3Com 11Mbps Airconnect Wireless Lan PC Card PCMCIA

Rating:
Summary: Difficulties...
Review: I have tried to install my 3COM AirConnect PCMCIA card three times without success. The instructions I used wasn't very clear. I ended up just using all defaulted parameters, rebooted, then it would work. However, it only connects to the internet once, with very weak connection indicated. It would not thereafter. Is there an easy way of installing and using this PC card (for Windows 2000)?

Rating:
Summary: Poor Firmware support from 3com
Review: Specifically, the 3crwe737a models, many issues with the 3com supplied firmware/drivers for Win2k and XP. Symbol Technologies has a much better driver (that DOES work for this card) on their website. 3com stopped supporting this card a couple of years ago. All of 3com's drivers are actually Symbol drivers--just a few minor modifications to the PnP name and INF files. If you don't have the right driver to match the firmware, expect VERY POOR performance--issue with POWER MANAGEMENT--lots of connect...disconnects and short range. Antenna is detachable and has Micro MCX connectors, but the supplied antenna is notoriously noisy. Call 3com and have them swap it--they will at no charge (5 year warranty).

Rating:
Summary: Poor Firmware support from 3com
Review: Specifically, the 3crwe737a models, many issues with the 3com supplied firmware/drivers for Win2k and XP. Symbol Technologies has a much better driver (that DOES work for this card) on their website. 3com stopped supporting this card a couple of years ago. All of 3com's drivers are actually Symbol drivers--just a few minor modifications to the PnP name and INF files. If you don't have the right driver to match the firmware, expect VERY POOR performance--issue with POWER MANAGEMENT--lots of connect...disconnects and short range. Antenna is detachable and has Micro MCX connectors, but the supplied antenna is notoriously noisy. Call 3com and have them swap it--they will at no charge (5 year warranty).

Rating:
Summary: Difficulties...
Review: The 3Com Airconnect Wireless LAN PCMCIA card is reasonably good. In my rather large single story home (>5000 sq. ft.), I can get 80% coverage. ...You get a 802.11b wireless card that gives you reasonable coverage, good speed, and great support. I had problems installing it and 3Com support was great, a lot better than Linksys or SMC, though it is only available during business hours. Mine connections to a 3Com HomeConnect Wireless Gateway , with virutally no setup required. I highly recommend this if you are using newbie building a new home network and need support. However, if you know what you are doing, and don't care about service or support, you might want to save a dollars with something from Linksys or SMC. Remember, you get what you pay for.

Rating:
Summary: Good product, but pricey
Review: The 3Com Airconnect Wireless LAN PCMCIA card is reasonably good. In my rather large single story home (>5000 sq. ft.), I can get 80% coverage. ...You get a 802.11b wireless card that gives you reasonable coverage, good speed, and great support. I had problems installing it and 3Com support was great, a lot better than Linksys or SMC, though it is only available during business hours. Mine connections to a 3Com HomeConnect Wireless Gateway , with virutally no setup required. I highly recommend this if you are using newbie building a new home network and need support. However, if you know what you are doing, and don't care about service or support, you might want to save a dollars with something from Linksys or SMC. Remember, you get what you pay for.