Review on 🔌 D-Link DWA-125: Fast and Reliable Wireless N-150 Mbps USB Wi-Fi Adapter by Robert Aan

This particular D-Link is plug and play on Linux Mint. I tested it directly on a large number of computers and operating systems, including Linux Mint 9, 11, 13 and 15. It works for these operating systems (especially Ubuntu). Tested range was about 15 percent better than the internal wireless card in the laptops and netbooks I've worked with. I often use this D-Link N-150 Mbps USB Wi-Fi (DWA-125) Wireless Network Adapter when installing Linux Mint on computers for friends who want to get started with Linux. I've found that HP laptops and netbooks that use Broadcom wireless cards often have internal wireless cards that Linux doesn't easily recognize, so I use this D-Link USB drive to work around this issue. The USB stick usually comes with a small stand for better desktop reception, but it's not really needed (although I use it for storing USB sticks and for connecting a USB headset with a microphone, it's handy as it to stand on the desk and so I don't have to lean towards the tower). For non-wireless desktops, I like this USB D-Link more than PCI wireless cards because I don't have to worry about different slot types (PCI, PCIe, full-height, half-height, etc.) and can plug in the USB adapter onto the end of the USB extension cable and hang it on the wall where it usually gets very good reception (like some kind of antenna). In short, I can rely on this adapter as a solution to problems when either there is no wireless card or Linux can't find/detect it, and even get a little more range. I've had a few issues with some wireless USB cards that are supposed to be compatible with Linux but end up being incompatible when I try them (I think they sometimes switch to a different internal chip that isn't compatible with Linux when the company buys and mass-produces them). But this D-Link has always been viable and is the best tested/verified in my experience. I'll update this review if I find an exception or if (in my experience) it's no longer compatible. My main responsibility in reviewing the computer part is for the Linux community so we know what really works. The wireless adapters are the ones I've had some issues with and I'm happy to share this information on the ones that have consistently worked.