Jørgen Sundgot cuts the cord with SanDisk's Connect Low Power Wireless LAN Card, and finds out that handheld networking can be made easy - or is that too easy?
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With the advent of Windows Mobile 2003 for Pocket PC, getting online via Wi-Fi networks is easier than ever for Pocket PC users. One manufacturer that came out early with drivers for the very latest version of the Pocket PC platform is SanDisk, which has brought to market two different versions of a CompactFlash Type II Wi-Fi expansion card. One offers Wi-Fi only, while the other offers Wi-Fi coupled with 128 MB of additional storage; the one on review here is the former.
Dubbed the SanDisk Connect Low Power Wireless LAN Card, this particular CF Type II expansion card is compatible with Pocket PC 2002 devices, and also comes bundled with Windows drivers. To enable utilization of the latter, the card comes with a PCMCIA adaptor bundled - a nice touch as laptop owners will be able to get dual use of the card. Sadly, support is still not offered for Windows Mobile 2003 devices, which at the time of writing is only possible with the other version of this card.
In any regard, Pocket PC users will be disappointed to learn that the functionality offered by Windows drivers and utilities far surpasses that of their Pocket PC equivalents, which offer virtually nothing. In fact, the card comes with absolutely no configuration tools or basic network utilities whatsoever, leaving the card usable only for networks configured in a straightforward manner.
This slight faux pas aside, however, the card offers good range - no doubt courtesy of its protruding antenna - and performed flawlessly throughout our testing. Also, the card offers support for WEP encryption up to 128 bit, and Windows users will find the functionality of the card sufficient; yet this is not considered part of the review and as such is merely chalked up as a minor bonus. Buyers who place a particular emphasis on security should beware, however, as 802.1x support is not included.
Availability
The SanDisk Connect Low Power Wireless LAN Card is compatible with Pocket PC 2002 and Windows ME/2000/XP, and is now available from the SanDisk online store for $99.99 USD. Several other on- and offline retailers also offer the card.
Conclusion
The overall impression of the SanDisk Connect Low Power Wireless LAN Card is marred by the lacking support for Windows Mobile 2003, basic network utilities and configuration tools. These omissions render the card unusable for users wanting to upgrade to Windows Mobile 2003 at one point, as well as those in need of more advanced functionality. Add a price tag in the upper end of the segment, and it quickly becomes evident that unless simplicity and the included PCMCIA adaptor are your top priorities, you should consider your options.
- What's positive: Reliable performance; included PCMCIA adaptor
- What's negative: Lacking Windows Mobile 2003 support; no basic network utilities
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Price and availability
The will start selling for TBA () in November 1999.
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