Wireless USB Is Finally Here - But It's Uber-Expensive

The USB (or universal serial bus, as tech-savvy people refer to it) has literally changed the face of computing, as it creates multiple connectivity options and is also capable of carrying out several other tasks, besides data transfers (charging your MP3 player, for example). Nevertheless, USB is basically a wired system, as the users require a wired extender (better known as an USB hub) in order to connect several devices to their computer without having to reach every time behind their desktop unit, where USB ports are generally located.

However, it would seem that things are about to change, as the Gefen company has just started shipping its Wireless USB 2.0 Extender, a device that will allow users to enjoy more or less the same level of functionality, but without those pesky wires. And we're not talking about a range of just a few mere centimeters (or inches), but about a full 18 meters (or 60 feet), which makes it even better than most Bluetooth dongles.

The device from Gefen works in a fairly simple manner. It consists of two separate components, namely the Wireless USB 2.0 Extender Sender/Dongle, which is connected to the computer's USB port, and the Wireless USB 2.0 Extender Receiver, a small attachment unit that connects to the extended USB 2.0 peripherals. The two units communicate via a wireless UWB (Ultra Wide Band) connection, which is capable of assuring a maximum transfer speed of around 70 Mbps, a "little bit" lower than the data rates assured by wired USB links.

The device is not that bulky, either. Thus, the sender unit measures 3.55 cm x 1.27 cm x 8.63 cm, while the receiver is a bit larger, at 11.68 cm x 2.54 cm x 10.66 cm. The system has a combined weight of around 680, which means that each of them is also pretty light.

And now for the price. The Wireless USB 2.0 Extender from Gefen retails for a whopping 400 US dollars, which is quite a huge price for an USB adapter, but, after all, emerging technologies are never cheap.

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