logear Wireless USB-to-VGA Kit

Easy streaming from PC to external monitor

IOGEAR'S WIRELESS USB-TO-VGA KIT lets you display your laptop content on an external monitor—an HDTV in particulat without cables. But the unit carries a steep $229.95 price tag, so if you're looking to economize, you might be better off plugging yout laptop directly into the TV and using a wireless keyboard.

Setup is simple: Connecting the two wireless dongles to their respective devices (one lot your laptop, the other lot the external display) takes just a couple of minutes, and once everything is plugged in, your laptop should see the external display and you can drag any applications right onto the screen. Unfortunately, the device doesn't support full-HD resolution at 1080p, but its
maximum 1,680x1,050 (or 1,600x1,200 resolution is enough for most tasks,
including watching HD content in 720p resolution. In our tests, the Wireless USB-to-VGA Kit had no problems streaming Web content to an external monitor from a
netbook, and the signal was glitch-free until we wandered more than 30 feet away. When we walked back into signal range, the external monitor automatically reconnected after a delay of about 10 seconds. If you want to stream 720p video, you'll have to stay
within 15 feet, but that's more than enough range for most living rooms.



We found the screw-on antenna annoying, as it makes the USB dongle sticking out of your laptop larger and more unwieldy. Out other gripe is the price. You're better off with a Media Center keyboard with a built-in mouse control, but if $229.95 doesn't put a dent in your wallet, logears Wireless USB-to-VGA Kit is a great way to get your PC to yout TV without wires. —Matt Safford

www.iogear.com

Computer Shopper January 2009

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