Re: Better replacement for "Wireless Network Connection" dialog?

On 6/15/06, Douglas Handy <dhandy@xxxxxxxxx> wrote:

I don't know, but I can tell you I like the replacement dialog from some
WiFi adapters much better than the XP supplied dialog.  For instance, I
have
a Linksys WiFi Finder which is a USB dongle with a 802.11g wifi adapter
supporting WPA etc.  But it also has an internal battery which gets
charged
while connected to a USB port, and when not connected to a computer looks
like an overgrown thumb drive with an LCD display.  I can carry it in my
pocket when traveling, and when I want to know if there is a hot spot
nearby
just turn it on and it will scan for either all networks, only secured
networks, or only unsecured networks (my choice).  It lists the top 15 it
finds, sorted by signal strength.

The LCD display gives the SSID, channel number, signal strength, and
whether
or not secured.  Pretty slick.

That way I know without even taking out the laptop if I should bother or
not, and which network to use.  It also provides its own replacement to
the
XP dialog, or you can tell it to use the XP dialogs if you prefer.

Very slick.  I googled wifi finders, and see there are some signal detectors
out there.  But I didn't see any (detectors only) that "will scan for either
all networks, only secured
networks, or only unsecured networks (my choice).  It lists the top 15 it
finds, sorted by signal strength."  Maybe I just need to plunk down for the
adapter itself.

Or maybe Microsoft should just rewrite the "Wireless Network Connection"
dialog so it just does this itself.  Oh wait, that requires an innovative
company.  I'm guessing it wouldn't be too difficult for a Windows programmer
to do this.  Hmmm, lemme check my connections...

- Dan