Kasuei's Hitchhiker software (Inital Review)

[DarkGenesis]

Well for many Dell Axim users we forwent purchasing the WiFi Companion from Dell when we purchased our newest toy. (Ok, so I call it a Toy) Upon getting it setup I noticed getting the WiFi configures was quite the hassle compared to PPC 2003 SE.

So I went online and downloaded everything I could find that would be a WiFi connection helper. Of Course I went to Socket and demo’d the WiFi Companion that Dell was selling. I found to be a nice product, if only I had ordered it with my Axim at the time.

Eventually, I came across the Kasuei Consultant Group ( www.kasuei.com) and their Hitchhiker product (http://www.kasuei.com/hitchhiker/ ). It looked like everything I was hoping for! First let me say this product is not without its faults. It is still not a v1.0 release, and it requires the .NET Framework for PPC to be installed for it to function at all. This software is easily available from Microsoft downloads.

It would scan for all available networks (access points) and determine the network security for that system. You could even prioritize network connections in a multi network environment. The software will collect an assortment of information on the network, and make it readily available to view. Simply highlight the network your interested in and on the lower part of your screen you will access that information. Tap on it you can access the needed fields for passwords or configuring your connection.

There latest version .4 Beta 1 has its share of bugs as well. Typically it likes to crash once you tell it to connect to a network. Of course you can turn off the Auto-connect feature and this point is not a problem.

This software is still in its infant stages, and looks like it will be a very promising application once it is working correctly. And if it remains free, even more so.

I wanted to pass this information on to those of you looking for other alternatives to WiFi connectivity applications for your Axim.

[Mahstah]

It's a great idea and provides lots of good info on the access points around me. Unfortunately it's less stable than an evil stepmother and crashes more than NASCAR. I'll be very interested in this program when the bugs get ironed out.

[DarkGenesis]

Exactly!

One work around for crashing, especially if your just collecting info (wardriving?) is to go into the settings and turn off the autoconnect. That will allow you to play with it more without it crashing during the connection phase.

I do like the fact that it allows you to configure "safe" networks to connect too. One of the features I have notice with my Axim after the .12 upgrade is that when I turn on the device near new networks it will try connecting to those ones that have no security over those that do. Even if the signal is crappy. (this is a different subject though)

I'll keep monitoring the site for updates and evaluate the releases while I can.

[KenK]

I get an error at just the point it connects. Then I get a "successfull" connect
message yet I get an error when I try and bring up Internet Explorer.

I have to shut down Hitchhiker to get Internet Explorer to work

Anyone else still getting problems?

Ken

[KenK]

Any other programs similar to Hitchhiker?

Ken

[Beweglich]

Wow what the heck is the Wi-Fi companion, I think I got it but haven't seena lick about it, must have forgotten, could someone give me a screenshot or hint, or a link.
I might check out this Hitchhiker program

[Mahstah]

Wi-Fi Companion is software made by Socket. Socket sells wifi cards that ship with the companion, but you can purchase it to use with your internal chipset.

[Beweglich]

How do I know if i have it? I never thought about it before so wouldn't remember if I have it or not.

[Mahstah]

If you have it, you'll have a shortcut to it in either your programs or settings-connections folder. If you have no shortcuts to it, you don't have it.

[Pedah]

I've tried six network connectors and I say wifi companion rocks, Hitchiker doesn't turn me on, to many steps, if you want to replace it try PocketLan, wifiFofum, both are easier to configure.