WiFi MAX for PSP

[Sponge]

I received this in the post this morning. It'll have to wait until later today before I can try it though. I have high hopes and will let you know how it goes.

[Sponge]

It's now up and running and I was expecting it to be a mare, but it wasn't. It worked right out the box.

I am using a PC that is permanently on, connected to a router (not wireless) and then to my cable modem.

Following the instructions, which were suprisingly clear - no pigeon English here, you have a choice of 'server technology'. This is what allows the PSP to see files on the PC through it's built in web browser.

(1) Apache - basic, use if you have Windows 98, ME and XP Home.

(2) IIS - If you have XP Pro or W2000 Server, you can install IIS and use this option.

(3) None - still creates a wireless access point, but you can't wirelessly share content.

I installed IIS, then rebooted the PC to be safe. I then chose option (2).

I popped in the CD that came with the dongle and installed the software. It was very quick and easy. I rebooted again. This step wasn't requested, but I thought, what the heck.

I connected the dongle, it was detected and I then ran the WiFi Max Media Manager. It automatically detected there was an update available and I allowed it to be installed.

The WiFi Max Media Manager allows you to transfer video, music, images and game saves PC <-> PSP. (I haven't used it yet.)

Another icon is added to the desktop, it allows the configuration of the wireless connection. By default there was no encryption enabled. I didn't like the idea of this, but opted to leave it as is and test the connection.

It was a simple procedure configuring the PSP network connection, it does most of it automatically. With my fingers crossed it searched for a network and found one. Within seconds I had the Tyresmoke forum on my PSP!

I then decided to enable the WEP security feature. The PSP needed to be reconfigured during which it asks for a WEP key. I had hoped it would automatically detect a shared key, as my laptop does (different wireless connection, one which the PSP can't use), but I had to manually set one. (I don't actually know if this was possible in the first place, I'm no network guru. All I know is WEP is enabled on my Laptop and I didn't have to enter a key.)

With WEP on and a key entered, I saved the settings and opened the web browser - Tyresmoke again! Woohoo!

I was expecting to have no end of trouble with this, but it was a breeze. There seem to be lots of people that can't get it to work. I did have this guide open during the installation, but I didn't need it.

There are lots of places on Ebay selling the WiFi Max Dongle for over £25, but you can buy it here for only £17.99. For someone that doesn't already have a Wireless Access Point, I think it's a very easy and cheap way to get your PSP networked.