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๐Ÿ”Œ maximize connectivity with netgear ma521 802.11b wireless pc card logo

๐Ÿ”Œ Maximize Connectivity with Netgear MA521 802.11b Wireless PC Card Review

4

ยท

Very good

Revainrating 4 out of 5ย ย 
Ratingย 
4.0
๐Ÿงฐ Computer Internal Components, ๐Ÿ’ป Computer Components

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Description of ๐Ÿ”Œ Maximize Connectivity with Netgear MA521 802.11b Wireless PC Card

802.11b wireless access with 802.11g compatibility. Speeds up to 11 Mbps. Superior range -- up to 300 feet. 40/64 and 128-bit Wired Equivalency Protection (WEP). Supports any PC equipped with a processor faster than 400 MHz

Reviews

Global ratings 4
  • 5
    2
  • 4
    0
  • 3
    2
  • 2
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  • 1
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Type of review

Revainrating 5 out of 5

Great card despite clunky software

After some experience with cheaper wireless cards, this NetGear is finally yours. Bought and sold wireless cards from Adaptec, SMC, and Gigafast, which were kind of in short supply; Their software wasn't working properly (SMC), the connection wasn't too good (Adaptec), and the updated Windows XP driver just broke the card (Gigafast). I went for a more expensive card and bought the MA521 and it's the best so far. It works fine with my Adaptec AP and reception works fine in my 3 bedroomโ€ฆ

Pros
  • Excellent range - up to 100 meters
Cons
  • Not the best

Revainrating 5 out of 5

Quick and easy wireless access for our laptop

We just set up our wireless network with a Netgear MR814 router and a desktop computer was wired into the router. The next step was to wirelessly connect my wife's Toshiba/WinXP laptop to the network so she could surf the house and the internet at the same time. The Netgear MA521 card plugged right in and the installation software was easy (including printed instructions to help the unsure user figure out every detail). It took about 15-20 minutes to install and configure (and we're very slowโ€ฆ

Pros
  • Supports any PC with a processor above 400MHz
Cons
  • Contact Seller

Revainrating 3 out of 5

The card is not bad but not the best

I bought this card for an old Toshiba (Win98) laptop I bought on eBay for DSL access at home and in to have at school. I bought this card because 1) it was cheap and 2) it didn't protrude too much from the laptop, which is something I hate about most wireless PCMCIA cards. I wiped the hard drive, installed XP Home SP2 on the laptop and put this card in. It requested drivers from a CD and in less than five minutes I was connected and my home wireless network was up and running. So far so goodโ€ฆ

Pros
  • 802.11b Wireless with 802.11g Compatibility
Cons
  • Functionality

Revainrating 3 out of 5

Dodgy driver installed but otherwise ok

Several people have noticed that Windows XP doesn't automatically detect this card. That's right. The trick is to install the latest drivers (from the web, not the CD) and then insert the card. Of course, this can be a chicken-and-egg problem, as you'll need internet access before you can install the map. I downloaded the driver to my ethernet connected desktop computer, burned it to a CD and then installed it on my laptop. Then (and this is very important) I told the driver installer to letโ€ฆ

Pros
  • Speed up to 11Mbps
Cons
  • Mostly ok but...