If you are a regular basis traveler, then you are used to checking your email on the go, say in a bar that provides free Wi-Fi access or on a park bench near a public institution whose network administrator is not paid enough to carry a job to the end. If you enjoy being a Wi-Fi parasite and take all the advantage of your neighbor's unprotected Wi-Fi network, then you know how frustrating low signal can be. Being connected then disconnected can be more frustrating than complete lack of signal.

This is when the built-in Wi-Fi cards get obsolete. There are a few high-quality USB adapters and Wi-Fi-to-Ethernet bridges that are true amplification masters and the Wi-Fire from hField is one of them. This device is a long range Wi-Fi adapter to connect to the computer via an USB port. The Wi-Fire comes with drivers for Mac OS X and Windows, so, unless you are an unfortunate Linux user, you may consider dropping your ISP subscription.

The USB adapter is small and portable, ready to get inside your pocket before leaving your house. The manufacturer boasts that the Wi-Fire can pick up signals from 300 meters maximum, but the optimal range is set around 100-150 meters. It is pretty simple to install, since it inherits the USB plug-and-play legacy. It will, however ask for the original drivers, so make sure you have them copied somewhere for easy access.

"In high density areas, the Wi-Fire(TM) can typically find 10 to 20 times more access points than other adapters are able to see", noted Tom DiClemente, hField's CEO. "So, WCM 1.3 offers more control over the selectivity of access points, plus a bonus benefit: an incremental boost in throughput through improvements in our scanning methodology."

The device features a directional antenna that can be rotated at 360 degrees for maximum throughput. The kit includes an integral monitor clamp that allows monitor installation, just like a webcam.