Note: This is a review for the Orinoco Silver PC Card only. Even though I bought the Orinoco RG-1000 Kit , which includes both the RG-1000 and one Silver PC Card, a separate review for the RG-1000 unit has been written and can be found with my other reviews. Please do check it out. Thank you for your patience.

I guess you can consider this part 2 of the RG-1000 Kit review. In part 1, I pretty much covered why I bought the Kit in the first place. Unlike the Symphony network that I had owned before, the RG-1000 network runs reliably and does not interfere with my 2.4GHz cordless telephones. I also made mentioned in that review how easy the hardware was to set up and how badly the installation of the software for the RG-1000 went. As bad as that was, installation of the Orinoco Silver PC Card and its drivers went like a breeze.

I've come to realize that setting this network up, as a whole, requires that you follow the booklet that comes with the kit to the letter; that means if you do not put everything together in a linear fashion chances are you will have difficulties. The only reason why I have mentioned this is because I've read so many reviews stating that they tried to set up the network this way or that way and the results have been less than stellar. The sequence goes as follows:

Setup the RG-1000's hardware (that is if you are using an RG-1000)

Install the Client Manager software (and, if you are using an RG-1000 you will need to install the RG Setup Utility as well)

Insert the Silver PC Card into the computer (I'm sure this probably applies to be Gold PC Card if that is the card you have purchased)

Install the drivers for the PC Card

Which is pretty much what I did. As I had stated in my other review, the Client Manager software installs without a hitch. I'm guessing that it also prepares your computer to recognize the PC Card as well. After installing the PC Card into the PCMCIA slot, Windows plug-and-play kicked in, via the " Add New Hardware " wizard asking for drivers for the card. At this point, all that was left to do was to install the drivers from the CD-ROM, follow the booklet in regards to setting the wireless parameters in order to make the PC Card communicate with the RG-1000 and that's pretty much it.

The actual PC Card is nice in its functionality. Unlike the Symphony PC Card I had, which has no indicators whatsoever, the Orinoco Silver PC Card has two LEDs on it, one indicator is to let you know that it is powered up and functioning and the other indicates when there is network activity; a very handy feature if you do not want to look at the Client Manager's software indicators. Also, even though it's a 5v device, it doesn't get very warm; another plus since heat is the killer of electronic components. And the big prize? The card works great! I can take my notebook anywhere within my 2000 square foot house and still retain a full signal. When I go outside, to my front or back porch, it drops down to 5Mbs which as far as I'm concerned is very good range.

At this point, a few comparisons can be made a regards to the old Symphony network I have and the RG-1000 network. The first thing I've noticed of course is that the Orinoco network is much faster since it operates 11Mbs instead of 1.6Mbs, which will make transferring files much faster and easier. Another thing is that the Orinoco card is standardized, which means just in case do not wish to use the RG-1000, you can use this card with any Wi-Fi compliant access point, unlike the Symphony which is totally proprietary; which means if you don't like the Symphony cordless modem or wireless bridge but still wish to access the Internet you are SOL. The Orinoco card has 64 bit encryption built in, making it a much more secure option then the Symphony card or various other cards. Case in point; with my old Symphony network, I would get many " hits " per day on my Zone Alarm software telling me that someone is trying to access my computer where as since I've installed the RG-1000 and the Silver PC Card I've yet to get one " hit ". That definitely works for me. Finally, the price between the two systems, is fairly close, if you were to buy the Symphony wireless bridge (or cordless modem) and PC Card and pit the price against the RG-1000 kit. Which means you get more bang for your buck with the Orinoco system. Makes you wonder what the point would be in buying the Symphony system, hm? My thoughts exactly.

Alas it there are some pitfalls. Since the Silver Card has built-in encryption security, it's also more expensive than most cards. Be prepared to pay it least 20 bucks more for this card than other wireless cards. Speaking of expense, the one thing I have to give credit to the Symphony boys is that since their system is proprietary, they make PCI and ISA cards directly for their system, which cuts down on the price of said cards. Orinoco, and the other 'Wi-Fi companies', on the other hand, have to rely on using PCI adapter cards in conjunction with a PC Card, which makes hooking up a desktop to your wireless network a much more expensive venture.

In conclusion, I'm impressed with the Silver PC Card and its RG-1000 counterpart. So much so that even though I could buy other cards and adapters from my desktop computers, I will stick with the Orinoco cards. Of course, that's another and entirely new review. I'll try to keep you posted on how easy setting up my legacy desktops will be when I order more PC cards, PCI and ISA adapters. Stay tuned. *smile*

Recommended: Yes