Thrustmaster WiFi Key Review

***wraggster*** · June 8th, 2006, 17:31

Article from Gamesradar

Own a PSP but no WiFi connection? Be an offline exile no longer - Thrustmaster is releasing an 'Easy to Install' USB WiFi key to turn your PC into a wireless hotspot, just like Nintendo's dongle for DS. To see how easy it is to get started with WiFi, we hooked the gizmo up ourselves.

The pack contains the USB key, software and a poseable cable; sticking your dongle in a vertical position improves the signal, see. The software talks you through each step of installing the WiFi key, and even takes you through the process of setting up your PSP to connect to it.

Just 10 minutes after tearing open the plastic we were online. Thrustmaster's user-friendly setup is a real improvement on Nintendo's fairly confusing official WiFi key software, which can be a struggle to work with. Our only concern is that the signal on Thrustmaster's dongle can be erratic, drifting from top quality to half-strength, no matter how close you are.

But, fortunately, it's not enough to terminate your connection. And, as we discovered after a bit of fiddling, any fluctuations are more likely to be the cable losing connection with the USB slot than the actual WiFi key dropping in power. If it really bothers you, plugging the dongle straight into the PC without the cable is your best solution for a more constant signal.

This useful dongle also works with a DS, or any other WiFi enabled device, despite this being heavily branded as a PSP accessory. If you're not set up with a wireless connection at home, this is a far cheaper option than upgrading your PC hardware, and just about as reliable too.

Thrustmaster's WiFi USB key for PSP is released tomorrow, priced at £30 - you can head over to www.gamestation.co.uk and bag yourself one right now.

Head on over to the link above for screens

**cloud_952** · June 8th, 2006, 18:48

It's not much of a cheaper alternative to buying a wireless router, and I don't know why they insist I'd have to "upgrade [my] PC hardware". Nearly all wireless routers have wired LAN access as well, so upgrading to a wireless router is just far better.

A wireless router would be a far better alternative for this anyway. Your PC doesn't have to be on when you want to get online with your PSP, it provides a constant signal, and likely a better one at that. If it were about £10, it might be worth thinking about. >_> Otherwise, screw it. The only people who I could see finding it helpful are those who are not technically inclined, or people who can't modify their network, like employees or some kid in the home.

**Nafogel** · June 8th, 2006, 18:48

isn't that about 50 bucks in us dollars? I could get a brand new D-link system for that and have a much more reliable wi-fi connection, I don't think it's worth it, but thats just me...