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Smallest Wireless-N Wifi adapter?

Here's the problem: you've upgraded your wireless at home, and it does the newest, fastest version of Wi-Fi - the 802.11n. You have an old laptop, which has the previous Wi-Fi (11g) standard. Well, what's the use of that? You have to upgrade your laptop. It has to have a faster Wifi, and it has to have 11n. So enter "the micro-footprint" USB Mvix Nubbin.

It definitely is small! And at $39 (US) it's not costly, either. Is it good? Naturally, the manufacturer thinks so:

"Mvix Nubbin is perfect accessory for high-speed Wireless networks, capable of delivering the range and capacity to support today's most bandwidth-hungry applications, like streaming HD (High Definition) video, voice and music. With its competitive price and comprehensive set of features, we expect this accessory to be well accepted by our customers" boasted Mike Mallon, business development manager.

Mvix(USA), considers itself "a market leader in high-definition entertainment," and thinks people will want this device so as to get video streaming to their laptops. Nubbin "is capable of delivering data at 150Mbps," the company claims ( a claim we can't test yet, but it's perfectly credible for 11n networking).

"Enough speed, range and reliability to support streaming HD video while simultaneously listening to your digital music collection, making Internet VoIP (Voice over IP) phone calls, or playing multiplayer online games (MMOG)," is the summary.

MvixUSA intends to provide support for developers intending to integrate this adapter in embedded devices running Linux.

They're pretty sure they've ticked all the technical boxen. "Compliant with IEEE 802.1n draft 3.0 and IEEE 802.1b/g, Nubbin supports WMM® and WMM-PS® (IEEE 802.1e QoS Standard),  Nubbin also offers advanced features like innovative WPS® (Wireless Protected Setup), auto-builds connection, and synchronizes settings," says the blurb. It supports all encryption standards and they promise it is compatible with all operating systems: Microsoft Windows XP / Vista, Mac OS X and Linux.

As wireless enthusiasts will know, Wireless-N really can match 100 megabit Ethernet cable for speed and throughput. It includes technologies such as MIMO (Multiple Input, Multiple Output) - using multiple radios to transmit and receive at the same time to maximise wireless networking performance. Naturally, this works better if the receiving device can match the transmitter. And of course, USB 2.0 is faster than older USB dongles.

"Nubbin is a tiny, yet high impact addition to our product line as we continue to provide complete solutions for a wireless HD planet," Mike Mallon said. "It is in tune with our other products like HD (High Definition) media players and business Digital Signage players."

Drivers for Mac OSX and Linux OS will be available for download directly from MvixUSA’s Support Center.

Mvix Nubbin is expected to be available at all leading retailers like Amazon.com, Thinkgeek, Newegg.com, Microcenter etc.

For more information, visit www.MvixUSA.com/Nubbin/WirelessN-USB-Adapter.html