I first started using my Axim X5 PPC 2003 advanced with the Dell TrueMobil 1180 CF. The Dell easily installs and is reliable. However, range is an issue. In an office environment it can go at most... 25 feet. Where as a laptop can go 150' or so.
So, I bought a Netgear MA701. What leaned me towards this card is 1) price and 2) the ability to use in a notebook with a simple cf adapter.
Intial impressions. The card is slightly bulkier than the Dell, maybe more antenna?! The only reason this bothered me was because I carry around the Dell CF card inside my PDA case, which the Netgear does not fit quite as well. Inserted the cd that came with it, install Pocket PC drivers and synced. These were the wrong drivers. I needed to go to netgear.com and download the latest pocket pc 2003 drivers, they were not on the cd. However once I did this I was up and running in a matter of minutes.
I was free to roam my house!!! The range is near laptop and pcmcia card ability. This far exceeds the Dell card.
Pro:
1) Has windows 98/2K/xp drivers available
2) range
3) price (i paid $60)
con:
1) No ppc 2003 drivers included with cd (quickly remedied)
2) A little bulker than the Dell card
Overall, I recommend this card for anyone wanting to access an 802.11b/g network. I am very happy I made the switch and I am not bout to a 25' invisible chain now!
Any questions???
tjb@getitup4x4.com
Linear Mode
