SanDisk Compact Flash 802.11b Card Review

[Brad Adrian]

In case I haven’t mentioned it lately, I LOVE all things wireless, especially 802.11b (a.k.a. "WiFi"). Ever since I set up my first home wireless network a couple of years ago, I’ve been hooked. It’s always worked well for me, and I’ve considered WiFi systems to be fairly easy to set up and use.<br /><br /><img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/adrian/sandiskcard.jpg" /><br /><br />I had absolutely no idea just how easy it could be until I tried the new compact flash WiFi card from SanDisk. <!><br /><br /><i>There are a LOT choices these days when selecting a WiFi card, and I know that there can be a big difference in how some cards perform. I rely heavily upon my WiFi network, so I was anxious to find out if the new SanDisk Compact Flash WiFi card could deliver uninterrupted connectivity. I quickly found out just how much simpler this little beauty can really make my life.</i><br /><br /><b><span>Contents</span></b><br /><img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/adrian/sandiskwifi.jpg" /><br /><i>Figure 1: This is all you need to get the card up and running.</i><br /><br />The SanDisk card comes packaged with everything you need to get just about any kind of Windows-based computer connected, including any CE-based portables or PCs running Windows ME, 2000 or XP. SanDisk includes the CF card, a PCMCIA adapter, mini-CD installation disk and instruction manual. True to my Y-chromosome-driven nature, I made use of all but the last item.<br /><br /><span><b>Installation</b></span><br />The reason I didn’t need the instruction manual is because the installation was an absolute breeze. Do yourself a favor though, and go ahead and read the manual; there may be some bit of information in there you hadn’t thought of. If I can get this card up and running without reading the manual, though, it MUST be simple.<br /><br />I installed the drivers for both my notebook PC and iPAQ Pocket PC. I just popped the mini-CD into the drive and followed the on-screen prompts. You select which type of computer you want to install the drivers for, and the rest of the installation is automatic. On the Pocket PC, you’re given the usual choice of installing the drivers to intern RAM or to a storage card. I first installed them to internal RAM, just because I think that a lot of connectivity drivers work more smoothly that way, but the SanDisk drivers seemed to work equally well when I later re-installed them to a secure digital card.<br /><br />Installation onto my notebook was even simpler; once I selected that option and selected the default settings, the drivers were copied in a matter of moments.<br /><br /><span><b>Operation</b></span><br />Okay, now came the task of configuring the drivers – NOT! Once the drivers were installed, all I had to do was reset/reboot my computers, insert the SanDisk card and start enjoying the Zen of WiFi. The included PCMCIA adapter worked great with both my notebook and iPAQ and seated more firmly into the card slots than some off-brand types I’ve tried before.<br /><br />The SanDisk card connected to my access point in the next room immediately and has been working beautifully ever since. I’ve been using the card for over three weeks now and I have not lost a connection once. I had been using a Cisco PCMCIA card that performed pretty well, but even it would temporarily drop its connection to the access point a couple of times a day. It might not seem like much of an inconvenience to lose the communication for a moment or two, but I work primarily through a VPN, and sometimes even a momentary WiFi drop is enough for my PC to drop the VPN connection entirely. The SanDisk card has kept me connected nonstop.<br /><br /><img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/adrian/wifiaxim2.jpg" /><br /><i>Figure 2: The card worked wonderfully with my new Axim.</i><br /><br />Of course, the card performs just as wonderfully with my Pocket PCs. All I have to do is pop it into the device and it automatically finds my WLAN and connects. It’s as simple as that.<br /><br />During the driver installation onto the Pocket PC, a Wireless LAN application is also automatically installed; I actually didn’t realize this at first, but then I noticed the icon on my Pocket PC’s System screen. It’s actually pretty useful.<br /><br /><img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/adrian/sandiskapp.jpg" /><br /><i>Figure 3: The included connection application makes configuration tweaking easy.</i><br /><br />It provides a nice visualization of the connection strength and the tools needed for more precise configuration. The feature I like the most is the ability to scan for available wireless networks, much like the famous Netstumbler sniffer application. This could be very useful when there may be multiple wireless networks available and the user has to determine which one to connect to.<br /><br /><b><span>Availability</span></b><br />You can learn more about this card at the <a href="http://www.sandisk.com/consumer/connect.asp">Sandisk Web site</a>. The card can be purchased directly from SanDisk for $99.99. This is a relatively new product, so I haven’t been able to find other sources for it. However, I expect before long several online stores like MobilePlanet and Amazon will carry it.<br /><br /><b><span>Gotchas</span></b><br />I’m really stretched to come up with any significant “gotchas” for this product. The price tag may be a bit steep for some people, but it really is pretty much in line with other similar products. The only other point is that the portion of the card that protrudes from the CF slot (the antenna) is a little bit thicker and bulkier than the Socket WiFi card, but I sure wouldn’t let that influence my decision to buy the card.<br /><br /><b><span>Conclusions</span></b><br />This is by far my favorite WiFi card. It has installed easily, worked flawlessly and made my connectivity a snap. In fact, I’ve already ordered a second one so I don’t have to keep swapping it between my notebook PC and Pocket PCs. Unless you really thrive on complexity and disappointment, this is the card for you.

[etalianstallion]

I thought that SanDisk also had a combo WiFi + storage CF card in the works. Anybody hear any updates on that?

[jfreiman]

$99??? Sorry, but the large antenna size is what bites. I'll pay the extra money for a card from Socket with a smaller antenna.

I had a unit with an average (large) sized antenna and got rid of it for the smaller one on the Socket Communications card.

It did cost about 60 bucks more but I don't regret it and would highly recommend one to anyone who caries their PocketPC around with them.

[Jason Dunn]

I thought that SanDisk also had a combo WiFi + storage CF card in the works. Anybody hear any updates on that?

Still "coming soon" AFAIK.

[egads]

How far does the antenna stick out from the Axim ?
Was wandering if it will fit in my case...

[Jason Dunn]

How far does the antenna stick out from the Axim ?
Was wandering if it will fit in my case...

Figure 2 is a little small, but if you look closely, you can tell...

[pocketpcdude1024]

I thought that SanDisk also had a combo WiFi + storage CF card in the works. Anybody hear any updates on that?

Still "coming soon" AFAIK.

As Far As I Know

[Paragon]

I thought that SanDisk also had a combo WiFi + storage CF card in the works. Anybody hear any updates on that?

When this was announce they said they would be available sometime this month I think They are also supposed to be coming out with SD combo WiFi and memory as well. Both CF, aand SD were to available in 64mb, and 128mb combined with WiFi.

Dave

[kagayaki1]

I thought that SanDisk also had a combo WiFi + storage CF card in the works. Anybody hear any updates on that?

Still "coming soon" AFAIK.

As Far As I Know

I can't believe you took the time to clarify that with the extra large letters. :? The code is perplexing.

[Paul]

This looks like a rebadged NetGear MA701. I wonder if the drivers are interchangable.

[Ed Hansberry]

That is the same Pocket PC configuration software on I have with my D-LINK card. Very easy to configure.

[Brad Adrian]

...I'll pay the extra money for a card from Socket with a smaller antenna...
I have absolutely no data to know if this is the case or not, but IF the fact that I never lost a signal with my WLAN is in some way related to the antenna on this thing, I'll take the SanDisk anytime. You'd pay more money for sleekness, I'd "pay" more in size for signal strength. To each his own.

[Janak Parekh]

I have absolutely no data to know if this is the case or not, but IF the fact that I never lost a signal with my WLAN is in some way related to the antenna on this thing, I'll take the SanDisk anytime. You'd pay more money for sleekness, I'd "pay" more in size for signal strength. To each his own.
In theory, it could be; but the Socket/Symbol card is absolutely amazing for the range given the antenna size. Still, it is more expensive...

--janak

[kfluet]

A couple questions about the Sandisk:

What kind of range do you get?

What kind of battery draw do you see?

[sponge]

Yea, this looks identical to the NetGear MA701.

Anyone want to try the new drivers on the MA701? I personally don't like the NetGear ones. I'd do it, but I currently have Linux installed (and am very happy with it)

[Brad Adrian]

What kind of range do you get?
What kind of battery draw do you see?
I don't have the equipment to test this in any empirical way, but with my home WLAN (and access point indoors) I am able to wander to the far corner of my property, which is about 100 feet away, with no loss of connection (I'll have to check the actual signal strength indicators next time). Also, I've been able to use the card with my Axim for over an hour and still have more than 50% of the power left. Granted, there are a lot of variables here (like the density of my house's walls and the type of battery in the device), but after using a PCMCIA WiFi card for years, this is a godsend.

[yunez]

hm, the exterior looks the same

http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/adrian/sandiskcard.jpghttp://www.pocket.at/pocketpc/pcpics/netgearwlan.jpg

[daeglan]

apperently they are offering an hour of wifi access with a value meal.

www.techtv.com/news

[fyiguy]

Computers4Sure has the Netgear MA701 802.11b compactflash card at a low $39.95 after rebate. $6.50 shipping.

Go here for the deal. (http://www.computers4sure.com/product.asp?productid=1122288)

:D

[Fzara]

I dont understand. The Netgear wireless card is discounted to $40, while the Linksys WCF11 is at $100. What gives?

I know the Linksys one is better, but do they have to jack up the price that high? (Source: Pricegrabber)

[oldan]

This looks like a rebadged NetGear MA701. I wonder if the drivers are interchangable.

Odd that ... the application looks just like the application that came with my SMC 2642. If you think the Antenna is a little bit bulky then, you're right!

I didn't see it but it looks like this is a Compact Flash II configuration which means I couldn't use it with my memory pcmcia (CFI) slot card in my laptop (bummer).

All in all, I've been more impressed with the AmbiCom card.

[Stake]

I was disappointed that my D-Link card (which I believe now sells for less than $50 online) didn't work with my Windows XP laptop. D-Link didn't bother making the drivers for it. So I had a hunch that the SanDisk drivers would work and drive the D-Link card.

Low and behold, the drivers work!! I'm actually doing this right now with it plugged into my laptop. So here's what you need to do:

1) Plug in the card to the laptop.
2) When it asks for drivers, select the last (3rd) option. Basically stating I want to find them myself.
3) Select all devices from the list.
4) Click Have disk.
5) Select the Wireless LAN (1st on the list)
6) Click through the warning messages (Hardware compatibility and XP certification)

You're done.

This will come in handy if you're in a pinch for a WiFi card. Keep the drivers on your PPC CF card and you're all set for WiFi!!

I'm also sure that if the NetGear card has Windows drivers, it will work just as well with the D-Link.

[hhong]

Very cool, I have the Netgear card. I'm gonna have to get me a CF card adapter and try the drivers out. I agree that the Sandisk is probably a rebadged netgear, or more likely they simply sourced from the same factory in Taiwan.

I've been pleased with the performance of my Netgear card. I admit I would much prefer the form factor of the ambicard or the socket, but the $47 I paid at the time made it a lot cheaper (over $100) than the socket and at least $30 cheaper than the ambicard. Actually, even if it had the design of the D-link it would match my jornada better than the netgear.

[jeffmd]

brad, I cant help but notice.

you don't use encryption do you. you didnt mention it once and it cetainly would keep you from simply poping in the card and working right off the bat. ;)

shame on you brad, thats a no no. :oops:

[sponge]

I don't use encryption. I simply leave my network open for those to stumble on it. Seeing how small of a town I live in, that's not an issue either.

Of course my network shares and printer can't be accessed just by driving by.

[Ramin]

Brad Adrian's review doesn't mention if the card supports 802.1x.

Also, do these drivers offer NDIS 5.1 support? I'd like to be able to use applications like MiniStumbler on my Pocket PC with a CF WLAN card.

[Brad Adrian]

...you don't use encryption do you...shame on you brad, thats a no no. :oops:
You're right, I probably should. I work from a home office and am the only tech-savvy person within 5 blocks, though, so I guess I hadn't worried about it too much. :(

[edgar]

Why do they omit the basic spec of Type I or Type II, even on the SanDisk web site? Are we to assume everything has gone Type II?

[jeffmd]

my local roadrunner has actually started war driving looking for any open road runner connections and shutting them down.

also just rescently I noticed a new linksys AP near me thats open, on road runner no less. ^^

[Jonathon Watkins]

.........I .... am the only tech-savvy person within 5 blocks..........

And you know this how? How do we know that this was not written by the tech-savvy person who has been intercepting all your WiFi traffic and who has rooted your box? :lol: Seriously though - you can't just assume no-one else is not sniffing packets.........

[andrewsquire]

Do all of the 802.11b cards in this thread support AdHoc networking or will they only work with Access Points?

[ctmagnus]

Do all of the 802.11b cards in this thread support AdHoc networking or will they only work with Access Points?

If any wi-fi card supports either/or and not both, it's probably not a very good product imo.

[Ekkie Tepsupornchai]

Do all of the 802.11b cards in this thread support AdHoc networking or will they only work with Access Points?
I've never seen one that doesn't support both and I've used a handful...

[ethancaine]

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B00008AOL0/qid=1048094894/sr=1-1/ref=sr_1_1_etk-electronics/104-5027379-5698301?v=glance&s=electronics&n=172282

Same item? if so, you'll notice the price drop.

[bbarker]

My Symbol Spectrum 24 Wireless Networker CF card has exceptional range and is one of the most compact. (I think this and the Socket are the same card.) Its range is better than any PC Card model I've used, and I've tried several. But it cost me around $150 when I bought it a year ago. I don't know what they cost now.

[JimDantin]

I just noticed that Symbol has posted an updated driver package for the Wireless Networker CF card.
http://www.symbol.com/services/downloads/dl_spec24_mobcompanion.html
The package is dated April 03, but the newest file date is 3/25/03

[bbarker]

I just noticed that Symbol has posted an updated driver package for the Wireless Networker CF card.
http://www.symbol.com/services/downloads/dl_spec24_mobcompanion.html
The package is dated April 03, but the newest file date is 3/25/03
Coincidentally, I found the same update yesterday and its design is far better for finding hot spots. This afternoon (on a Saturday) I drove around town and saw dozens of hot spots. For some reason I was unable to connect to many of them. Those to which I was able to connect and even ping didn't allow me to browse the Web. I don't know why.

[casiouser]

Any way to get this to work with Pocket PC 2000? Whats different about the SD slot between 2000 and 2002?

[Janak Parekh]

Any way to get this to work with Pocket PC 2000? Whats different about the SD slot between 2000 and 2002?
1. This is talking about a CompactFlash, not Secure Digital card. Sandisk makes both.

2. You've asked this question at least two times before, and the answer's not going to change: No. There isn't a Pocket PC 2000 device that has SD, let alone SDIO.

--janak

[Ed Hansberry]

There isn't a Pocket PC 2000 device that has SD, let alone SDIO.Minor nit - the EM500's MMC slot works with SD cards with the optional SD driver that was on Casio's site. No clue if it is still available. But you are right - no chance of SDIO.