HOT if you want XP compatibility! Compaq iPAQ 11Mbps Wireless USB Adapter for $69.99 AR at BB.

[BullishDad]

I was looking for a USB Wireless Adapter to link my new Dell Optiplex to my home network. (SMC-AWBR7004). I noticed that most, if not all of these devices do not list XP on the operating systems list. Please don't flame me, I know many products will work anyway, especially if Win2000 is supported. However, if I could lower my chances of having problems, then that's a plus.

If you visit the link below at Microsoft, in the pulldown box "In the following types", select Network/Wireless from the list. The Compaq iPAQ wireless USB adapter is XP logo compatible. I didn't see the usual brands on the list yet.


XP compatibility search

I purchased one today at Best Buy. Rebate form printed with receipts. Haven't installed it yet. Waiting for a monitor.

Compaq iPAQ11Mbps Wireless USB Adapter at Best Buy

If anyone has used this product, please post you're satisfaction/dissatisfaction.

 

[Buz2b]

OK, help me understand; you are buying an IPAQ (handheld computer) product to help you connnect a desktop computer to your home network? Pardon me if I am confused. I know it is meant to be plugged into your desktop but isn't it designed to connect to the IPAQ and not necessarily to a regular network? Or is that what you are going to do?

 

[gopunk]

buz2b, ipaq is not just handheld, it is an entire product line.

 

[Buz2b]

OK, that's what I needed; an explanation. Pardon my confusion.

 

[TechDreamer]

The whole "IPaq" marketing deal is a funny story. Compaq's original idea was to use IPaq as a brand name for a range of products. The problem is that the IPaq pocket PC took over the name due to it's popularity. Customers became confused because they thought that anything with the word IPaq meant it could be used with the Pocket PC. Compaq's marketing machine has been scrambling ever since. One solution they came up with was to discontinue a lot of IPaq products and clear them out. We got some great deals at Best Buy because of this. I got a 10/100 32bit Card Bus PCMCIA adapter for $17.50. There is no way this card will work with Pocket PC, but how many people do you think thought that it would?

 

[manly]

In other words, Compaq is inept and they were bailed out by HP.

As far as 802.11b clients are concerned, the concensus best value out there is Agere Orinoco. Very good quality at a reasonable price.

 

[kermalou]

<< In other words, Compaq is inept and they were bailed out by HP.

As far as 802.11b clients are concerned, the concensus best value out there is Agere Orinoco. Very good quality at a reasonable price. >>



where is it "reasonably priced"?

 

[VisionsUCI]

Compaq isn't inept, they just never expected the handheld ipaq to catch on as it did. I don't like their computers, but I love their pdas, and I'm happy for them. I'm glad they finally have a good product.