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USB WiFi adapter claims 1,000 ft range

updated 07:35 pm EDT, Wed August 15, 2007

Bus-powered WiFi device


hField Technologies has begun shipping the Wi-Fire, a USB WiFi adapter for the Mac that purportedly allows users to to connect to a wireless networks from up to 1,000 feet, more than three times the range of Airport cards and other 802.11 adapters, at "significantly higher speeds, and even in locations where no wireless signal could be detected previously." The Wi-Fire is 3" by 4" with a 3/8" thickness, and folds up with its mounting device and USB cable for portability. It's also USB bus-powered. hField officials stated "The Wi-Fire draws very little power from your laptop battery. It comes complete with everything you need to connect wirelessly to the Internet. Just install the driver software, plug in the Wi-Fire to a USB port and you're ready to start. It can rest flat on any surface or clip securely to a laptop display or flat screen monitor." Retail price for Wi-Fire is $80 and it is available immediately.


by MacNN Staff

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  1. Guest

    Fresh-Faced Recruit

    Joined: Nov 1999

    0
    08/15, 08:07pm | report spam | Reply |

    Really just mac

    If this is just for mac how come the picture shows it running on Windows using IE6?

  1. dreamryche

    Forum Regular

    Joined: Nov 2005

    0
    08/15, 08:22pm | report spam | Reply |

    From their website:

    Will the Wi-Fire work on my computer? The Wi-Fire works on any Windows XP or Mac OS X (PPC or Intel) computer that is equipped with a standard USB port

  1. WaltFrench

    Fresh-Faced Recruit

    Joined: Jun 2003

    0
    08/16, 01:01am | report spam | Reply |

    From website "Tech Specs"

    System Requirements Windows XP

    So, maybe it DOES work w/ Vista, Mac OSX & others, but they've got me fooled.

    I use another brand "ethernet converter" with a homebrew antenna reflector on it to increase signal strength. I don't think it looks half as dorky as this gizmo stuck atop its laptop. Obviously not designed for Macs.

  1. Neil Anderson

    Fresh-Faced Recruit

    Joined: Jul 2007

    0
    08/16, 02:21am | report spam | Reply |

    potato chips

    Does this mean I can give up my Pringles homemade antenna? :)

  1. rtamesis

    Dedicated MacNNer

    Joined: Jan 2000

    0
    08/16, 02:57am | report spam | Reply |

    iPhone

    I want to see an adapter allowing it to plug into an iPhone so that I won't have to rely on EDGE when the WiFi signal is weak in the area I'm in.

  1. timmys51

    Fresh-Faced Recruit

    Joined: Apr 2008

    -1
    04/22, 01:41pm | report spam | Reply |

    Be carful when purchasing

    Be carful when purchasing Wi-Fire, it won't work for me and I have sent them 4 emails and left 2 phone messages (no one ever answers the phone)trying to get a return number and they won't respond. It's starting to look like I've been had.

    Tim

  1. robert7

    Fresh-Faced Recruit

    Joined: Jan 2010

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    01/08, 06:42pm | report spam | Reply |

    Cheaper model with 802.11n

    This one has 802.11n, an external antenna+antenna port, all for $30 less!
    http://www.macnn.com/articles/09/12/03/extends.80211n.wireless.signals/

    And best of all, built just for Macs!

  1. alterseekers

    Fresh-Faced Recruit

    Joined: Nov 2010

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    11/05, 03:07pm | report spam | Reply |

    wifi alternatives

    Having that far of a range comes with the question of whether the connection would be stable as far as 1000 ft. Not to mention the compatibility of the device with other WiFi devices. In a home network, I'd rather prefer setting it up with a normal wireless router, and a bunch of WiFi adapters. Speaking of WiFi adapters, check out Netgear's Universal WiFi Internet Adapter. With this device, you can wirelessly connect most internet-ready devices such as HDTVs, Blu-ray players, gaming consoles, and more. It's perfect for building a wireless network in your very own home. For additional info on the Netgear Universal WiFi Internet Adapter, check out this site: http://bit.ly/bByST7. Enjoy!

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