Belkin N1 Wireless USB Adapter

Advantages: works first time, gets you out of a tight spot!
Disadvantages: bigger than it looks on the box

...bit of kit hanging on the wall in the soon-to-be-studio... achieved admirably with the procurement of a new wireless modem router (of which more in my review elsewhere on Ciao). Step two was to sponge a PCI-based wireless card for the PC off eBay as cost-effectively as possible, based on the experience gained hooking the kids' PC up to the USR using a Linksys WMP54GS (also recounted on Ciao elsewhere). Sadly, whilst the WMP54GS upstairs, two walls and a floor away from the ADSL entry-point in the studio, worked brilliantly with its shiny new wall-mounted adoptive wireless modem router downstairs, my second-hand WMP54G off eBay refused to hold on to the signal well enough when the Dell was on the desk, and failed completely when it was positioned in its intended final location under the desk in the new "study". Cue the Belkin N1 Wireless... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: Looks cool...
Disadvantages: Incompatible with Vista / Belkin N1 Router with WPA security!!!

...in the security key - 'Connecting is taking longer than usual'. No IP address is assigned.... And I am trying to connect this to a BELKIN N1 ROUTER!! Now after checking online I discover there is no certified release software as yet for Vista, only a pre-release beta that you 'install and use at your own risk' - WHY? How long has Vista been out now? Why release a product that isn't tested properly? Anyway, to cut a long annoying story short I discovered that it doesn't like WPA security, so am using WEP to connect successfully, and have just discovered the well documented problem with audio playback skipping BADLY in Vista whilst the N1 adaptor is being used. Speed-wise everything seemed okay, although of course the manufacturers claims about absolute speed and range on the packaging and marketing are offset by their very own disclaimers... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: Its wireless
Disadvantages: Its slow, USB becomes faulty easy, software is useless

...This adapter is ok. I have used it and it has worked however it could be quicker and the software that comes with it is dreadful. It really does overcomplicate things. I also have to say that i think my adapters USB became faulty. For some reason it kept disconnecting and reconnecting like I dont know what. However for what it is it is very good value. Personally I would go for the netgear 108mbps as you will find the speed and reliability a lot quicker and better. I have had no problems with this and the software is very easy to use and set up. Belkin customer support are very helpful thought....but should I really of had to ring them??? Its up to you to decide I suppose.... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful

Advantages: Excellent free telephone help line
Disadvantages: Not easy to set up without help

...I bought a Wireless USB Network Adaptor for my PC and a card for my laptop and followed the instructions. After a long struggle, I rang the FREE help line and was emailed up-to date drivers....the ones on the CD supplied with the hardware are out of date!! I still could not get the 2 machines to "see" one another and so called the help line again. They were extremely helpful and eventually we got it to work. It was necessary to uninstall the original drivers that came on the CD and then install the updated ones. Since then the connection has been rock solid with no problems at all. I have yet to tackle sharing the Broadband connection as Belkin do not help with this and nor does BT. So, all in all, I am happy but would not want to have to set it up again!!... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful

Advantages: wireless, compatible with a range of wireless routers, good price, small size, lifetime guarantee
Disadvantages: so far i have not been able to find any disadvantages with this particular product

...I bought this product to use with my BT total broadband home hub. It was easy to install the software and worked immediately. The belkin software is good for configuring the adapter but unneccesary with more wireless routers as it picks up the signal with the help of windows anyway. the product is small and has a stand so it can be conveiniently stored out of the way and out of sight. The range is pretty good as my adapter picks up 7 different signals from wireless routers in my neighbourhood. The signal is always constant with no annoying breaks at all and is always very fast The product is guaranteed for life so should there ever be any problem with it it will be replaced by the retailer or belkin without the need to spend any more money. This means that the price you pay is all you will ever need to, even if you change your... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful