GeekZone Reviews the WiFlyer Wireless Access Point + Dial-Up Modem

[Ekkie Tepsupornchai]

<div class='os_post_top_link'><a href='http://www.geekzone.co.nz/content.asp?ContentId=5647' target='_blank'>http://www.geekzone.co.nz/content.a...?ContentId=5647</a><br /><br /></div><i>"The WiFlyer is a Wireless LAN access point, and a very interesting device. Because of its small size and weight it can be packed on a road warrior's travel kit for use in those hotels with broadband but very uncomfortable chairs. In addition to being a wireless access point, the WiFlier also has an ethernet adapter, so you can plug a non-wireless capable computer directly to the small box. But what is really interesting is its ability to connect to a phone line and dial-up to your ISP, as a modem - a wireless modem for that matter. It comes with a built-in V.92/V.90 compatible modem, with digital PBX protection, as an alternative connection."</i><br /><br /><img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/2003/ekkie_geekzone_wiflyer_review.jpg" /><br /><br />I still recall the <a href="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=32505">original news</a> about this device; its diminutive size would make it such a handy tool for travelers who don't want to be tethered to a network line! Since then, cheaper pocket-sized WiFi routers have appeared and each day. So what's the appeal of this more costly unit ($130 USD)? Quite simply... the integrated dial-up modem. If you don't have access to WiFi, Ethernet, or GPRS/EVDO, you can still enjoy the internet tether-free through a dial-up connection! The only unfortunate aspect of this device is its lack of support for 802.11g (b only). So what did GeekZone think? Read on and find out!

[BevHoward]

An interesting fact is that one of the earliest AP's (the RG1000 and the Apple Airports) have this capability with everything except the ability to control it using PIE.

I have an extra RG1000 for traveling that allows me to setup in any room with, or without ethernet and provides connectivity for both the ppc and laptop... the only downside is when it's necessary to toggle between ethernet and dialup, the laptop has to be used to execute the toggle and enter the phone number.

Have been hoping that someone would port one of the many thirrd party utilities which have been written for these units to a ppc... there are a lot of the old units around for cheap.

[mmidgley]

> The only unfortunate aspect of this device is its lack of support for 802.11g (b only).

who cares if you don't have 11g if your ISP connection is dialup? yes, you could be using a broadband connection, but the whole point of having both is because there's a somewhat significant percent of the time spent on dialup. the only other argument for 11g is for local network performance (wireless device to wireless device speed). but i don't think this device targets that situation. personally if i can't access broadband or a cellular connection method, I'd rather not be connected (for personal use) or for business use I'd just tell the boss its not worth the time (he'll get his data when he sends me somewhere less remote)...

m.

[beq]

I've bought three of the WiFlyer (for myself and globe-trotting family members), and it's worked great. It's always in my laptop bag...

I would call it a wireless router/NAT (not just WAP).