Closer Look: ASUS USB-N53 Adapter

In this section we will be looking at the USB-N53 hardware, it seems these days that manufacturers are trying to win us over with looks. It is a proven fact that when faced with buying something we know little about, it is in our nature to buy what looks the best, even though it might not necessarily be the best. Hopefully, by the end of this review you will have a better understanding of the USB-N53, enabling you to make a more educated decision.

Inside the box is a basic package; you get a software and user guide CD, a flexible positionable USB extender cable and the USB-N53 USB adapter itself.

The diamond design on the face of the USB-N53 is part of ASUS' black diamond line of networking products and really makes them unique indeed. Just like the RT-N56U before it, the USB-N53's face is made of glossy plastic and it is an absolute magnet for fingerprints and is very difficult to clean without leaving smudges or lines. Just make sure your paws are clean before you handle it, as the good looks can be easily tainted.

Lots of important information can be found on the flip side of the ASUS USB-N53 Dual Band Wireless-N300 USB Adapter.

On the side of the ASUS USB-N53 (towards the left) is the WPS button, the WPS button (wireless protected setup) allows you connect a wireless device securely without having to enter any configuration. This might seem like a novel idea but is entering a security key really that difficult these days? I think not.

The one problem I have found with the USB-N53 adapter is that the end cap, while removable, will not re-attach to the adapter anywhere else while it is in use. This means you could quite easily misplace or lose it.

Shown above the ASUS USB-N53 has two hidden blue staus LED's that shine through the plastic body when the adapter is in use, one is a small dot on the left above the ASUS logo and the other is a four point star that is positioned about 1/3 of the way in from the right. Although I may not have captured it very well they really add to the USB-N53's good looks.

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