WiFi HotSpot Finder $11.99 After Rebate

If you've traveled with a laptop and been anywhere outside the most organized spots for WiFi access, you know it can be difficult or frustrating to find access to the internet. Last year I was in Europe looking for spots that the FON network had shown on a map as access points, but we were driving around with the laptop powered on hoping to find a signal -- unsuccessfully.

Rather than powering up your laptop and hoping it finds WiFi access, they make small WiFi finders that allow you a lot more flexibility. Right now, buy.com has dropped the price of the ZyXEL AG225HSP 802.11a/b/g WiFi Finder, 802.11g USB 2.0 Adapter, and Soft Access Point from $79.99 to $26.99. And there's a $15 rebate for purchases until August 17th, making the final net cost down to $11.99. Even the shipping is free.

This item had been in stock a few days ago and quickly sold out. I registered to find ut when it came back available (figuring it would be after the rebate date) but I just got an e-mail and it's back in stock with a couple of days to spare. Keep in mind it was popular once before and may sell out again.

Here's the description:
The AG-225HSP combines an 802.11a/b/g USB 2.0 adapter technology with a fully functional wireless hotspot detector all housed in a sleek device small enough to fit into your pocket. Detect any flavor of wireless network from 802.11a, b, g standards. The dual-band tri-mode USB adapter is equipped with a high contrast LCD screen and built-in LiON battery, allowing you to scan the environment for hotspots without turning on your computer. With WPA and WPA2 support, the AG225HSP can provide a secure wireless connection when used as a 54Mbps high-speed USB wireless adapter. Mac OS support brings the AG225HSP to another level of functionality and compatibility.

To check it out and see if it would be worth having for your travels, click the picture below.