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Introduction
eZonics is a company that we had no idea existed until our visit to last
year's CES expo in Las Vegas. Keeping in touch with their PR department
proved to be a rather fun experience, as the company seems intent on delivering
new and dynamic products to consumers - which is really the heart of what
we do here (review the latest in technology so consumers can stay on top
of the ever changing world of technology). We were lucky enough to catch
2 products that haven't even been released as of the publishing date of
this review, but nevertheless, represent fantastic value to consumers
that will definitely intrigue consumers into checking out this company
and what they have to offer.
Airlink & Airdrive pro
The AirLink is a Wireless LAN 11Mbps USB Adapter that looks just like
a thumbdrive. It's small, compact, and very sleek. There's no huge bells
and whistles here, no difficult internal installation, and no painful
manual to drag through. It simply connects into your USB plug into your
computer and you have wireless network access. That simple ... all for
a street price around $39.99.
The AirDrive Pro is the souped up big-brother of the AirLink.
Also a Wireless LAN 11Mbps USB Adapter, it also acts as a 128 MB Flash
Memory stick! So think about it, not only is it a handy tool for networking
up a computer, but it holds 128MB of information! What a fantastic combination!
At the price point of $79.99 it seems like a great deal. Just today in
fact I was visiting a large consumer electronics store (rhymes with Ties
Felectronics) and saw a similar thumbdrive type device that was ONLY a
128MB flash memory USB type-thing that ran for $69.99 ... so with this
device at only $10 more you get a wireless network connector. Amazing.
Installation
Alright alright - we all
know that wireless networking is a pain most of the time. Rarely does
it all work correctly right away and without hassle ... and man installing
those drivers? Whoo! A pain indeed.
Fortunately, eZonics included the CD-ROM and a small instruction
book on how to install this sucker. Why a small instruction book? Well,
I'm not sure who could install a USB device in wrong (gee, I thought it
plugged into the serial port!! Why won't it work!?!) but I'm sure someone
out there has. Anyways, both devices installed with ease, and the 128MB
flash memory AirDrive Pro can be installed on any XP machine without the
use of drivers (it is recommended for the wireless networking that you
use the included driver set). It's that easy and interfaced with the D-Link
802.11 a/b wireless access point with no problems.
Facts
The Info on the AirLink...
- USB 1.1 external connectivity
- Hardware-based 40/64 and 128-bit WEP encryption
- Automatic rate fallback lets you move extended
distances without losing connectivity
- Attractive, compact pocketknife-sized design
- Windows 98SE/ ME/2000/XP support
The Info on the AirDrive Pro...
- USB 1.1 external connectivity
- Data Rate : 11, 5.5, 2, 1 Mbps with automatic fall back
- Hardware-based 40/64 and 128-bit WEP encryption
- 128 MB built-in internal flash memory
- Attractive, compact pocketknife-sized design
- Cover-type high-gain monopole antenna( +2dBi )
- Windows 98SE/ ME/2000/XP support
Value and Usefulness
For $39.99, getting an 802.11b USB networking device
is a decent deal. We think that the AirDrive Pro which includes the 128MB
of memory is probably the better value to consumers because it so easily
fits in your pocket or other carrying case (purse, pocket protector, inside
jacket pocket, wherever ...). It's a great way to get data from one place
to another without using a ridiculous ZIP drive or taking a long time
to email 100MB of information over the net. It's a very handy tool to
connect up wireless networking computers without having to take apart
the whole thing and at the price, it's a real deal.
Overall Impressions
Both these products impressed us here at NextGen. We've seen a similar
product to the AirLink, but not the AirDrive Pro. Both devices worked
well and performed as they should - isn't that a relief.
Most of this review has been glowing, and for good reason.
These products are well manufactured (don't worry about dropping it too
much), are technically sound, and have a good look to them. If there is
any pitfall to this product at all, is that the 802.11b standard for wireless
networking is becoming more and more obsolete. With the advent of 802.11a
and now 802.11g technologies which offer greater speeds and area of reception,
the 802.11b products can be seen as something that won't "last"
too long. Don't interpret that these 802.11b devices will be useless -
they'll work JUST FINE interfacing with the 802.11a and 802.11g networks
for years to come. However, you just won't be using the latest and greatest
in wireless networking. If you're using the wireless network in a relatively
small area (1 floor apartment or open room), then it's really no big deal
at all.
Overall, NextGen Electronics is very impressed with eZonics
and the AirLink and AirDrive Pro. Both are very useful products who are
of high value to consumers looking for a great deal. We hope to see more
of this company's dynamic product base, and we highly suggest consumers
to check them out and see what they're all about.
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9 / 10 |
OVERALL SCORE
90%
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10 / 10 |
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9 / 10 |
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9 / 10 |
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8 / 10 |
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9.0 / 10 |
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