Closer Look: Rosewill RNX-N180UBE

The Rosewill RNX-N180UBE arrived in a small, non-descript, black box. Other than the Rosewill brand name and the device model number, there isn't a lot on there. This is in contrast to many of the wireless adapters that line store shelves and have flashy graphics and colorful designs meant to catch eyes.

Inside the box is the RNX-N180UBE Wireless N Adapter, a USB base, the antenna for adapter, a driver CD and an installation manual.

The Rosewill RNX-N180UBE Wireless N Adapter is a little bigger than many USB adapters. The reason for this is largely because of the antenna that is screwed onto the back of the device. The antenna itself is a little over seven and a half inches long. The adapter is about two inches long, although half an inch is the USB connector. Overall, when plugged into a USB port, if the antenna is oriented straight out, the total length of the device would be about nine inches.

The adapter itself is roughly square, but it doesn't have any other antenna than the one that screws on to the end. I tried just using the adapter without the antenna just to see how well it would work. It would be more convenient for a laptop or mobile device to carry around just the small adapter body. There are many wireless adapters that are like this, with embedded antennae. The RNX-N180UBE loses a lot of its connectivity without the antenna connected. It's not really worth it to use the device without the antenna.

The RNX-N180UBE also comes with a USB base to connect to. The USB base doesn't aid connectivity at all, but it does give you a method of connecting the RNX-N180UBE to your computer more easily, especially if your machine is in a drawer or under your desk. The base for the RNX-N180UBE has a 50 inch cord, over 4 feet. That should give you plenty of length to put the device in a convenient location.

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