There are more and more WiFi hotspots popping up all over the place but finding them can be a bit of a hassle, as it means you’ve got to unpack your trusty laptop, power-up and scan for available networks. This is where the TRENDnet 802.11g Wireless USB Adapter with HotSpot Detector comes to the rescue as it’s small enough to fit in your pocket and powers up instantly.

The TRENDnet has an LCD display that shows

• Available networks
• Security schemes (WPA, WEP)
• Signal strength
• Wireless standard (802.11b or 802.11g)

I think it’s a great idea and will save the hassle of unpacking your bag just to find that there are no connections currently available. If it all it did was serve as a detector I’d still think it was pretty good value at 30UKP but as it also serves as wireless USB adaptor, so once you’ve found a network you can simply plug it into your laptop and start surfing and whilst it’s plugged in it will be charging itself up, ready for it’s next detector outing. You can get the TRENDnet from Expansys.