Need help choosing WIFI card for Z SL5600

wirelessn00b · 11-29-2004

I'm new to the pda scene and the whole wireless scene too and I'm looking to buy the Zaurus SL-5600 (the 255 chip, to not get the processor bug) and since it does not come with wifi built in, I wanted some recommendations on the type of card I should get. I guess they make a CF to PCMCIA adapter, and I have read some posts on here talking about using the PCMCIA on a PDA since its better with power and range. So i guess my question is, should i use CF wireless card? or a PCMCIA card, and what brand do you guys (and gals) recommend I use? Thanks for your inquiries

RedSector · 11-29-2004

This post is kind of, really similar to the one that got tossed in the newbie bin but anyway:
I like the EnGenius NL-2511 series. They have a compact flash version (NL-2511CF) and 2 PCMCIA versions (NL-2511CD Plus, NL-2511CD Plus EXT2). The PCMCIA cards are more powerfull, but will also take more of a toll on you battery which can be a downer, especially on a moblie device like a Zarus. You could always go with the good ol' ORiNOCO, though personally I am a fan of the high power prism2.5s and Cisco Aironets.
Though it is best to formulate your own opinions by using the search engine of your choice (the search button at the top of the forum is dandy as well).

G8tK33per · 11-29-2004

Quote:

Originally Posted by RedSector

This post is kind of, really similar to the one that got tossed in the newbie bin but anyway:
I like the EnGenius NL-2511 series. They have a compact flash version (NL-2511CF) and 2 PCMCIA versions (NL-2511CD Plus, NL-2511CD Plus EXT2). The PCMCIA cards are more powerfull, but will also take more of a toll on you battery which can be a downer, especially on a moblie device like a Zarus. You could always go with the good ol' ORiNOCO, though personally I am a fan of the high power prism2.5s and Cisco Aironets.
Though it is best to formulate your own opinions by using the search engine of your choice (the search button at the top of the forum is dandy as well).

Yup...looks like he figured out why as well.

RedSector · 11-29-2004

May I ask what Aironet? I had a 340. I ended up giving it to a friend because he needed a card that would work well in Gentoo. It was a good little card. If its a 350 those are really nice. I wouldn't mind one myself.

MikeP928 · 11-29-2004

The WCF11 Linksys in my SL5500 will pick up more APs than the Orinoco in my notebook.

This is running Kismet on both machines.

I believe the WCF11 has been updated to a WCF12 since I bought mine. Now if I can get the new Kismet running with OZ I will be happy again.

I hated to buy a CF wireless card when I had a couple of dozen different PCMCIA cards, but the sensitivity and lower power draw make it worth it. The CF card will cut your battery life in half.

MikeP

11-29-2004	#1 (permalink)
wirelessn00b Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 2	Need help choosing WIFI card for Z SL5600 I'm new to the pda scene and the whole wireless scene too and I'm looking to buy the Zaurus SL-5600 (the 255 chip, to not get the processor bug) and since it does not come with wifi built in, I wanted some recommendations on the type of card I should get. I guess they make a CF to PCMCIA adapter, and I have read some posts on here talking about using the PCMCIA on a PDA since its better with power and range. So i guess my question is, should i use CF wireless card? or a PCMCIA card, and what brand do you guys (and gals) recommend I use? Thanks for your inquiries __________________ Even the rats grow bolder in the night.

11-29-2004	#2 (permalink)
RedSector Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Illinois Posts: 673	This post is kind of, really similar to the one that got tossed in the newbie bin but anyway: I like the EnGenius NL-2511 series. They have a compact flash version (NL-2511CF) and 2 PCMCIA versions (NL-2511CD Plus, NL-2511CD Plus EXT2). The PCMCIA cards are more powerfull, but will also take more of a toll on you battery which can be a downer, especially on a moblie device like a Zarus. You could always go with the good ol' ORiNOCO, though personally I am a fan of the high power prism2.5s and Cisco Aironets. Though it is best to formulate your own opinions by using the search engine of your choice (the search button at the top of the forum is dandy as well). Last edited by RedSector : 11-29-2004 at 11:50 AM.

11-29-2004	#4 (permalink)
RedSector Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Illinois Posts: 673	May I ask what Aironet? I had a 340. I ended up giving it to a friend because he needed a card that would work well in Gentoo. It was a good little card. If its a 350 those are really nice. I wouldn't mind one myself. Last edited by RedSector : 11-29-2004 at 01:48 PM.

11-29-2004	#5 (permalink)
MikeP928 Heeere's your sign! Join Date: May 2002 Location: Mexico Beach, FL Posts: 1,169	The WCF11 Linksys in my SL5500 will pick up more APs than the Orinoco in my notebook. This is running Kismet on both machines. I believe the WCF11 has been updated to a WCF12 since I bought mine. Now if I can get the new Kismet running with OZ I will be happy again. I hated to buy a CF wireless card when I had a couple of dozen different PCMCIA cards, but the sensitivity and lower power draw make it worth it. The CF card will cut your battery life in half. MikeP __________________ Democracy is two wolves and a lamb voting on what to have for lunch. Liberty is a well-armed lamb contesting the vote. -- Benjamin Franklin, 1759

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