Netgear MA521 802.11b Wireless PC Card

Rating:
Summary: Good card but not as good as MA401
Review: I found the MA521 at Staples for $39 with a $20 mail in rebate. I already own an MA401 which I use in my other laptop. I didn't realize these two cards differed until the installation completed and I recognized a difference in the appearence of the config util. I had hoped the 521 would outperform the 401 (not that the 401 is a slouch). The install went very smooth for the 521 as opposed to some minor problems I experienced with the 401. However, my laptop was setting on my desk barely 24 inches from the router and the signal strength of the 521 was in the 82% range with link quality about 10% higher. I was amazed yet totally disappointed! How could ANY wireless device not achieve 100% signal and link when so close to the access point?!? Two rooms away is my other laptop with it's 401. A quick check showed 100% for signal strength and link quality! There must be a big difference in the internals of the 521 and the 401. While the 521 is a nice card for a nice price after rebate, I prefer to have a better performing card and will be exchanging the 521 for a 401 (IF I can find a 401!). If your wireless needs are such that the very best in signal and link is not required, then the 521 would be a nice card to own. It's a great card, just not as good as the 401.

Rating:
Summary: So much better than SMC
Review: I have been using an SMC wireless card for some time now (with XP Pro) and couldn't figure out why the signal was being dropped every 5 or 10 minutes. Incredibly aggrevating! My dad also had an SMC card and XP Pro with his laptop and was having similar problems. It wasn't until I read reviews on Amazon when I was looking for a new card that I realized it wasn't the router or the age of my card (dad had newer), but the compatibility of SMC with XP Pro. I ordered two of the Netgear MA521s for both of us and neither has had any problems since. It takes slightly longer on boot up for the card to recognize that the network is there, but after that, never drops the signal. It has good range, I've been everywhere in our two-story, four-bedroom house and have not had a problem anywhere. I would highly recommend this card, especially to anyone running XP Pro.

Rating:
Summary: ma521 has issues with windows 2000 driver install
Review: i have called technical support twice and after wasting 2 hrs with them got nothing resolved. I bought this on Amazon,so I am gonna return this crap and probably get Linksys. The drivers are all messed up and dont work.

Rating:
Summary: Decent card
Review: I have installed this card in a few different laptops. Never had a problem. Just follow the directions, install the drivers before you put the card in the laptop. Works fine on 98SE and 2000. Signal strengh seems a little weak but it works fine around the house.

If all you are planning on doing is surfing the web around the house then 802.11b is all you need. It has a faster transfer rate than most broadband at home.

Rating:
Summary: Nice Card
Review: I have used SMC wireless card for a while for my xp pro laptop, two problems, drop connection every 5-10 minutes, need to choose connection after laptop wake up from hibernate. But Netgear card works good without any issue so far (two weeks). I bought the card from Microcenter, almost free (only pay tax) if I can receive the rebate. Since I heard Netgear custom service is worse and maybe no chance to get the rebate, so I rate it with 4 stars.

Rating:
Summary: Excellent w/out Netgear Router!
Review: I just purchased this w.card after having D-Link's 650+ w.card. With the D-Link, I constantly lost connections and when I took out the card, I had to reload the drivers often. This card is working like a dream. I'm able to establish my VPN which I wasn't able to prior and I haven't lost connection yet. I am also using D-Link's 614+ (very good router) and I had no complications with using an alternate brand w.card. The installation was very quick and easy with no problems. I was able to get online w/out updating the drivers, but did update them just in case. The Netgear website was easy to find the downloads. Nice product.

Rating:
Summary: No problem on Win98 w Belkin router
Review: I spent as much on the card (not much) at Best Buy as I did for the cheapest Belkin wireless router at Microcenter. Absolutely no problem running Win98 on wireless laptop and wired Win2K desktop. Had to reboot laptop. Browser interface lets one monitor wireless access. Great card and a good buy.

Rating:
Summary: Exactly what I want.
Review: I've been using this gizmo for months and have no problems with it. Signal strength is strong everywhere in my house, it never drops off. As soon as I turn on the laptop, I'm connected to the WLAN! No buttons to press, it's all very easy. It sticks out about a centemeter, and the part sticking out won't break off. If you want a wireless card, this is the one to get.

Rating:
Summary: easy setup works great
Review: Love it, like I love the Netgear wireless router it connects to (see my other reviews). Easy to install and setup, sleek design. I love Netgear products. The way to go for wireless, IMHO.

Rating:
Summary: Poor Technical Support
Review: My Netwiking Card all of sudden stopped functioning afer 4 months in use. Reading the literature on web I was able to do basic debugging and found that Networking card is not able to pickup the signal and when could not resolve the issue I called there Tech Support who were not willing to help at all unless I agree to pay them 28$ service fee or agree 2$/minute charge of the call. Guys have you heard of this. My experience with Netgear is not good and would suggest you not waste your quality time and money on poor quality products from NetGear!!! And be carfull of their disgusting technical support