Cisco-Linksys WPC54GS Wireless-G Notebook Adapter with SpeedBooster
by Linksys
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Category: CE
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Digital Photo Product Details
Manufacturer: LinksysAudio: English (Original Language)
Format: CD
Platform: Windows
Model: WPC54GS
Color: blue/black
Product features:
- Product Type - Adapter
- Advanced security features including WEP, AES, TKIP and 802.1x
- Standards: 802.11g, 802.11b
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Digital Cameras Photo Reviews of Cisco-Linksys WPC54GS Wireless-G Notebook Adapter with SpeedBooster
Customer Review: Incompatible with IBM ThinkPads - Support Seriously Lacking
Summary: 2 Stars
Having used Linksys other products at a Fortune 500 company, I expected a routine installation and immediate success.
The WPC54GS is an enhanced version of the popular WPC54G which we have used with success in a variaty of laptops. Linksys claims a 35% "real world" boost in performance, so out I went and picked up a WRT54GS router and a matching WPC54GS cardbus adapter. (Of course, it looks like the end of the non "GS" versions are near, so might as well go with the latest, right?)
Installation of the WPC54GS is simple and straightfoward under Windows 2000. The included configuration utility is clear and intuitive.
The unit worked the first time it was installed. Defining profiles and setting encryption keys was easy.
We had no problems accessing and getting connected with the Linksys access point, as well as a DLink 614+ and a Symbol Spectrum 24 access points. The connection status shown on the main screen is sometimes inaccurate. The utility sometimes said that there was no connection, when other parts of the same program said a connection had been established.
Problems began to surface, however, as soon as we attempted to remove and reinsert the adapter. The WPC54GS found and associated with the access point, but would net get an IP address. The same thing happened when the Thinkpad was suspended and restored or went into and came out of hibernation. In fact, the only reliable way to connect the adapter was after a reboot.
Requests for help to the Linksys web support link and e-mail support went unanswered. The first level technical support folks were polite but not technical (I've been in the computer business for 20plus years.) Much time was wasted performing scripted steps that had nothing to do with identifying or fixing the problem. After quite a while with the first level phone technician, Linksys suggested I replace the unit. I selected the cross-shipping RMA option and received a replacement in 3 days (not too bad for cross-country with no premium shipping charges.)
The new unit didn't work any better. More hours of additional phone support ending up in fourth level technical support yielded a big surprise: the card does not work because of an "IRQ conflict", something that's all but dead for PC users today.
The card had a conflict with the most basic, built-in hardware in the laptop (IBM Thinkpad T40, but could apply to the 41 and other series as well.) IBM later confirmed that there was no way to alter the settings in the laptop.
Sadly, this information which was readily available to senior Linksys support is not posted on their web site, nor is the incompatibilty mentioned in the product's documentation or packaging. Somehow the information didn't get through to the first three levels of technical support either.
Applying all possible software updates did not help, so I'm afraid it's back to the store with this card.
(A final note: I have to return the new card to Linksys to avoid RMA charges and asked Linksys if they'd pick up the return shipping since the entire problem should have been identified with the first phone call. Alas, it seems that such a courtesy is beyond the powers of the customer service supervisors.)
Overall: WPC54GS could be a good product, but make sure you verify compatability. If you are find yourself needing technical or customer support, return the card immediatly and choose a product from a competitor who take technical support and customer service seriously. If want to try anyway, don't bother with the web/chat support or email, call.
Description of Cisco-Linksys WPC54GS Wireless-G Notebook Adapter with SpeedBooster
The Wireless-G Notebook Adapter with SpeedBooster is the simple way to add or upgrade wireless connectivity in your notebook computer. Just slide it into your notebooks PC Card slot and enjoy high-speed wireless network access while retaining true mobility. The Wireless-G Notebook Adapter with SpeedBooster incorporates the next generation of Wireless-G. In standard Wireless-G (802.11g) mode, the Notebook Adapter can connect to wireless networks at an incredible 54Mbps. With our new SpeedBooster technology enabled, your real-world wireless network performance increases by up to 35 Unlike other speed-enhancing technologies, SpeedBooster is 802.11 compliant, fully compatible with standard Wireless-G, and a good neighbor to other wireless devices and technologies, using a single 2.4GHz channel as specified by the official wireless standard. And, unlike other technologies, with SpeedBooster youll see an overall speed improvement even when running a mixed network of SpeedBooster and regular Wireless-G devices.Digital Cameras & Photo Categories
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