Wi-Fire Powerful Signal Extender

         

The Wi-Fire is a gadget for business and recreational travelers who require access to a wireless network.  Connected to and powered by a computer via a USB cable, the Wi-Fire features a powerful directional wireless antenna, sensitive receiver, and proprietary software to access Wi-Fi signals up to 1,000 feet away. With typical internal wireless adapters having a limited range the Wi-Fire will certainly prevent those dropped signal scenarios that people are often plagued by with wireless connections.
The Wi-Fire is extremely easy to use and is compatible with computers running Windows XP or Vista or on Macs running OS X 10.3 or higher. Simply attach the Wi-Fire to your computer, plug it in, install the software, and then allow the Wi-Fire Connection Manager to determine the optimal angle of orientation for the strongest signal.
Wireless Specifications:

- IEEE 802.11 b/g protocols
- Frequency Range: 2.421 Ghz – 2.4835 Ghz
- Channels: US – 11 channels; Rest of World – 13 channels
- Transmit Power: +16.5dBm
- Antenna Gain: +10.4 dBi
- Minimum Receive Power: -98 dBm

System Requirements

- Windows XP or Vista
- Mac OS X 10.3 and up (Including 10.5 Leopard)
- Linux for Kernels 2.6.24 and forward
- Available USB 2.0 or 1.1 port (1.1 will limit speeds to 11 Mbps)

Security

- 64/128/256 bit WEP
- 128 bit WPA, WPA2 (AES-256 bit)

Data Rate

- 802.11g: 6, 9, 12, 18, 24, 36, 48, 54 Mbps
- 802.11b: 1, 2, 5.5, 11 Mbps

Power Requirements

- 5V DC (from USB port)
The only downside to the Wi-Fire is its not the most beautifully designed wireless networking gadget, nevertheless if it allows you to pick up a signal when others around you cant then I could live with it, couldnt you?
Manufactured by hField Technologies, the Wi-Fire is priced at $80.