Live from my living room!
Written: Jun 07 '03
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Product Rating:
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Pros: No Wires, Fast Easy Access, Easy Install.
Cons: Outdated Software does not report correct signal strenght.
The Bottom Line: Great deal at $19.99! Definately worth the price for added mobility.
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| endurance's Full Review: Siemens Efficient Networks SpeedStream SS1021 PC C... |
Wireless networking had always been a journey I was weary to take, namely because of the price, and the setup. Early wireless as it was described to me was a pain. However my experience is a tad different.
OUT OF THE BOX
Easier said than done. I purchased this PCMCIA card with a same brand router, so my experience is just as the card maker had hoped. All there brand gear.
I setup the wireless router, and plugged in the card, XP Home setup was pretty easy. I was online within minutes, but according to the network status it says singal strenght is poor, however with the SpeedStream utility, it reports "76% GOOD" So slight confusion there.
BROWSING SPEED
Even though my laptop has a 10/100 connection the wireless was key for being a tad more mobile, able to goto say my local Barnes and Noble, and have net access.
The connection is just as you were jacked into a 10/100 port and surfing the web. Now granted with most this will vary based upon connection speed you have, but for me on a Cable Modem at home, and T1 at the office, speed is perfect.
Again the quirk comes into play of networks, but I will note SpeedStream has at least figured that one out. When you come into another network range it reports the new network and gives you a chance to connet to this. Great if you have access to more than one 802.11b access point, I have one here and the office. So both profiles are listed and it will auto connect to any in my quick access list.
BATTERY LIFE
The battery on the laptop is not really effected all to much, I noticed maybe a loss of about 20 minutes top when in constant use.
A low drain, but still a drain. A good recommendation would be CPU Idle, helps keep the Laptop Processor cooler, and reduces CPU use so that battery life is longer. It definately helps when using extras such as this add-on.
OVERALL EXPERIENCE
Very good. I will say for the price on sale at CircutCity.com ($19.99) it was more than worth it. Siemens makes a great product. Definately easy to setup.
Updates are one problem I am not too fond of, there is no 'Driver Downloads' page, and it takes some searching in their database to find what your looking for, but you can find it.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 19.99
Driver Availability: Don't Know
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Epinions.com ID:
endurance
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Member: Charles Brown
Location: Bakersfield,CA
Reviews written: 125
Trusted by: 14 members
About Me:
Graphic Designer who loves Gadgets, and Mobile tools!
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