Netgear MA521 802.11b Wireless PC Card
| Brand | NETGEAR |
| Hardware Interface | Ethernet |
| Operating System | Windows XP, Windows 98 |
| Compatible Devices | Desktop |
| Item Dimensions LxWxH | 2.13 x 3.94 x 0.2 inches |
| Data Link Protocol | Ethernet |
| Data Transfer Rate | 11 Megabits Per Second |
| Item Weight | 1 Pounds |
About this item
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- 802.11b wireless access with 802.11g compatibility
- Speeds up to 11 Mbps
- Superior range -- up to 300 feet
- 40/64 and 128-bit Wired Equivalency Protection (WEP)
- Supports any PC equipped with a processor faster than 400 MHz
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Product Description
Product Description
Go anywhere you like and still stay connected with this Netgear 802.11b 11Mbps Wireless CardBus Adapter. Once you install one in your notebook computer, you can easily access the Internet from anywhere. Adapter lets you experience superior range with distances of up to 300' with automatic rate fallback. The auto-adjustment transmit power provides longer battery life and reduces interference. Features 802.11b wireless access with 802.11g compatibility; 40/64 and 128-bit Wired Equivalency Protection (WEP); and supports any PC equipped with a processor faster than 400MHz on Windows 98SE and higher.
Amazon.com
From the Manufacturer
Connect From Your Notebook PC Wherever You Are
Go wherever you like and stay connected with NETGEARs Wireless PC card. Once youve got one in your notebook computer, you can easily access the Internet from anywhere in your home or office, and from campuses, parks, airports, or public hotspots in bookstores and cafes. Whether you are in a conference room, waiting for a flight, or out on the quad on a warm day, you can be fully productive without being at your desk. Use this well-designed card to quickly network your employees without the time or expense of installing Ethernet cabling. It lets you experience data speeds of up to 11 Mbps, greater range with automatic speed adjustment, and greater safety with secure encryption -- all for a moderate price. With NETGEAR, Everybodys connecting, and with the MA521, they can connect everywhere.
Unfettered
If you have an 802.11b wireless router at home, you can access the Internet easily from your notebook PC, at up to 11 Mbps. Share your broadband connection at home, or gain total mobility in the office. Achieve superior range with distances of up to 300 feet with automatic rate fallback. Auto-adjustment transmit power provides longer battery life and reduces interference.
Well Designed
Small-sized antenna prevents card from getting bent. Thorough testing ensures powerful throughput and dependable operability. The MA521 is configured to interoperate with other NETGEAR wireless products, and is compatible with any notebook PC having a processor speed greater than 400 MHz, with drivers available for Windows 98SE, Me, 2000 and XP.
Well Protected
Secure 40/64 and 128-bit Wired Equivalency Protection (WEP) encryption provides secure data communication and increased shielding from wireless eavesdroppers.
Key Features
- 802.11b wireless access with 802.11g compatibility
- Speeds up to 11 Mbps
- Superior range--up to 300 feet
- 40/64 & 128-bit Wired Equivalency Protection (WEP)
- Supports any PC equipped with a processor faster than 400 MHz
Product information
| Product Dimensions | 2.13 x 3.94 x 0.2 inches |
|---|---|
| Item Weight | 1 pounds |
| ASIN | B000093IRS |
| Item model number | MA521NA |
| Customer Reviews |
2.7 out of 5 stars |
| Best Sellers Rank | #2,796 in Internal Computer Networking Cards |
| Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
| Date First Available | April 4, 2003 |
| Manufacturer | Netgear |
| Language | English |
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I wiped the hard drive and put XP Home SP2 on the laptop, and popped in this card. It asked for the drivers from the CD, and in less than five minutes I was connected and up and running on my wireless at home. So far so good, but I soon discovered that this card has a few odd quirks:
1) I ordered this card from a Zshops seller on Amazon.com, and I got a Comcast MA521, which is basically the same as the Netgear, uses Netgear drivers and utility etc. Same card, just rebranded.
2) When I am connected to my Linksys WAP11 at home, the signal is never full bars, and even sitting right next to the router, the signal varies from 2 to 4 bars for no apparent reason. However, when I connect to the Linksys WRT54G at school, the signal meter works just fine. Definately odd.
3) Once I am not in the same room as the router, this card will drop the connection and reconnect every few minutes. It is not a great problem because it usually reconnects in a second or two, but it means the "Connected to..." message keeps coming up. To get rid of these messages I let the Netgear utility program manage my wireless connections, but it still drops the connection for a second or two. Kinda annoying.
4) If I bring the laptop out of hibernation mode, the card does not connect properly the first time. I have to pull it out and push it back in to get a proper connection.
These 'quirks' occur only with my Linksys WAP11, so it appears that this card just does not get allong with my WAP11, which is rather annoying. It works fine with the newer WRT54G.
So basically, you get what you pay for. Don't expect excellent signal range, and it does start dropping the connection as the signal strenght gets low, which is annoying. It does its job though.
Once everything's set up, the card works great, and drop-outs are usually attributable to the router or access point, not the card itself. Netgear just needs to write better drivers. Three-and-a-half stars overall, but Amazon doesn't let me assign half stars.
I have prevously owned the two older versions of the netgear 802.11b pci cards and both were much better than this one.
Only buy this item if you want a small compact card and you have an excelent signal quality.
As a result, I'm taking the 2nd level support guy's suggestion and buying the MA401. I recommend you do the same.





