Netgear MA111 802.11b Wireless USB Adapter

by Netgear

Product Details

Product Manual [1.13mb PDF]

• Item Weight: 1 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• ASIN: B00008XOHI
• Item model number: MA111NA
• Average Customer Review: 3.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (105 customer reviews)
• Date first available at Amazon.com: March 21, 2003

Product Description

From the Manufacturer

Fast and Easy 11 Mbps Wireless Connectivity
Netgear has designed this Wireless USB Adapter to give you fast, reliable Internet access. There's no need to open up your PC, or install expensive Ethernet cables to connect wirelessly. The MA111 effortlessly connects your desktop PC at home, or even your notebook PC at a hotspot over any 802.11b network. With its automatic rate fallback, the MA111 lets you move to extended distances without losing your connectivity. Attractively styled, this compact device simply plugs into an external USB port on your desktop or notebook PC. High-level WEP encryption gives you secure data communication and shields your network from wireless eavesdroppers--at no sacrifice to performance. With Netgear, Everybody's connecting, and with the MA111, they can connect everywhere.

Simple
Wireless connectivity at 11 Mbps that's powered by USB 1.1 means there's no need to open the cover of your PC and no need to buy or install Ethernet cabling. The included 5 ft cable allows you to position the adapter for peak signal strength to your desktop.

Capable
Automatic rate fallback adjusts to greater distances. Hardware-based 40/64 and 128-bit WEP encryption protects your privacy. Pre-configured to work with other Netgear wireless products, this USB adapter works with Windows 98 SE, ME, 2000, and XP.

Reliable
In addition to seamless signal strength and dependable operability, NETGEAR provides a 3 year warranty. Now you can enjoy fast wireless access without unexpected interruptions.

Product Description

NETGEAR MA111 - The time is now to enter the exhilarating world of wireless networking! For home or office use, the 802.11b MA111 Wireless USB Adapter allows you to be connected to your network from just about anywhere in your home or office. Note - Wireless networking a wireless 802.11b access point (separately available); additionally, each personal computer on the network must be fitted with an internal or external 802.11b wireless adapter 3 year warranty

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

66 of 69 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars MA111v2 not TiVo compatible, November 20, 2004

By 

Noah Lazar (South Riding, VA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Netgear MA111 802.11b Wireless USB Adapter (Personal Computers)

Just as a warning, Amazon.com is now shipping v2 of the MA111 adapter. Only the original version 1 is currently supported by TiVo, so do not purchase this if you want wireless connectivity with your Series2 box. See tivo.com/adapters for the latest list. The product box will list "MA111v2" if you have the newest version.

41 of 42 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Not bad for the price...amazingly small size..laptop or PC.., May 18, 2004

By 

Erin (USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Netgear MA111 802.11b Wireless USB Adapter (Personal Computers)

I just bought this and paid more elsewhere (unfortunately). Amazon has a great price on this item, in fact, I recommend this and the Netgear 802.11b (MR814) router. I never have setup a network before myself and was hesitant...but it's not that hard.

Here is what I did:

First I installed the router (you can use any brand B standard router, but the MR814 is a nice choice). Use all software. Configure a WEP or anyone can access your wireless network (read the booklet...)

Next setup the USB on your other PC / laptop. DO NOT USE THE SOFTWARE it comes with (USB 1.1) or it will probably crash your PC, according to many online reports. I downloaded the newest 2.0.1 from netgear.com support page. DO NOT PLUG-IN THE USB ADAPTER until this software is installed. This will ensure no PC crashing (at least, my experience)....even the booklet warns against installing first. The software update is A MUST. You can actually leave the USB device plugged in all the time. I even shutdown with it on (no problems, it powers off with shut down and on with startup). After it's installed follow the book instructions. Make sure you use the same WEP and it should automatically detect your router (as long as your router name is broadcasted, if not type it manually).

Now the not-so-good:
The range on this little thing could be better. I get a 40-53% signal but this is my setup:
My router is downstairs in an addition at the very back room of my house. My wireless USB adapter and PC are upstairs toward the front of the house. This thing has to go thru electronic signals (We have a 2.4Ghrtz phone and other electronics) and at least three walls. Considering the size, I am pleased. I had doubts, I'll admit.

If you are debating between 'b' and 'g' standard and money is an issue go with the b standard. Why? It's still fast, and it's going for bargain prices now since 'g' came out. I have cable internet and I think my connection is just as fast thru the wireless.

Way to go Netgear!! My first time setting up a network and now I'm wireless. It took me two hours, but for someone with basic knowledge could have this up in minutes.

Final assessment: For the price this thing is pretty nifty. Works with laptop and PC (It's good for people like me that use both interchangeably). The range is not spectacular but decent. I'd say I'm at a distance of 70 - 75 feet with a 40-53% signal. My connection never goes to '0'. Perhaps people with this problem have old firmware or they don't have their wireless network setup in a good location. It comes with a cable, so I recommend adjusting it until you find a good spot (for me this changes daily).

Recommended without hesitation. There is better out there, but this USB is fast, easy, and affordable. Best of all, no opening up the PC. I experience no PC crashing at all, and no negative issues. 11 Mbps is pretty sweet in fact.

18 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Obsolete drivers discourage you from a good product, June 21, 2005

By 

Lubos Motl (Cambridge, MA United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Netgear MA111 802.11b Wireless USB Adapter (Personal Computers)

I like this product. The design is sexy; it is able to detect the signal well. The most problematic part of the package are the drivers.

The manual pages tell you that you must first install the software from the CD and then insert the gadget, otherwise your computer will crash.

You should know that when you first install the drivers from the CD and then you insert the device, your computer will crash, too. The reason is that your computer most likely has Windows XP on it. The drivers on the CD are not XP-certified and they will crash your computer.

If you've already installed them, try to uninstall them - and/or make a "system restore" and return your system to the pre-installation era. If you're lucky enough that you have not started yet, just go to www.netgear.com and find the drivers for MA111. You should choose the newest drivers - which means 2.5 beta. Although it is a beta version, it is actually the only version that is compatible with Windows XP Service Pack 2 which I suppose most of you want.

Install the 2.5 beta version only by running the SETUP.EXE program from the UTILITY subdirectory, nothing else, and your gadget will work very well.