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Electronics : Netgear WPNT511 RangeMax 240 Wireless Adapter |
- Avoid this product, Avoid NetgearI wish I had researched Netgear more thoroughly before I bought my wireless gear from them. I regret it. Despite good editorials, their products break down with astonishing regularity. My first WPNT511 was bad out of the box, the next one broke down in under a year. If that isn't bad enough, their scripted, plastic technical support seems to be designed more to deliver infuriating platitudes and block the customer from getting any meaningful resolution to their problem (that might cost Netgear an extra penny) than to be sincerely helpful.
Consider this a "danger sign." You may choose to ignore it, but be ready for the consequences.
Rating:
- DOA - dead on arrivalThe adapter was dead on arrival. Too bad the Belkin Pre-N's are not available anymore.
Rating:
- Problem with Firmware/Software renders card uselessI have a RangeMax 240 Router in our house that has performed well for a year. So I thought of buying a compatible adapter card (WPNT511) to maximize the performance. I followed the instructions, which is to load the software first, to install the card. When the installation prompted for card insertion, I followed and it froze the laptop. If I manually unplug the card, the computer would unfreeze (and even perform keystrokes I have had entered during the freeze). I thought the card was not compatible with my computer's particular setup. But when I tried it with a second laptop (completely different brand/setup) it freezes in the same way.
So instead, I tried avoiding the software, and just use Windows to install the driver and manage the wireless. I got that to work maybe 5% of the time, the rest would result in the same freeze until I remove the card. After searching online, I found that I am not the only case experiencing this or similar problem with the product.
I looked on NETGEAR's website and found that there are no firmware updates available since the initial release in 2005. Apparently, the card has been phased out in favor of the newer RangeMax NeXT series (including WN511B & WN511T).
I would avoid this card and look at the newer, and probably better supported, RangeMax NeXT cards. If you could wait (and has it been a long wait) I'd suggest waiting till they ratify the 802.11n spec so that companies can start making inter-compatible adapters/accesspoints.
Rating:
- Bad equipment & Amazon customer service.See rating of bad RangeMax 240 router and Amazon's changing horse in middle of stream. Amazon agreed to send return authorization paper work on 9-14-06 and this has not been received even after a second request. The response I received today wants me to jump through hoops to return even though 9-14-06 response did not require this. Today is 11-05-06. Bad customer service from Amazon!
Rating:
- Superb Adapter This adapter is for replacement of my previous belkin 54g wireless adapter. I am still using my old belkin 54g router, and I noticed the great difference in signal strength and stable connection once this adapter was installed.
I also tried Netgear WG111T 108g adapter. In the corner where the signal and connection was poor with belkin 54g adapter, WG111T 108g could picked the signal easily with no drop off, but connection speed is mediocre. While in the same spot with the same router, this rangemax 240 WPNT511 showes the signal strength in excerlence and the connection speed is easily hit 54Mbps (limited by my 54g belkin router) and there is no drop off at all. Great!
Comparing the price, this $20($40-$30rebate+$10Tax&shipping)Netgear Rangemax 240 adapter rom Compusa is superb.
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