My Fast (Very) and Friendly (Pretty) Wireless Notebook Adapter
Written: Nov 18 '05
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Product Rating:
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Pros: fast, secure, and has a pretty friendly interface
Cons: clumsy installation process, out-of-date manual
The Bottom Line: The AirPlus ExtremeG is a reasonably-priced, fast and secure wireless adapter.
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| scmrak's Full Review: D-link AirPlus Xtreme® G DWL-G650 (DWL-G650/D... |
When I first started carrying a laptop, all I needed were modem and local access number. Then hotels started providing high-speed internet to their guests, so after a couple of visits I started carrying an Ethernet cable. Nowadays, many hotels – and libraries, restaurants, even entire towns – provide wireless access. Once again I was behind the curve (the laptop wasn’t wireless-ready), so I stopped by my local ElectroBigBox for a D-Link G108 Wireless notebook adapter card, the model they’re calling AirPlusExtremeG (DWL-G650). Now I’m cruising the information superhighway at the speed limit again! Wanna join me? Here’s how:
Up Front: To install a DWL-G650 wireless adapter card on your portable computer, you’ll need this minimum configuration: PC running Windows XP, 2000, or Me at 300MHz or faster; CD-ROM drive; 64MB of free disk space; one CardBus Type-II (32-bit) slot. This is not a USB adapter, it requires that CardBus slot. Note 1: free support for Windows 2000 users has been discontinued. Note 2: no Mac drivers; 3rd-party Linux driver available.
What’s included: D-Link ships the DWL-G650 with the notebook card (duh!), a printed quick-install guide, and a CD-ROM containing installation instructions, user manual, and divers/software. The antenna end of the card projects about an inch from the slot when installed; the card itself weighs less than two ounces (55g).
Installation: a three-step process. Install the drivers from the CD-ROM and shut down computer; boot up with wireless card and CD-ROM in place; install D-Link’s Configuration Utility software at the “New Hardware Found” screen.
Specifications: The DWL-G650 uses the newer, faster IEEE 802.11g standard on the 2.4GHz band, and is backward compatible with access points running the 802.11b standard. This card has a nominal throughput of 108 Mbps (on an 802.11g network), though it will run at the rated 11 Mbps of an 802.11b network. This version of the card doesn’t access the 5GHz band or support the 802.11a standard.
The DWL-G650 has two (green) LED displays: a steady light to indicate an active link and a blinking activity light to indicate that data is being transmitted. When there’s no connection, the two LEDs blink alternately.
Security: The DWL-G650 supports 64- and 128-bit WEP encryption and WPA (PSK-mode) protocols, using 802.1x authentication. It’s designed to be forward-compatible with AES encryption and the 802.11i standard that is not yet active.
Range: Rated indoors for 100 meters (328 feet), outdoors for 400 meters (1312 feet) – numbers are IEEE 802.11g standards, not the card’s limitations. XR (extended range) drivers are available for later revisions of the firmware.
Living with the DWL-650G: Installation took me two tries – turns out that the adapter doesn’t register in the upper slot on my Sony laptop. After installation, the Configuration Utility icon appeared on the desktop and a second icon showed in the tray, but clicking either one did nada. Turns out that since I’ve put off installing Service Pack 2, I had to manually instruct the OS to let the software configure wireless access instead of Windows. Also, though the firmware supports WPA-PSK (Pre-Shared Key), you have to turn it on manually.
Telephone and internet support are both good – I called the 800 number at 9:00 EST on a Saturday and got help. Once the install was complete and I’d done the necessary OS setup, everything works fine.
So far I’ve experienced no problems with the card, having fired it up in a few local hotspots (I don’t have a home network). It’s fast, easy to use, and has a relatively friendly user interface. I have, however, noticed that the user’s manual seems out of date: it quotes a throughput of 54Mbps instead of 108, and informs me that free downloads of WPA will be available in Spring 2003 (more than two years ago).
Bottom Line? With rebates and sale prices, I got a fast wireless adapter for about $50. It’s a little hinky to install, but customer support and the interface are good. So far I’m satisfied.
This 664-word review is (barely) a Lean-n-Mean IV entry.
Recommended:
Yes
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