Joseph Moran

Product: WNHDEB111 HD/Gaming 5 GHz Wireless -N Networking KitPrice: $199 (MSRP)Pros: Easy setup; works with existing Wi-Fi hardware; 5 GHz provides more channels and less interferenceCons: Expensive; only two devices can be networked without adding a separate switch If you’ve got networked audio/visual devices like game consoles, set-top boxes or other devices that require speedy […]

Wi-Firewww.hfield.com/wifire.htmPrice: $79.00Pros: high-gain directional antenna can make usable connections from weak signals; uses USB connection and offers XP/Vista/Mac OS X supportCons: expensive; chunky; cumbersome mounting bracket Almost any notebook built within the last five years has (or at least had as an available option) a Wi-Fi adapter tucked somewhere within the bowels of the system […]

Its spring again, the time of the year again when students, diplomas in hand, head out in search of employment—or more education. What better way to reward a hard-working graduate than with the gift of wireless technology? For some ideas, check out the following products, which we’ve listed in escalating order of price. Starbucks Card, […]

When it comes time to buy a mobile phone, many people opt for the PDA-like features of a smartphone over a standard model. Smartphones become even more useful when paired with a mobile data plan that provides Internet access over a cellular carrier’s network. The catch is that mobile data plans can cost a bundle, […]

There’s no two ways about it—passwords can be a pain in the…well, you know. Most people would avoid dealing with them if they could and thus engage in some bad password habits, like creating overly simplistic passwords (plus using the same password for everything) and failing to change default passwords. On your broadband router, there […]

In Part 1 of our small-business networking story, we talked about the various parts that comprise a basic network. Now it’s time to discuss a wireless network (or WLAN, for Wireless Local Area Network), which serves the same purpose as a wired one: to link a group of computers. Because a wireless doesn’t require costly […]

Price: $279 (with two-year service subscription at $14.95 a month) Pros: easy to use Linux OS with all software applications pre-installed and configured; automatic updates, data backup, and remote access included in monthly subscription Cons: limited support for peripheral devices and/or your own software; no cheaper than an entry-level Windows notebook after factoring in two […]

Today’s smartphones designs generally fall into one of two categories. You’ve basically got the traditional vertically-oriented (aka portrait mode) handset, as well as the kind that also functions in a two-handed horizontal (landscape) mode with a concealed keyboard. This latter style is often favored by those that tend to do a lot of text entry […]

Even the most dedicated and hard-working businessperson can’t be at work 24/7. And for some small business owners, it’s often necessary to use technology to be their eyes and ears when they’re not around—technology like the $400 Linksys Wireless-G Business Internet Video Camera with Audio (model WVC2300). Hardware Features The WVC2300 is a box-style camera […]

Now that the holidays are over, you may be lucky enough to find yourself in possession of shiny new handheld game consoles — either a Sony PSP or a Nintendo DS. These devices can, of course, be used for solo gaming, and their Wi-Fi support allows for ad-hoc connections to other nearby devices for head-to-head […]

Products: Meraki Mini, Meraki Outdoor URL: www.meraki.com Price: $49/$149 Mini (Standard/Pro); $99/$199 Outdoor (Standard/Pro) Pros: Easy set-up, affordable means of creating a secure, shared, scalable network. Cons: The “Editions” impose unwelcome restrictions on some users. This year has given people wanting to share access to their wireless networks (whether for altruistic motivations or simply as a way to make […]

It’s the holiday season again, the time of year when much of our attention inevitably turns to gift giving–or receiving. If you’re looking for technology items to round out your shopping list, check out our collection of Wi-Fi-enabled products (all prices listed are MSRP) for use at home, work, while traveling, or for no particular […]