Customer Reviews

Microsoft Broadband Networking Wireless USB Adapter

5 star:		(16)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(4)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

This is a combined review of the MN-500 / MN-510 / MN-610 since they are combined (the MN-610 is a kit of a MN-500 base station and MN-510 USB adapter). The base station installed up to the very end. It said that the installation could not complete because of a firewall or similar problem. I checked, re-checked and re-booted many times. However, I could get through to the Internet, so I had no idea why it would not continue the installation. I ended up calling technical support and they were very helpful. Since I was connecting to the Internet, everything was configured. It just would not complete and make a floppy that could be used on the other systems. So, that part had to be done manually. I was glad support was quick and helpful.

Installing the first other station was very easy, but the second was more problematic. Still, compared to other network installations, it was pretty easy.

Throughput is pretty impressive. In fact, it is just as fast on the others as it was on my base station BEFORE the wireless network. My base station varies from the same performance to THREE TIMES what it was before. I am guessing that the router doing the firewall instead of the OS doing it may account for most of the improvement.

Overall, we are very happy with it.

I live in a townhome with 4 bedrooms. I bought the Microsoft home base unit with 4 of these Wireless USB Adapters. We hooked up all 4 units with ease. The wizards worked flawlessly. Pretty much, all you need to do is click on "Next" and nothing else, and you're pretty much set. I have the base unit downstairs, and 3 of the USB adapters upstairs, and all of them get the reception fine... a "Very Good" rating instead of Excellent though. It's good enough to watch a movie wirelessly.

Also, I have a computer hooked up to it by ethernet cables, a laptop with integrated wireless, and an Xbox hooked up. Every machine is working fine.

I bought this wireless USB adapter in conjuntion with the Microsoft wireless base station and found it easy, easy, easy to install. Installation went seamlessly. It's fast. A few weeks later, however, I had trouble setting up file sharing when I added a new desktop with XP Home (I am using XP Pro on my other PC) to my existing network. I called their tech support who was EXCELLENT and not only got my network back up but transferrred me to the XP Home tech who assisted me with the file sharing. They even followed up with a call and an email! Wow! Who gets customer service like that these days! I have recently added an older laptop to my network using this same USB adapter (since it cannot accomodate a wireless card) and it works great! You want a broadband network?...then buy this product!

Compared with most other USB wireless adapters, the MN-510 is small and looks good. And it works very well too. I installed it in seconds with my Windows XP system and it worked flawlessly from the start. What more could you ask?

After struggling with an older D-link PCI card, I decided to try out this MS 510 adapter. Usually, the PCI card should be a bit faster, but I had always struggled with my old one and the software was still not XP-certified.

The MS box hooked right up and worked immediately and some of the problems I had with throughput and stop/starts disappeared. This is a very cute unit - tiny and requiring no power supply other than from the USB. Just be aware that it must be a powered USB port (like most computers) and not an unpowered hub.

My throughput rate was over 600k up and down which is very close to my actual broadband capacity - very pleased with it!

It's smaller then a thin wallet (mine). Heck! The wire it heavier then the unit itself!

Anyways, this USB adapter worked beautifully. Had a bit of problem installing the base station, but making this piece of technology work is as simple as installing the software, and connecting this baby to a USB port. Almost immediately was the wireless network online.

Not sure if it'll help in buying decision, but I run this on Windows XP.

I guess I could write a really long review of this product, but just like the product is small, so is the need to describe it..

This product installs easily, works flawlessly with my Intel-branded wireless base station (which is no longer made, so I'd recommended Microsoft's wireless hub), and has had zero issues since purchasing. While there are plenty of adapters to choose from, this one gets 5 stars for simplicity, performance and compatibility.

If it helps, my wireless base station is in my office upstairs and the computer this adapter is hooked up to is downstairs, and the connection is perfect!

I have purchased a total of 2 of these USB adaptors for my laptops. They work fine, if you don't move them very much. However, due to the mobility of laptops, which Microsoft may have overlooked when designing this, both of the USB plugs have developed a short. If you wiggle the cable just right it works fine, but if you try and move it after that, it shorts out and stops working. Laptop users be warned

Replaced Dlink's similar 120d USB adapter, and immediately had faster connection, with no dropouts. The Dlink units (I have had two of them) can't hold a candle to this. The software is easy to set up, too.

Not only did I buy one for my PC I also have one hooked up to my TiVo DVR to download the channel listings... Very easy to set up...

Step 1. Plug into USB port.

Step 2. Install included Software Driver(If needed)

Step 3. Configure Network settings(If needed)

Took me less than 5 mins and instant wireless....

Great Job Microsoft......!!