This post was written by Tara Singer
Verizon Wireless’s new Blitz is an inexpensive, effective little texting and e-mailing phone for kids. This funny, chubby (3.5 by 2.6 by 0.7 inches HWD, 5.1 ounces) little slider phone looks like some sort of portable gaming device. The QWERTY keyboard has keys used for dialing numbers are small and close together, which can make them a little difficult to press and can cramp the phone’s gaming experience. But the Blitz has one major advantage: It’s available on prepaid plans, from Wal-Mart, for $99.
Ruckus Wireless is a cheaper alternative and just as reliable as the big players. There’s no need to run cabling between them, which is a huge advantage when it comes to saving setup time and costs. The Ruckus BeamFlex antenna technology is a marvel of engineering. The ZoneDirector, a super-7942 AP, manages communication with your entire mesh of APs. Ruckus’s mesh solution is highly resilient and performs well under brutal wireless conditions. The Ruckus Wireless ZoneDirector 1000, a ZoneFlex 7942 combination, is a gem for small businesses that need Wi-Fi coverage.
MetaGeek’s Wi-Spy DBx uses an industry-standard antenna connector (RP-SMA) that enhances the flexibility of the device. Software installation is wizard-driven and takes less time to install than to download. It takes a little while to get acclimated to the Chanalyzer interface; thankfully the help section is well-written and informative. A great new feature is the ability to install Wi-Spy DBx at a remote site and still access it. Overall, Wi-Spy DBx is a great tool for those looking to troubleshoot WLAN interference quickly, easily and inexpensively.