Product Reviews:
Adapters/NICs
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Price:
$23.95
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$69.96
Specs:
54 Mbps, Wireless, PC Card
The Bottom Line
As versatile as it is inexpensive, the Linksys WPC55AG is an excellent choice for those commuting between 802.11a and 802.11b/g networks.© 2008 CNET Networks, Inc., a CBS Company. All rights reserved. Used by permission.
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Price:
$59.26
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$83.99
Specs:
54 Mbps, Wireless, CardBus
The Bottom Line
Business users looking for an 802.11 PC Card that will work at home, at the office, or on the road should take a close look at the easy-to-use WAG511.© 2008 CNET Networks, Inc., a CBS Company. All rights reserved. Used by permission.
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Price:
$39.99
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$84.99
Specs:
14 Mbps, Wired
The Bottom Line
The Netgear XE102 is one of the most compact power-line Ethernet bridges on the market, making it ideal for outlets in cramped corners or along baseboards.© 2008 CNET Networks, Inc., a CBS Company. All rights reserved. Used by permission.
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Price:
$21.97
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$40.01
Specs:
54 Mbps, 2.4 GHz, Wireless, CardBus
The Bottom Line
This easy-to-install notebook card offers speedy performance and comes with the best warranty in the business.© 2008 CNET Networks, Inc., a CBS Company. All rights reserved. Used by permission.
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Price:
$12.95
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$49.39
Specs:
108 Mbps, 2.4 GHz, Wireless, CardBus
The Bottom Line
The simple and affordable DWL-G650 offers easy installation and great support, but its erratic performance makes it hard to recommend.© 2008 CNET Networks, Inc., a CBS Company. All rights reserved. Used by permission.
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Price:
$39.99
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$95.99
Specs:
300 Mbps, 2.4 GHz, Wireless, CardBus
The Bottom Line
The Trendnet Wireless N-Draft PC Card seems like a compelling choice for your notebook PC, but we recommend waiting until the 802.11n spec is finalized before choosing an adapter.© 2008 CNET Networks, Inc., a CBS Company. All rights reserved. Used by permission.
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Price:
$87.71
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$143.99
Specs:
70 Mbps, Wired
The Bottom Line
If you're not on the wireless bandwagon, you don't have to forgo a home network or pay to have a network professionally installed. With the Panasonic HD-PLC power-line Ethernet adapters, you can have a wired home network up and running in minutes.© 2008 CNET Networks, Inc., a CBS Company. All rights reserved. Used by permission.
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Price:
$62.67
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$129.95
Specs:
70 Mbps, Wired
The Bottom Line
If you're not on the wireless bandwagon, you don't have to forgo a home network or pay to have a network professionally installed. With the Panasonic HD-PLC power-line Ethernet adapters, you can have a wired home network up and running in minutes.© 2008 CNET Networks, Inc., a CBS Company. All rights reserved. Used by permission.
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Price:
$58.33
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$103.95
Specs:
300 Mbps, 2.4 GHz, Wireless, ExpressCard
The Bottom Line
The Belkin N1 adapter is a little better than the competition, but that's not saying much. Hold off on buying Draft N networking equipment for now.© 2008 CNET Networks, Inc., a CBS Company. All rights reserved. Used by permission.
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Price:
$51.44
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$89.99
Specs:
Wireless, CardBus
The Bottom Line
Solid maximum throughput is not nearly enough to make us recommend the Draft N-based Linksys WPC300N. Sit tight to see how the other Draft N gear fares.© 2008 CNET Networks, Inc., a CBS Company. All rights reserved. Used by permission.
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Price:
$59.80
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$79.99
Specs:
270 Mbps, 2.4 GHz, Wireless, CardBus
The Bottom Line
Though the Netgear WN511B notebook adapter is an overall decent performer, its times are still fall far short of the scorching speeds promised by the new draft-N standard. Don't jump on the draft N bandwagon just yet.© 2008 CNET Networks, Inc., a CBS Company. All rights reserved. Used by permission.
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Price:
$46.73
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$85.99
Specs:
108 Mbps, 2.4 GHz, Wireless, CardBus
The Bottom Line
The Belkin Wireless G Plus MIMO Notebook Card can't compete with another member of Belkin's wireless-adapter family, the Pre-N PC Card, but it compares decently with other pre-802.11n/MIMO adapters and kills the plain 11g competition.© 2008 CNET Networks, Inc., a CBS Company. All rights reserved. Used by permission.
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Price:
$27.49
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$80.99
Specs:
240 Mbps, 2.4 GHz, Wireless, CardBus
The Bottom Line
If you plan to sit within 10 feet of your WRT54GX4 router, you'll get satisfying throughput. But if you want an adapter that's faster than standard 802.11g, opt for the Belkin Pre-N, which shows more consistent performance.© 2008 CNET Networks, Inc., a CBS Company. All rights reserved. Used by permission.
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Price:
$14.99
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$99.99
Specs:
240 Mbps, 2.4 GHz, Wireless, CardBus
The Bottom Line
If your priorities don't include long-range connectivity, then by all means get the somewhat ironically named Netgear WPNT511 RangeMax 240 wireless notebook adapter for its record-breaking short-range speeds.© 2008 CNET Networks, Inc., a CBS Company. All rights reserved. Used by permission.
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Price:
$38.99
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$79.99
Specs:
54 Mbps, 2.4 GHz, Wireless, Hi-Speed USB
The Bottom Line
The Netgear WG111 is one of the best all-around wireless USB adapters we've seen.© 2008 CNET Networks, Inc., a CBS Company. All rights reserved. Used by permission.
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Price:
$70.96
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$89.99
Specs:
54 Mbps, 2.4 GHz, Wireless, Hi-Speed USB
The Bottom Line
From its comprehensive documentation to its docking cradle, the Linksys WUSBF54G has all of its bases covered, making it a smart choice for travelers seeking a good Wi-Fi hot-spot detector/adapter combo.© 2008 CNET Networks, Inc., a CBS Company. All rights reserved. Used by permission.
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Price:
$45.99
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$59.99
Specs:
54 Mbps, 2.4 GHz, Wireless, Hi-Speed USB
The Bottom Line
For frequent fliers in constant need of Internet access, the Trendnet TEW-429UB dual hot-spot detector/Wi-Fi adapter comes in extrahandy.© 2008 CNET Networks, Inc., a CBS Company. All rights reserved. Used by permission.
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