If you are thinking to add Wi-Fi to your Desktop computer, then you can opt for a USB Wireless Adapter like the ASUS WL-167G V3. Using Ethernet is not always a good choice, when you have Wireless router installed in your home/office. To take full advantage of your router and to remove some cable clutter, you can just plug-in and start using this adapter.
Setup and Installation
Setting up this WLAN adapter won’t take much time. It comes with adjustable USB extension cable which you’ll need to plug to Wireless adapter. Connect it to any one of the USB port on your computer and insert the driver CD that comes with the package. Depending on your operating system, you’ll need to install the drivers for that OS. That’s all you need to do and then as you have observed in laptops, the same way you can see the Wireless Network Connection (showing bars) in your Windows taskbar. Click on it and join the network.
This is a 802.11b/g/n adapter which means you won’t face any compatibility issues. Also it doesn’t mean that this can be only used on Desktop only, you can plug this in any laptop also just in case your laptop’s WiFi is not working.
As you can see in the image, this adapter is a size of a USB stick. Thanks to the adjustable USB extension cable, you can adjust this adapter to any position where you get better signal. To check signal strength, you can observe the bars in your WiFi icon, as you do normally in laptops and there’s no other way to check signal strength. There’s no bundled utility included in the CD for this purpose.
Pricing
The Asus WL-167G V3 adapter costs Rs. 800 in India (around $15 USD). Looking at its price tag, this is a very affordable product which can make your Desktop or laptop Wireless ready.
Package Contents
- Adapter.
- USB extension cable.
- Support CD.
- Quick start guide and warranty card.
Pros
- Compatible with Windows 7, Mac OS and Linux.
- Setup was breeze, thanks to the Driver CD and the included installation utility.
- Value for money product and affordable price tag.
Cons
- Quick-start guide doesn’t explains installation procedure in Mac OS and Linux.
Verdict
ASUS WL-167G V3 WLAN Adapter is an affordable USB 2.0 Adapter that provides a no frills installation procedure. You simply have to plug the adapter in one of your USB ports (preferably at the back of the computer), install the drivers that comes with the CD and lastly, you just have to click on your WiFi connection and connect to it.
Some users have also reported that there’s no need to install any drivers in Windows 7, as it auto-installed those drivers. If you’re thinking to buy a Wireless USB adapter, then this can be a good option.
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