The HWU8DD is a Wireless Adapter, which you can use to connect your laptop or desktop computer to any Wireless-G or Wireless-B network, easily through a USB connection. Hawking, its makers say that its Hi-Gain Antenna technology provides a 300% increase in wireless connection distances. Your laptop or desktop computer can be connected to both Wireless-B or Wireless-G networks, using the HWU8DD. It is a Wi-Fi range extending product and a wireless network adapter. It extends wireless range and improves Wi-Fi performance.

Technical and operational details

It possesses an 8dbi directional dish antenna, unlike the average Wi-Fi adaptor that has a 2dbi connector. This antenna is touted to provide more distance and faster speeds compared to other available wireless adapters. Its bi-directional antenna improves connection quality and operating distance, while a standard omni directional antenna’s signal strength lessens with distance. However, it is not this new antenna alone that leads to stronger wireless connections. The HWU8DD is also dish shaped, which leads to it being highly directional. It has a maximum range of around 800 feet and its throughput is 22 Mbps. This wireless adapter integrates Wi-Fi networking with the distance benefits that wireless Dish Technology provides. The inbuilt LED signal strength indicators give network signal information, which help to pinpoint the most powerful signal available within an area. You can connect your Laptop to any Wi-Fi Network or your home/office Wireless Network for extended wireless coverage. The HWU8DD operates like a satellite dish. The dish catches wireless signals and then improves their reception. Being a directional antenna, you will need to point it in the general direction of your wireless router, to amplify that signal alone. A row of LED’s located in the front of the wireless dish, display signal quality and therefore adjusting the HWU8DD for the optimal signal is easy. You can tilt and rotate the dish, to aim it in the general direction of your router, thus achieving the best wireless signal possible. This ability to move the dish around to locate the best signals is one of the best features of the HWU8DD.

Considerations for a buyer and conclusions

The signal indicator aids you in positioning the dish to get the best signal, and is useful. The HWU8DD is priced at 99$. It is somewhat fragile, so you have to handle it carefully. The USB cord provided is rather short (about 5′), so you may need an extension in many cases. Only the operating systems – Windows Vista 32, Windows XP, Windows 2000, Windows Me and Windows 98Se are supported with drivers, Linux and the kind aren’t supported. It is a bit bulky to carry round, but it’s still great to take along while traveling or when you go camping. You can use it to tap into a free Wi-Fi access point and thus don’t have to pay for Internet access. It also picks up a lot more signals than older adapter’s. The installation is easy and trouble free. The software provided is good as well.