. And if none of this is enough, the WL-330 functions as a USB wireless network interface, allowing anyone with a USB port to access any available wireless network.

To its credit, the manufacturer, ASUS, not only supplies all cables and good documentation, they also furnish a nifty little travel case custom fitted for the device, power supply and cables. I was impressed that they even furnished a diagram detailing how to pack the travel case. Now, that's attention to detail! I just wish my computer case came with similar instructions so I'd know what all those pockets and loops were designed to hold.

Bottom line: It works. It's perfectly portable. It's reasonably priced. It's even available in an 802.11G version for a few bucks more, but the 802.11B version (WL-330) does more of the slicing and dicing I describe above, for less.

Craig Ball is an attorney and certified computer forensic examiner based in Montgomery, Texas, who teaches and consults with attorneys and the courts on matters of computer forensics and electronic discovery.