October 9 - 9:25pm EDT   Hawking Technologies has begun shipping the HWREN1 Hi-Gain Wireless-300N Range Extender. The device takes the signal from any 802.11b/g/n access point or router and tr-transmits it at a higher rate, claimed to double the effective distance on a wireless network. Users can place the HWREN1 at the midpoint between the original access point and the area with poor connectivity. A setup wizard helps users configure the system by automatically detecting all nearby wireless networks. [full story]

May 22 - 2:15am EDT   HD Communications Corp has introduced a wireless network extender system that allows users to bridge a WiFi up to five miles. The $318 HD26200 system, which requires direct line of sight, is a complete outdoor wireless network bridge in the 802.11 b/g 2.4GHz band that uses two high performance Ubiquiti network radios with integrated 17dbi dual polarity antennas. The HD26200 bridge is powered over ethernet, allowing a single outdoor CAT5 cable to bring both data and power to the radios. [full story]

April 22 - 11:05pm EDT   3K Computers today unveiled the Longitude 400 Mini Notebook, an ultraportable that features a 7 inch LCD and full size keyboard in a 2 pound design. The Longitude features a 400Mhz single-core processor, with 512MB of RAM and a 4GB internal flash drive for data storage. 3K also provides 802.11b/g wireless connectivity, and a 10/100 Ethernet port for networking. The Longitude 400 is available directly from 3K Computers for $400. [full story]

March 28 - 6:55pm EDT   Berkeley Varitronics Systems today unveiled remote management software for the Yellowjacket 802.11a/b/g/n WiFi Analyzer receiver. BVS calls the software Remote Manager, which creates comprehensive Excel- and PDF-formatted data reports for various time periods to provide a temporal overview of any 802.11x wireless network, as well as suspicious 2.4 or 5Ghz sources of interference. BVS is selling Remote Manager for $1150, and is available directly from the company. [full story]

January 15 - 10:10am EST   Silex Technology today announced the SX-2000WG+ USB device server (site not updated, similar product shown at right) with isochronous data transfer support. The SX-2000WG+ allows multiple Mac and PC users to easily share streaming video and audio USB devices like webcams or speakers over an 802.11b/g wireless network or an Ethernet wired network. The device also supports virtually all other types of USB devices, according to Silex, and uses the SX Virtual Link software to provide transparent network access to USB devices. Priced at $150, the SX-2000WG+ is slated for shipment this month. [full story]

December 10 - 3:05pm EST   Rokland recently unveiled the RokAir WiFi USB adaptor for Macs using OS 10.3 or higher. The RokAir is billed as an Airport alternative, and uses 802.11b and g to communicate with routers. Rokland says that users can expect to see a 100- to 200-foot area of reception from the device, which is flash drive-shaped and simply plugs in to a vacant USB port. The Rokair comes with a built-in heatsink, so that it can be used for long periods of time without overheating. Rokland is selling the adaptor for $30, plus shipping, and is available now. [full story]