Hawking HWU8DD Hi-Gain USB Wireless-G Dish Adapter
by Hawking Technology
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Our Price: $174.99 Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days Buy Used: from $54.99 (click here) Category: CE See more product details |
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Customers in the UK,
Buy this product at amazon.co.uk
for British Pounds
Digital Cameras Photo Reviews of Hawking HWU8DD Hi-Gain USB Wireless-G Dish Adapter
Customer Review: This thing actually works!
Summary: 5 Stars
So I was a little bit skeptical that this would improve signal receptivity (thought you could only boost range from the source of the wireless transmission), but thought I would give it a try before calling the local cable company to shell out $50 a month. Even the guy at the local Best Buy told me that these things don't work and it would be a waste of time, but I figured I would give it a shot (and see for myself), and that in the worst case I could always return it (so little downside risk). Well as others have mentioned, it surprisingly picked up lots of other signals that my internal laptop card could not previously see. Needless to say, I no longer need to call the cable company as this pays for itself in less than 2 months! Note: For Vista users, you have to download the drivers from their website (don't use the included CD)...for some reason the signal meter on the unit doesn't seem to work (it always shows full signal strength regardless if it's connected or not) but the unit still works. Very satisfied and recommend you to try it before paying for Internet service!Customer Review: Just Plain Works
Summary: 5 Stars
I was recently in a situation where I needed to reach a signal that was just barely out of range. After struggling with several different adapters that I own I went and acquired the Dish Adapter. The software installed easily with no problem. I tried it with two different computers. I was able to attach to signals that previously I could see but not reach or previously not even see.
From now on this device is going with me when I travel, particularly when camping. A lot of RV parks offer a wireless link, but many times it is very hard to connect to. I think this device will be just the solution I am looking for.
It worked better than my internal adapter, and better than an external adapter that I had. The software gives you a good reading on the strength of nearby signals.
I wonder whether the reviewers who were negative were using the same device.
Customer Review: Goodbye, Comcast!
Summary: 5 Stars
I live in the Lincoln Square neighborhood of Chicago and about 200 ft. away the local library which is a public wifi hotspot. One day after paying my totally inflated cable internet bill I got to thinking about tapping into the free wifi service and telling Comcast to shove it. I started here at Amazon researching several products and this one moved to the top of my list. I ordered it and when it was delivered I connected it to my desktop and placed it my window overlooking the library. It grabbed the signal perfectly and with a consistant four to five bars of strength. Within a few minutes (installation was easy and user-friendly) I was surfing and downloading at the same rate I was through Comcast. I cancelled my cable that very day and haven't regretted it once. FREE public internet access from my home thanks to this little jem of a product and the wonderful city of Chicago!Customer Review: Easy as toast - if you broadcast your SSID
Summary: 5 Stars
At first I couldn't get the dish to co-operate...it just wouldn't recognize my wireless router even though it was sitting next to it. Finally I turned on the 'broadcast SSID' option of the router and the little dish sprang to life.
I took it with me on my way to work in a small town hoping to find an open network (hotspot). I wasn't disappointed and soon located a network 'Angeline'. However with the directional antennae I soon found out that it wasn't a business broadcasting an open network, it was the private residence next door! 'Angeline' turned out to be the sister-in-law of a colleague of mine (I told you it was a small town)who hadn't enabled her wireless network security options.
All up? A great product that works as advertised (if you turn on the SSID...a detail not mentioned in the instructions)
Customer Review: Fabulous Device!
Summary: 5 Stars
Not sure why the performance of this great little antenna has been rated poorly in some of the other reviews. Works great for me. I'm in a friend's guesthouse at the moment (and no, I'm not Kato Kaelin). I was previously lucky to even pick up a signal from the main house and I only received the weakest signals from two of the neighbors. Not only am I online at lightning speed from my friend's router, but I'm also picking up 11 other signals from around the neighborhood. As others have mentioned, the device is a little bulky and takes up about 4"x4"x4" when folded down, so it's a bit awkward to carry about in a notebook case, but I'll just have to find room in my suitcase for this electronic marvel. I own a motorhome and this should be great in RV Parks which typically have terrible wifi set-ups.