D-Link Ships Dime-Dized USB Wireless N Module

This is a pretty interesting situation. Had this shipped a decade ago, we suspect D-Link would've sold out in record time. But today, we aren't sure how many people will even give these two new products a passing glance. Much like Logitech's new Unifying USB nub, the Wireless N 150 Pico shown here is probably the smallest external Wi-Fi dongle out there. It plugs right into a USB port and just barely sticks out; it's so tiny that you could definitely leave it plugged in at all times. But when even netbooks and low-end tablets have Wi-Fi as standard equipment, is there seriously a need for external Wi-Fi adapters for PCs?

D-Link apparently thinks so, as they are introduced the Wireless N 150 Pico and Wireless N Nano USB adapters for PCs that do not yet have Wi-Fi capabilities. They're designed to work with Windows-based PCs, and they support transfers up to 300Mbps, WPA / WPA2 encryption and a wireless connection manager. The DWA-121 Wireless N 150 Pico USB Adapter and DWA-131 Wireless N Nano USB Adapter are now available, with each being priced at $49.99.

D-Link Now Shipping Two New Compact Form-Factor 11n Wireless for Fast and Easy Wi-Fi Connectivity

D-Link® Wireless N 150 Pico™ and Wireless N Nano™ USB Adapters Offer Cost-Effective Upgrade to Wireless Network Performance on a PC or Notebook

FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif. – March 16, 2011 – D-Link today announced the availability of the latest additions to its DWA USB adapter product line, the Wireless N 150 Pico™ Adapter (DWA-121) and the Wireless N Nano™ USB Adapter (DWA-131). Both adapters feature a sleek, compact design while providing faster and more reliable network connectivity than previous Wireless G devices.

Equipped with Wireless N technology, both the Pico and Nano connect a laptop or desktop computer to a Wi-Fi network at up to six times the speed and three times the coverage of a wireless G connection, enabling users to transfer files, download media and browse the Internet faster and more efficiently. With small, compact form-factors, both adapters easily fit into a computer’s USB port, making them ideal for use when traveling or in a crowded workspace.

 “With extremely compact designs – the Pico is about the size of a dime – these new adapters are ideal for setting up a high-performance wireless connection while on the road or in a packed conference room,” said Daniel Kelley, associate vice president of consumer marketing, D-Link North America. “They enable consumers to quickly and easily connect a desktop computer or laptop to a Wi-Fi network in order to securely browse the Internet, transfer and download files, music, videos, and more at their convenience.”

Recently awarded the prestigious International Forum (iF) Design award, the DWA-121 easily connects to a desktop or notebook, creating an instant 802.11n wireless network. The included Quick Setup Wizard guides users for quick and easy setup, while the Wireless Manager tracks recently accessed networks. Featuring Wi-Fi Protected Setup™ (WPS), the adapter quickly establishes a secure connection to an access point or wireless router and eliminates complex encryption codes.

Additional features of the DWA-121 Wireless N 150 Pico USB Adapter include:

·         IEEE 802.11n, 802.11g compliant and USB 2.0 compliant
·         Speeds of up to 150 Mbps
·         Secure wireless connection with advanced WPA™ or WPA2™ encryption
·         Advanced RF design for superior wireless performance with compact profile
·         Windows XP, Vista and Windows 7 compatibility

The DWA-131 features the latest 11n technology for increased speed (up to 300 Mbps) and range, significantly surpassing the capabilities of previous-generation Wireless G devices. It also incorporates wireless security features to help prevent unauthorized access. In addition, the DWA-131 uses Intelligent Antenna Technology to maximize the speed and range of a network connection by transmitting multiple signals off walls and ceilings in order to work around interferences and help eliminate dead spots; ensuring users receive network signals in all corners of their home, office or mobile hotspot.  

Additional features of the DWA-131 Wireless N Nano USB Adapter include:

·         IEEE 802.11n, 802.11g and USB 2.0 compliant
·         Easy setup with the D-Link Quick Adapter Setup Wizard
·         Secure wireless connection with advanced WPA™ or WPA2™ encryption
·         Wireless connection manager
·         Wi-Fi protected setup™ (WPS) push button

Availability and Pricing

The DWA-121 Wireless N 150 Pico USB Adapter and DWA-131 Wireless N Nano USB Adapter are now available throughout D-Link’s vast network of retail and e-tail outlets in North America, and at the company’s online store, http://www.dlinkshop.com, both with an MSRP of $49.99.