Cisco-Linksys USB200M EtherFast USB 2.0 10/100 Network Adapter
by Linksys
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Our Price: $633.36 Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days Buy Used: from $12.00 (click here) Category: CE See more product details |
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Customers in the UK,
Buy this product at amazon.co.uk
for British Pounds
Digital Cameras Photo Reviews of Cisco-Linksys USB200M EtherFast USB 2.0 10/100 Network Adapter
Customer Review: Great TiVo Accessory
Summary: 5 Stars
I read the reviews about people saying that the little door is flimsy and they didn't like it as a laptop accessory, but since I was going to use it for my TiVo Series 2 box and TiVo recommended it I took a deep breath and went for it. Turns out it was a good call. My TiVo is really close to my wireless router, tucked in with my entertainment system components, so I basically made the connections and never have to bother with it again. It doesn't ever get moved or removed, so once it's in place it's good to go. However, if someone actually had to run the ethernet cable some distance from the usb to the router, and ever tripped over the wire or otherwise jilted it, I can see how the little door on the usb would snap and that would be the end of it. What the picture doesn't show very well is that the door isn't just an access point, it's crucial to holding the ethernet cord in place (and at a really weird and fragile angle at that). Without it, the cord wouldn't sit right (or at all really) and you'd be SOL or have to jimmy it with some pretty strong tape. At that point, it wouldn't be worth the trouble, just replace it. Never had any problems with its performance (connects just fine, downloaded an Unbox movie in under an hour) so bottom line--if you're going to plug it in and forget about it, it's a great little product.Customer Review: Tivo now supports this!
Summary: 5 Stars
I just bought this against all the other reviews that Tivo doesn't support version 2. But on Tivo's website, they state they're planning to release a new version of their software in March that WILL support version 2 of this adapter, and you can request this software earlier than the roll out date in March here: http://research.tivo.com/wired/.
I followed all the steps, got the update just yesterday (2/26/2006), plugged in the adapter, hooked it all up and it works perfectly fine.
This product is a nifty thing, very small and compact and easy to use. I noticed a couple of things, the cover for the USB slot seems to be on a bit tight, it was hard for me to pull it off, but nothing broke after I finally did get it off, perhaps it was just my particular piece. Also, I can see how the small door could be easy to break off, does look a bit fragile and easy to break. I had some trouble sticking the Ethernet cord in, it does in at a bit of an awkward 45 degree angle, but after I realized that it went in well.
So, Tivo does support this now! and it works great, just transfered some movie files over using the adapter, much more reliable than my wireless adapter I had used before!
Customer Review: It's craptastic!
Summary: 1 Stars
This is one of the most poorly engineered pieces of techno-junk I've ever bought. If you even look cross-eyed at it, the little door that is supposed to hold the connector in place will fall off. Give it another good look, and the tiny metal arms that hold the door in place will fall out as well. You need the eyes and patience of a watchmaker to put it all back together, and then it doesn't work. Check to make sure the cable is seated properly, and guess what? It falls apart again. Sometimes the LED's are lit, sometimes not - according to Linksys tech support, I shouldn't worry though, because "LED's aren't reliable." Uh-huh.
My router and WAP, and most of my adapters and hubs are Linksys, they've always been a reliable brand and I hate to trash them over just one product, but WHAT WERE THEY THINKING??? If it had cost a bit less, I'd introduce it to Mr. Hammer, just for the satisfaction of mailing the pieces to Linksys. Instead, it's back to the store for this little plastic turd, and next time, I'll remember to check the Amazon reviews first.
Customer Review: Amazon currently shipping v2.1 - Works with Tivo 8.1a Software
Summary: 3 Stars
I decided to move from a wireless Linksys device to a wired Ethernet adapter to improve the speed of TiVo transfers to my PC. I decided to go with the Linksys device over other, more sturdy choices in TiVo's "potentially supported" list since it was recommended and sold by TiVo. I was concerned initially that this would not work since Amazon is shipping version 2.1, and TiVo only claims to fully support version 2.0 of this adapter. That said, I had no issues connecting to the TiVo service running version 8.1a of TiVo's software.
As other reviewers have stated, the design of this device is pretty poor, but it is fine for something stationary like a TiVo. I definitely wouldn't carry it in my laptop bag nor would I purchase it if I had to plug and unplug a cable on a regular basis due to the 45 degree angle that the cable must maintain to connect to the device.
I give it three stars overall since the use is limited, but would rate it 4 stars for use with a TiVo Series 2 device.
Customer Review: Garbage - who cares if it works when it's taped together...
Summary: 1 Stars
I don't often review products online - only when they dramatically impress me, or alternatively when they holistically frustrate me. This one falls in the later category.
As the other reviews note, it works when it gets taped together but why in the world would anyone want such a fragile piece of garbage that won't even hold the CAT 5 cable when that is the only reason the product was put on the market in the first place. Linksys's cost cutting is evident on this product. The little plastic 'door' that opens to plug in the CAT 5 cable falls off with incredible ease, making it impossible to plug in. If you have to use duct tape on high tech products (if you can even categorize this USB network adapter as high tech given that it's really a commodity) then it's not worth the cash. Save your money, and buy one that's twice as much - it will be cheaper for you in the end as duct tape isn't cheap these days (but apparently it is higher tech than this joke of a product). Shame on you linksys.