Similar to the 802.11n spec, Wireless USB (UWB, Ultra-Wideband) has been in talks for a very long time. Belkin has created one of the first wireless USB hubs, your typical four port contraption, set to be out this spring. The difference is that this hub is powered by Ultra-Wideband wireless technology allowing the user to plugin a USB dongle into a remote computer and access all of the devices attached to the hub. This is ideal for the laptop user that likes to roam about the room while still maintaining connectivity to their printer or external hard drive. Unfortunately this new piece of tech comes at the cost of several drawbacks. It will cost around $130 USD and the USB dongle is rather bulky compared to say the one supplied with newer Logitech cordless laser mice. Ethan of BlackRimGlasses fame, told me he saw these things first hand at CES and they are the real deal; no vaporware here.
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woah man- that IS cool. I have just started to appreciate wireless internet as I don’t have a permanent desk as yet, after a move. I can work anywhere- well, almost. I also only have 2 usb ports on the laptop.
I want one.
That would be cool! Anything to get rid of some of the many cables everywhere would be much appreciated!
Chris
http://amateureconblog.blogspot.com/
This would be so useful!!
The tangle of cabels on my desk was enough even before the printer one arrived from across the room, being wrapped around my wardrobe and chest of drawers then under the windowsil before arriving at my laptop.
I actually can’t wait for stuff like this….. Being able to get a few USB2 external hard disk drives and stacking them in a corner somewhere. Really, I can’t wait…
On a separate note, for those that just need wireless USB for printing, or sharing a scanner or something – you can use Apple’s Airport Express for that, which I do.
uhmmmm…. isnt that what bluetooth is?
Bluetooth is so much slower and not nearly as used as Wireless USB will be.
well… its chip is freescale’s cable-free USB which will not be compatible with Wirelesss USB standard. Another war like pre-N.
Exactly my impression. Manufacturer’s want to beat the standard and make something people will think as the standard or close to it.
Any thoughts on security? How hard will it be to attach someone else’s WUSB device to your workstation?
One Question(Geeky but still question). What will be the transfer sped? If this is used for external Mass Storage devices (such as USB 500 GB Hard drives) how much performance would be lost in the transfer itself.
Thanks
That will be the day! Although I think wireless USB’s time will be limited because one day in the not so distant future all devices will connect wirelessly to eachother.
Hate to get on the Apple band wagon, but their new Airport Extreme.. its 802.11n wired and wireless router, also has usb print sharing AND USB drive sharing.. AND one can use a usb hub to connect as many hard drives and printers as one wants. How kewl is that! And yes you can set access control stuff for the drives and it works for both PC and Macs… all for $179. Only $49 more than just wireless USB… and no dongle. Stick it in a corner.. attach a few Terabytes and your printer.. and your good to share!
this is a wiked peace of it, do u have 2 have that big usb stick, cant u just use the wifi that comes inside a laptop?
It doesn’t use Wifi, it uses UWB.
Although cool, the price for the wireless USB hub is too high for most. Especially when I can buy a e-machine PC at about $300-$400 at Walmart.
So a $200 Wireless USB hub is over half the price of my new PC.
- Mike Peralta