If you have an older Mac that you’ve upgraded to Jaguar, but one that still lacks AirPort access, you might be interested in D-Link Systems Inc.’s new DWL-122 Wireless Network USB Adapter. The device is a USB 1.1 adapter that enables both Mac and Windows PCs to communicate over 802.11b (WiFi) wireless networks.
The DWL-122 pulls power from the USB itself, and sports a compact design that more resembles a USB keychain than a wireless networking adapter. A cap on the end hides the USB interface, and Power and Link lights show when there’s operational and networking activity. An integrated omnidirectional microstrip antenna inside the device provides range comparable to a laptop PC card WiFi adapter or a PCI card adapter on a desktop machine.
The DWL-122 is designed to work with both laptops and desktop machines, and if the idea of having something hanging off a USB 1.1 port doesn’t please you, the company includes a 3 foot long extension cable. The DWL-122 supports 64-bit and 128-bit WEP encryption, and works with Mac OS X 10.2 or higher. D-Link includes a driver that enables the device to work on the Mac.
The DWL-122 carries a suggested retail price of US$49.99 and should be available now.