Netgear MA101 802.11b Wireless USB Adapter

• 11 Mbps wireless desktop PC networking
• Reliable, 802.11b standards-based networking
• USB Powered--no need to open your computer
• WEP encryption to ensure privacy
• Supports Win 98, Me, 2000

Amazon.com Product Description:
With Netgear's MA101 802.11b wireless USB adapter, you can easily network all of your employees at 11 Mbps speed without installing any new wires. Because the MA101 is USB-powered, there is no need to open the case of the PC. Set up a new wireless network or extend your existing workplace to remote sites in your building in no time, and escape the hassles and expense of Ethernet cabling. Your work force can immediately use your wireless network to access e-mail, file servers, printers, and cable/DSL Internet access. Standards-based 802.11b technology plus Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP) encryption provide your wireless network with the highest level of reliability and privacy. The MA101 is equipped with automatic speed adjustment to extend the communication range for longer distances from other 802.11b PC nodes or 802.11b access points. Designed for PCs running Windows 98, Me, and 2000, the MA101 performs with the vast majority of PCs, supports plug-and-play installation, and includes a five-year limited warranty.

Wireless range for this is weak.:
Wireless range on this is weak. I have an intel card that reads 4/5 bars when this adapter reads 2/5 bars. I like netgear equipment but can't recommend this adapter.

WORKS GREAT:
I did a lot of reading before I bought this... I bought it refurbed for 20 dollars and was really worried about getting it hooked up right.. I have XP Pro and an SMC router so reading the reviews I was left a little unsure if it would work or not... plugged in and installed... and worked great.. I am streaming music working remotely and writing this review.. I am no techy nor am I a network admin.. but I know how to plug things in and install them.. so far no stalls in music or in remote access... in fact I dare to say its rippin fast... I turned off windows ability to shut down the device when not in use so that may solve some XP headaches.. but as far as I am concerned this was a great investment.. I no longer have the cable from my living room to my room have two doors closed and am getting a "very good" signal... so I say if you are thinking about it.. get it..

Simply the best!!!:
I must confess that this is one of the equipment I ever had without hassel in configuring it. It works straight right out of the box. It still keeps me connected. It's surely the best!!! I will highly recommend it... Signal strength is great!!!

Works great in spite of abuse:
This unit set right up on my daughters desktop computer. It wasn't quite plug and play, as I did have to load the driver from the disc that came with the unit. But, it didn't have any issues with loading. It was worked fine for the most part, in spite of my daughter throwing it across the room. She also kicks it around and steps on it. The little plastic that goes around the antenna has popped off, but we were able to pop it back on. We did have a couple of occasions where it did cease to work. I am not sure what happened. My daughter's computer was a mess due to viruses and spyware from all the sites she visited. To get it working again, we just had to plug it into a different USB port on the computer.

Poor Reliability:
Easy to set up and worked great except two different routers failed within the first 8 hours of use. The outsourced tech support (email and voice) was marginally acceptable with garbled email due to different ascii character sets. Be sure of vendors return policie before you buy.