Edimax EW-7317LDg Signal Detector/USB Adapter

The Edimax Signal Detector isn't just a perfectly good 802.11b/g wireless adapter, but the backlit screen delivers a wealth of information about wireless networks in range. You instantly see the SSID, the kind of security (if any), signal strength, channel and whether or not the wireless network is 802.11b or 802.11g - and all this is produced at a glance. There's a lithium ion battery inside that recharges whenever the adapter is plugged into a system, so you don't even need to worry about battery life. Its wireless capabilities are admittedly wasted in modern notebooks, but the detector function is very useful when searching for a quick online hit. And the price is attractive too.

Author: Dave Stevenson