Customer Reviews: Read 78 more reviews...
 excellent item November 24, 2008
Good product, about a 5' cord, I put it in the window and aim it to get networks.
Wonderful little device November 23, 2008
I received this item only 2 days after ordering with super-saver shipping. Very impressed. I first installed the software on my laptop (no problems at all), then plugged in USB, instantly it found the network and I was surfing. Then installed the software on the desktop (again no problems) and plugged in the USB, and just as quick had the network. The desktop had never had any high-speed connection (ie, wireless card etc...). Very impressed with the ease of use for the unit. I would highly recommend this item for the price.
 Well, that was a complete waste of time. November 11, 2008
0 out of 1 found this review helpful
I have my main computer stuff, including my internet cable in the basement, and a workstation in the family room on the upper level. The family room workstation is wireless, and communicates with an SMB Barricade router with a little SMC USB wireless adapter.
I've often wondered if I could ever get a signal above the 70% range on a good night, or above 60% on a good day, so I bought one of these.
I had configured my little network to use WPA along with a shared passphrase. I also use encryption. So, quite the secure little connection.
To make a long evening short, this thing does WPA, but only with three particular connection protocols that require user ids, passwords, and certificates (I believe they're TLS, TTLS, and PEAP). This is far more complicated than just the shared passphrase approach that my SMC adaptor uses. I just can't come up with all that on my little peer-to-peer home network.
Furthermore, this dish device never registered above 70% for any length of time, so it really didn't even do much better than the adapter it was meant to replace.
Yes, I called their 24/7 tech support and got someone offshore who tried to help, but after a lot of steps and me telling him to say things over and over so I could understand him, never quite figured out this simple thing that I have.
So, I guess I'll package it up and put it on the shelf where it will sit until I sell it or give it to someone. What a waste of time.
 patience is really required October 22, 2008
This did solve a problem with a wireless connection in a hard to reach part of the house (far away and behind a fireplace) - BUT installation required two long calls to tech support--who were pretty darn good. If you have X-P Pro as your operating system the installation CD is not going to work at all so just be prepared to make the calls to get help downloading the software drivers. And be sure to call the toll-free number on the printed insert not to the number in the booklet.
And also plan to get a longer USB cable with the small camera type fitting at one end to give you the flexibility to place the antenna where it will get the best reception. It is very sensitive to small adjustments and has a series of blue diodes that light up as the signal strength increases. Cute and quite fragile so be careful how you handle the antenna!
So yes, it takes some time and will require patience, but it sure does work well for me and perhaps for you. No more dropped sessions (so far)!
What a deal. Wish I had done this a year or two ago!
Factory Screw-up October 18, 2008
0 out of 1 found this review helpful
I got this and it seemed like the right item. The box packaging was for HWU8DD, then opened it, tried to use it, and WHOOPS! Looks like Hawking decided to put the model HWU8DDA. Mac only model! However the packaging said "Windows Vista" the drivers say "Windows Vista" and the loose paper said "Windows Vista", however the HWU8DDA is NOT PC compatible. Lovely! I'm now stuck with a $60 worthless device. Or maybe I'll convert to Mac after 20 years, just to use this.....
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