The Thrustmaster WiFi USB Key for PSP is very much what its name suggests, a USB-dongle that provides WiFi for the PSP. Unlike a dedicated wireless router, the Wifi Key broadcasts whatever internet connection a PC has, meaning that if you have a broadband modem directly plugged into your computer, the WiFi key will share that connection wirelessly. The unit itself is simple and stylish, about the size of a pack of gum and clothed in shiny black plastic. A bendable 6'' USB extension cord in included to give the key a little altitude for better signal strength and to avoid crowding up the rear end of a PC.
Thrustmaster made simplicity and ease of setup the focus with the WiFi USB key, and it succeeded in this task. Each and every step in the process of installing the WiFi key and setting up a PSP to recognize the connection is clearly laid out in a step-by-step sequence that would be rather difficult to screw up. The process begins by inserting the included Setup CD, which launches an applet to guide users through the following steps. The FunAccess program developed by Thrustmaster automatically prepares the PC to share its internet connection, and all a user has to do is follow directions as to when to plug in the WiFi key. The steps that follow show users how to make the PSP recognize the WiFi signal and spell out exactly what must be typed into the PSP. Thrustmaster adds a nice touch at the end by guiding users to a special PSP-formatted website (www.psp.thrustmaster.com) with links to a variety of useful content and extras.
We ran through the installation process without a hitch, and are pretty confident that just about anyone techy enough to have a PSP could manage the process without any problems. Our only serious complaint is the fact that the connection prepared by FunAccess is completely unsecured, meaning anyone that happens by could potentially jump on to your wireless signal and soak up your bandwidth. While we're fully aware that adding the additional steps required to enable WEP protection on the WiFi Key would complicate the process, the product's target audience of non-technical peeps are unlikely to realize that they are broadcasting to the world, and will thus be unaware of the risks involved in doing so. WEP can be enabled manually after the installation process is complete, however, so users that do want to secure their network will be able to do so.
The Thrustmaster WiFi USB Key for PSP is very similar to Datel's WiFi MAX USB key, in that both are 802.11g WiFi adapters paired with software that automatically configures the Windows settings that allow internet to be shared. Datel's WiFi MAX includes software that will prepare connections for both the PSP and Nintendo DS, which the Thrustmaster Key does not. Thrustmaster, on the other hand, has a much slicker installation process and does a bit more hand-holding that should help new users feel comfortable.
Conclusion
The Thrustmaster WiFi USB Key for PSP carries a MSRP of $39.99, which is almost as expensive as many dedicated WiFi routers available today. Those who feel comfortable installing a WiFi router would be better served by the dedicated hardware. Users who aim for simplicity and ease of setup, however, will find the Thrustmaster WiFi Key a fast and simple way to get their PSP online.