14 DAY TRIAL // The "real" Wireless USB devices have not hit the retailers' shelves yet, and it's likely to take some time until we get the first native units, since the WUSB specifications set has not been fully outlined.
Those who need to cut down the number of cords and cables under their desks are surely disappointed, but luckily, the Silex WUSB hub promises to substitute these devices until they finally make it on the market.
The Silex SX-2000WG USB Device Server allows the user to plug in all the USB devices into a single computer, then access them wirelessly from anywhere in the house or office.
The server comes with its dedicated software, the SX Virtual Link, that emulates a direct USB port on both Windows and Mac-powered computers, over a network connection. The devices can be accessed via 802.11 WLAN or even using the wired Ethernet, although a wireless connection will help you even more clean out the cables under your desk.
Moreover, the USB devices can be also shared between multiple computers at a data transfer rate of USB Full Speed (12Mbps), thus allowing for streaming (low-res) video and audio devices, like webcams and speakers, to be easily shared among users on the same network. The Silex also allows users to synchronize iPods via the network, should this need ever arise, although I doubt that one would pay quite a sum just for wirelessly synchronizing their iPod.
The Silex SX-2000WG USB Device Server supports the MS Windows 'Connect Now' feature that spares the user the hassle of manually configuring the device. Although the Server may be regarded as a product targeted at a niche market, the $149 price tag proves the contrary, not to mention the obvious benefits the user gets from using it: less cables under the desk.