I highly recommend this item. Is cheap, is reliable and is easy to setup. Just don't forget to get the firmware update and install it before you start connecting computers to the network.

The product works, I now have a notebook that operates wirelessly.

That is about the extent of my praise. One major drawback for me is the limitted distance. This isn't a complaint about this product so much as it is a complaint about wireless routers/base stations in general.

What makes it such a problem with this product is that as far as I can tell there is no way to increase the range. Products like the "Cantenna" won't attach to the basestation or PC card whereas most units such as Linksys do.

Also, the wired PC connected to the router now has apparent DNS issues. When visiting a web site I frequently get the old IE Cannot find server message. Refreshing 1-10 times fixes the problem, but it is now a persistent problem. I have disabled my software firewall so that isn't the problem.

If I was to do it again (and I may return the unit) I would go with Linksys simply because they are a dominant player, their products have good 3rd party support and they seem to work well.

Following the recommendations of some other users here, I went ahead and downloaded the updates for the base system during installation, but it installed without a hitch, and putting the notebook adapter on the laptop (a Dell Inspiron 7000 running Win98) was a snap. The Microsoft installation CD has you put the network information on a floppy, so you don't even need to write down or remember any network addresses; when you install the adapter on the notebook, it just takes that information off the floppy.

I have a low frustration threshold and I'm not real comfortable with installing and configuring stuff like this, so I was a little worried, but it all went very smoothly, so a few days later I bought a USB adapter for my other, even older, desktop so my kids could access the DSL line while on it. It was just as easy and works just as well. I have to give this product the 5 star thumbs up.

I first purchased the Linksys wireless kit, but it gave me the same problems everyone else was saying, "no signal range, and the support is terrible." When I called Linksys customer support, someone from another country basically was typing every question I said into a search engine, and was then reading the screen. They appeared to have absolutely no technical knowledge. After several hours of tech support (long hold times), I immediately brought the router and card back. My time is simply worth way more than any savings they could give me on the cheaper system.

Then, after much research this time, I purchased the Microsoft kit. It installed very quickly on XP (desktop) and believe it or not, even quicker on Windows 2000 (laptop)--go figure. The 128 (or 64) encryption was also a breeze to setup. Also, with the router located in the identical location the Linksys router was previously in, I was able to reach every corner of my house. Believe me, I tried everything with the Linksys. The Microsoft system software is intelligent enough to give up transfer speed to maintain signal strength. This is great! After all, who cares that they can transfer at full speed half of the time if you need to reboot the router and computer the other half of the time. Even at the reduced transfer speeds (~2 Mbits/s), it's still faster than my broadband connection at 1.5 Mbits/s. I tried everything with the Linksys, but the Microsoft system lived up to the hype. I still think they are too much of a monopoly, but to end the frustrations with this issue, they can stay a monopoly for now. I'm using it now, and it's great.

While I didn't need the 802.11b adapter, my roommate did so I went with the kit. I was prepared to be disappointed with microsoft and to have to spend much time trying to set up my roommates older notebook.

But I was shocked to say the least when everything loaded quickly and as laid out in the set up guide. In fact it loaded quicker than setting up my dsl connection. I think part of it was due to me making sure that my viruscan firewall was down.

My roommate has had no problems with her notebook adapter and has used it outside of the house through other hotspots. My third roommate who has an ibook (which also has an intergrated 802.11b) also hasn't had much problem logging onto the network.

Our apartment consists of two floors in a townhouse and the signal is consistently strong throughout the apartment. It was worth the 90 dollars spent and worth the less than 15 minutes of set up time. After two weeks of use I have not seen any of the problems described and feel confident that I won't.

The range is excellent; my house is pretty big with lots of walls, and I'm able to use it everywhere. Kudos to Bill for a great product!

If you're like me and plan to use the wireless connection solely with a notebook, call technical support as soon as you take it out of the box. They are extremely helpful and will guide you through the installation process.

As you can read on the product box, the wireless network works 'best' if you have a WIRE Ethernet connection to a desktop computer AND set up the wireless port for use with a laptop. If you don't have a desktop, it just takes a few extra steps to set it up. The techs at customer support are very helpful and can take you through the set-up in 10 minutes....but go ahead and call them 1st. You'll save yourself a headache.

Microsoft also gives you the ability to add WAP secuity, which is a must.

I have no complaints and am very happy with my purchase! (The [money amount]rebate is a great thing as well)

Setting up the adapter on my laptop only took me 5 mins. No configuration needed, hardware detects base station right away!!

I would recommend this product to everyone who's thinking about setting up wireless and wired lan!! Great product with reasonable price and best of all you get 2 years worth of 24 HOURS customer support from good old Gates! Can't complain with all this.

P.S. Yes! You do need to download the patch from the support website.

Setting up the adapter on my laptop only took me 5 mins. No configuration needed, hardware detects base station right away!!

I would recommend this product to everyone who's thinking about setting up wireless and wired lan!! Great product with reasonable price and best of all you get 2 years worth of 24 HOURS customer support from good old Gates! Can't complain with all this.

P.S. Yes!! You do need to download the patch from the support website.