Are all CF-Wifi 802.11b cards the same ?

[sysh]

I was just thinking of getting one for my H2210 and noticed that there were several brands out there (many seemed pretty unknown to me) and was just wondering whether the performance would differ from the more "famous" brand when compared to the rather "unknown" ones..though when I read the specs they seem pretty identical..

Any comments perhaps ?
thanks..

[David Prahl]

I've never read a comparison review of wireless cards, but I would guess that the phrase "you get what you pay for" would apply. I bought a Dell Truemobile 1180 CF card for my Dell Axim, and it works fine. Battery drain is moderate and range is decent.

You can get wi-fi cards for as little as $40 (retail, that is), and as much as $150. The king of the hill card right now is made by Socket©, and apparently uses less power that cheaper cards.

I'd suggest searching this site for other similar threads - this is a VERY popular subject.

[sysh]

thanks ! I guess I know what you mean..
Hmm.. now just wondering whether I should part with $50 or $140 for the Wifi card..heh..tough decision :roll:

[Mark_Venture]

Take a look at... http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=17913&highlight= and http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=17236&highlight= and http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=14396&highlight= for some suggestions and discussion of Wi-Fi Cards and drivers for WM2003.

Many cards have WM2003 drivers, some have BETA drivers that are not so "ready for prime time" yet and still others just don't have WM2003 drivers at all.

Some draw more power (i.e. drain battery quicker), some draw less (i.e. longer battery life when using Wi-Fi). Example....

Ambicom WL1100C-CF TX <370 mA RX <250mA "stand by" 100mA
Dlink DCF-660W TX <350 mA RX <250mA "power save mode" 80mA
Socket Low Power CF "transmission" 170 to 280 mA Idle <20mA
Socket Low Power SDIO "Transmit" 280mA "Idle" 15 mA
*base on rating listed at the manufacturer's web site.

But the Ambicom card can be had anywhere from $40 to $70 depending on rebates, or online vs local store. And the Socket Low Power CF is around $100 to $150.

So you can get what you pay for.... And sometimes you can pay, and not get much (like if the card you get doesn't have WM2003 drivers yet).

[sysh]

Got it.. thanks
Might get either the Ambicom or the Socket card...
let's see how far can I stretch my wallet..hmm :|