Original URL: https://www.theregister.com/2003/11/28/gigabyte_combines_wifi_usb_flash/

Gigabyte combines Wi-FI, USB Flash drive

Is that a WLAN in your pocket?

By Tony Smith

Posted in Networks, 28th November 2003 11:33 GMT

Gigabyte has a novel idea for fans of go-anywhere computing: a USB Flash drive that features a built-in Wi-Fi adaptor.

The GN-WLBZ201 offers 128MB of Flash storage accessible using any OS that supports USB storage devices. The device sports a fold-up antenna module with activity lights.

flash drive from Gigabyte

Unhooked from a notebook or desktop, the device's cap fits over the USB connector and provides a clip ready to be inserted into an self-respecting geek's front shirt pocket.

The device ships with a Windows 2000/XP software access point, allowing other devices to connect to the Net via the host PC. As yet, neither 802.11g nor WPA are supported - the GN-WLBZ201 only supports 64- and 128-bit WEP.

And for those of you who don't need the Flash drive, Gigabyte is offering a WLAN-only version, the GN-WLBZ101.

Pricing and availability was not disclosed. ®