Kensington WiFi Finder

by Kensington

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 7 x 2.7 x 8.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.1 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• ASIN: B0000A55F4
• Item model number: 33063
• Average Customer Review: 1.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (22 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #48,913 in Electronics (See Top 100 in Electronics)
• Date first available at Amazon.com: June 20, 2003

Product Description

From the Manufacturer

Your life on the road just got a lot easier. With the first and only WiFi detector on the market today, 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. No software or computer needed.

Features and Benefits

• The only WiFi detector on the market today
• Completely hassle free -- no more booting up your notebook to find a WiFi signal
• Detects most available WiFi networks with the press of a button
• Three lights indicate signal strength
• Compact and lightweight - fits in your pocket.
• Detects 802.11b and most 802.11b/g signals from up to 200 feet away
• Filters out other wireless signals, including cordless phones, microwave ovens and Bluetooth networks
• No software or computer required

Product Description

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. No software or computer needed. The sleek, compact design allows you to slip it into a pocket, or attach it to a carrying case.Packaging: Retail Pkg

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

63 of 64 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Very expensive key fob, September 12, 2003

By 

Sheldon (Aspen, CO United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Kensington WiFi Finder (Personal Computers)

Save your money. I install wireless systems for a living, and thought this would be a great tool to check installations without having to use my notebook computer. I tried it about 30 feet from the source and it worked, so I began to wander away from the source to see how far I could get. First, it's almost impossible to see in daylight, and second, it pooped out way before my notebook computer connection did. I mean, WAY before. The Wi-Fi Finder showed no signal, yet my notebook still showed an excellent signal with all bars lit.

I then tried it in the room the wireless router is located, and no lights came on at all. I was right next to the access point and got no response. Plus, when it does work it takes almost as long to register a signal as it does to bootup your notebook.

Bottom line: If you think this device is going to save you the time of opening up your notebook computer you are sadly mistaken. Its readings are so false, especially on the negative side, it's pretty much worthless.

In Kensington's defense, they told me they are changing the firmware to improve the product, but they didn't give me a date as to when these new units will ship. So, until then, this thing is just an expensive key fob.

50 of 52 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Don't...Not at all worth it., August 5, 2003

By 

K. Karlenzig "DK Mann" (windy city) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Kensington WiFi Finder (Personal Computers)

This product seems to have great potential but in the end it is a great disappointment. Press the button and try to guess if it's actually working, it's hard to tell what it is doing. I tried using it at several locations, including my home where I have an excellent signal. It did not pick up a signal 9 times out of 10.
Even if it did work, the 3 LEDs are barely adequate and absolutely unreadable outside in daylight. It is also flimsy feeling.
Don't waste your time and money on this.

16 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Not Worth the money, April 22, 2004

By 

Thomas B. Wright "Blair Wright" (Woodstock, Maryland USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Kensington WiFi Finder (Personal Computers)

This device is advertised to find networks from up to 200 feet but you will be lucky to break 50 feet. The LED lights are also very hard to see under daylight conditions