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Wireless Dial-UpThe author tests a product promising an easy, wireless Internet connection.James A. Martin
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Feature: Wireless Dial-Up
You might recall that a while ago I offered tips--from readers as well as from myself--about making the most of a dial-up connection. Those two columns were "The Lowdown on Dial-Up" and "More Dial-Up Access Tips."
Recently, I had the opportunity to test the WiFlyer from Always On. This device promises not only to make it easier to get a dial- up connection, but it also turns that connection into an instant 802.11b wireless network.
Skeptic that I am, I did some informal tests. My verdict: The WiFlyer is one of the easiest devices I've ever used to both make a dial-up connection and create an instant wireless network. The WiFlyer does two things, and it does them both well.
First, it acts as a dial-up modem. Most of you are rolling your eyes right now, saying: "Puh-leeze, I already have a dial-up modem." Yes, but does yours automatically launch a Web page with a simple set-up screen, so that you can configure your dial-up connection in, oh, let's say 5 seconds? I'd hazard to guess the answer is no.
Second, the WiFlyer is a compact wireless access point. It can create an instant wireless network from either...