Thanks to everyone who has rated me this year. I will still be around to rate in December but just ...
Thanks to everyone who has rated me this year. I will still be around to rate in December but just fancy a month off writing. Would appreciate some rates on my older reviews also.
Member since:15.02.2007
Reviews:67
Members who trust:71
I bought this USB network adaptor for my son when he still had his Windows 98 machine as the PCI card that I reviewed previously was too advanced for his hardware. This USB adapter was bought to connect to my Belkin wireless router meaning that I now had a wireless network consisting only of Belkin hardware.
--Whats in the box--
On opening the box, there were no real surprises. There was the USB adapter, a stand which would allow you to place the adapter on your desk if you didnt want to have it plugged directly into the back of your PC, the antenna, a quick installation guide and a CD which contained the drivers and a full manual.
--Installation--
On reading the quick installation guide, it was apparent that the software had to be installed before the adapter was plugged in. The reason for this was because, when the hardware was detected, the software would be available to complete a trouble free install. Installing the software was straightforward. There was a limited number of standard questions, such as install location and the wizard was happy to carry on unattended.
Once the software was installed, it was time to plug in the USB adapter. This is the same as plugging in any other USB device such as a digital camera. As mentioned in the previous section, you can either plug the adapter directly into a free USB port or you can plug the stand into the USB port and then connect the adapter to the stand. This was my preferred method as it gives you more scope for moving the adapter around to get a better signal.
--Security--
If you have no encryption on the router, you are ready to surf, though this is not recommended. If you have encryption on the router, open up the Wireless software on your PC and select the encryption mode you are using and enter the pass key. I personally found the software that comes with the USB adapter to be less 'professional' than the software which came with the PCI card version. Saying that, it was still straightforward enough to complete this task with very little effort.
--Useage--
I have had no problems with this adapter in all the time I have been using it. Occasionally the signal will drop down to a low level but it has never cut out completely. Once the initial setup has been done, there is no need to worry about the adapter, it will look after itself and connect to the router once it has been switched on. If you are experiencing a poor signal though, all you need do is to experiment by putting the adaper in different places. For best results, try to make sure that the USB adaptor is at a higher level than the wireless router as the signal is at its strongest when it is transmitted upwards.
--Verdict--
This adapter is so easy to set up and use, you'll probably forget you have it installed. It looks after itself and has proved to be very reliable. Setting up the security key is straightforward providing you take your time (unlike me) and after that, there is really nothing else to do. This product complements the Belkin wireless router perfectly, although it can be used, just as easily with other routers.
I would highly recommend this wireless adapter to anyone, whether they are new to the wireless scene of just looking to upgrade their exisiting setup. If I was pushed to choose between this and the Belkin Wireless PCI card though, I would have to go for the PCI card as I feel that it just has the edge in terms of performance.
UPDATE - I have now bought a second one of these to connect my daughters laptop to the internet. The price has now dropped from £25 to a very generous £9.99
How helpful would this review be to a person making a buying decision? Rating guidelines
Great review sounds a good piece of kit, I use a Pocki Drive which isn't as big as the Belkin but also use a Maxtor, but thanks for the info I'll have a look at this one. David
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The Wireless G USB Network Adapter easily connects your USB-equipped desktop or notebook ... more
computer to your wireless network for Internet and file sharing. Desktop users can now join the network with the ease of a USB plug-in, without opening their PC ca...
Postage & Packaging: £4.39 Availability: Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days...
Advantages: Wireless connectivity - Supplied with stand - Fast data transfer - Good Price Disadvantages: Temperamental Software, Stand Falls Over - Installation hit & miss
Advantages: Wireless connectivity - Supplied with stand - Fast data transfer - Good Price Disadvantages: Temperamental Software, Stand Falls Over - Installation hit & miss
Jun 14th, 2007
(Sep 28th, 2007)
very helpful by (100%):
