Customer Reviews

TRENDnet 108Mbps Wireless Super G USB Adapter TEW-444UB

5 star:		(14)
4 star:		(10)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(23)

 

 

i bought this to use in my newly upgraded desktop with windows vista. it CONTINUALLY drops the wireless signal (at least every hour) - when you click to connect to a network it does not find any networks. pulling it out and pushing it back in seems to recover the network almost every time, but this is really annoying to have to do repeatedly. it is not a signal strength issue in general, as another desktop in the same room and two laptops that frequent the room have no trouble getting good signals.

I bought this for my job tried to get it to work but it would not register on either of my computers. Called the tech people and they also confirmed that there was a problem. Let me know that I would have to return the item. Then they had the nerve to expect me to pay to return it to them. Horrible product and service. Go with a real company that makes quality products.

I have 2 of these on 2 different computers, both smoked as soon as it connected. I installed the driver first, reboot the PC, connecting the USB port, then it starts giving out burning smell. I immediately disconnect it from the USB port and put in a flash drive to verify my PC is ok. And it behaves the same on the 2nd unit on my new computer, behaved excatly the same. As soon as the PC re-boot and get to log on, it smoked. Under both cases, the USB ports on both PC are okay. Call for help to Trendnet, no comment on the issue and asked me to pay for shipping to send them back!?!?!?? I would not buy this brand for a long time. RMA# 105049 - Product Ref case # 110095 & 110097.

I bought this one without reading other reviews and almost lost my sanity. It would drop connection often, pulling it out and replugging it in would help sometimes, but eventually my computer refused to acknowledge it's presence. Rebooting helped, same symptoms were duplicated on my laptop as well as desktop and finally, one fine day it died (the led would not light up). This was after only 1/2 a dozen uses. Now I am back to my wired connection, I am still in shock and it would take some time to recover before I try other USB wireless adapterS!!! So buy it at your own risk AND SANITY

For the sake of your sanity and the peacefulness of you neighborhood, please don't bother buying this adapter. It may lead to uncontrollable bouts of screaming. I have another computer which picks up our wireless signal fine, but with this adapter the signal is frequently dropped. Unplugging and plugging it back in usually gets it online again for at least a few minutes, but it's a big pain in the neck. Having to do this repeatedly meant keeping it plugged into the front of the computer within reach, which meant that it got knocked into frequently because it sticks out a good 3" from the computer. Now it has come apart and has to be replaced. Piece of cr@p.

It does not work well on Win Vista and quite slow on Win Xp. Hard to to install.

Bought with high expectations due to its great spec. First one didn't work, sent back. Second also didn't work, and returned. Don't waste your time or money.

This TRENDnet wireless usb adapter is terrible. I just got a linksys wusb54g today. This 'TRENDnet' is flimsy. You can actually bend the USB plug, and sometimes the plastic case comes loose. It is always dropping the connection, it looks cheesy, and the blinking light is annoying.

It does exactly what it's supposed to do. I've had to restart the application throught it's software here and there - so that's why I took one star away.....but for the most part it works very well. I recommend it.

Bought this TRENDnet 108Mbps Wireless Super G USB Adapter (TEW-444UB Version V1.1R) last fall during a Gold Box Deal, and it has served its purpose a number of times. Have been using it as a general purpose backup for notebook PCs and as test device for wireless installations, mostly where the OS is Windows 2000/XP (SP1/SP2), 2003 Server, or Vista. Linux is not a supported operating system, but the listed chipset for the TEW-444UB is 'Atheros AR5523 + AR2112', so there may be 3rd-party Linux drivers available if one looked.

This reviewer found excellent wireless connectivity with 802.11g or 802.11b networks, and also found it to be backward compatible. Was able to reach the listed 108Mbps speed under certain installations, but do remember that speed performance and coverage may vary depending on an individual network environment.

If you get one of these wireless adapters, be sure to check under the white section of the packaging, where you'll find an excellent 5-foot USB 2.0 cable. This isn't noted in the specs, and happens to be an excellent USB 2.0 extension cable. A friend got one of these and almost threw the box away without checking under the white cardboard section. Should you need longer, then this TRENDnet USB Extender Cable (5m, 16.4ft; (male to female) should do the job.

It's highly suggested that after you install the drivers form the included CD-ROM disc, you go to the TRENDnet Website (see comments) and check for any updated drivers. Installation of updated drivers will often eliminate those annoying networking issues that can (and will) sometimes occur.

Should you need speeds higher than the 108Mbps offered, the TRENDnet 300Mbps Wireless N USB Adapter (TEW-624UB Version 1.0R) should fit those needs, and it works with Mac OS X v10.4 and above, which isn't supported by the modelo reviewed here.

Though Vista is not listed as a recognized OS for this device, it actually is supported, and the appropriate drivers for the TEW-444UB are available for download from the TRENDnet Website (see comments). The steps for installation under Windows Vista are as follows:

Step 1: On the bottom right-hand corner of the screen, right click the wireless network connection icon and select 'Connect to a network'.

Step 2: Select the desired network and then click 'Connect'.

Step 3: Enter the security key and then click 'Connect'. Note: If you're connecting to an unsecured network, click 'Connect Anyway'.

Step 4: Click 'Close'.


Summary...

General performance: 4-stars; functions as expected

Connectivity: 5-stars; no issues found

Installation: 5-stars; very easy

Overall: 5-stars; excellent value for the money, especially if you find it at a reduced price. Adding to the value is that five-foot USB 2.0 cable that one will find under the divider.

Recommended.