Tuesday, April 29, 2003      Subject: Netgear MA701 Reviewed

     In the new age of  networking we all want to get connected. With all the options out there I opted for a wired network at first. Now with wireless being as much as wired networking was a year ago I changed my mind and did both. I have a Netgear MR814 Router which has a built in 4 port switch and also supports 802.11b wireless networking. So my two PCs are wired in to my network router using CAT6 cable and have a DSL connection through the router. The important thing to hook up was my PDA. I could have opted for a wired connection but you really have to stick close to the router or have jacks installed all over your home. So wireless was logical and cheap.

    Netgear makes great routers and so i decided to buy there wireless Compact Flash NIC the MA701. It retails for $79.99 and can be found at most retailers. So I purchased the MA701 off the internet because the price was half because of a rebate. So once I got it you have a nice package with the NIC and driver cd. All you have to do is insert the cd and install the driver and NIC setting program. Once the program is installed you just have to be in range of a Wireless Access Point (WAP). The only thing that could stop you from connecting is your security. So you have to make sure your WEP Encryption keys match and if you have MAC address filtering allow your MA701 to connect from the router.

    Once the connection was established I was able to connect to the internet. Pocket PCs don't have network browsers but you can download one for free in my downloads section. Your PDA will allow you to check and send email as well as use instant messaging programs. You are also able to sync your PDA via the network which is more convenient than plugging tin to a cradle. The MA701 has superior range. I have it in my basement and can get a signal from any where in my house and as far as across the street or 3 houses down. The large bulge on top of the antenna which is bigger than the average Compact Flash NIC which could explain the better range. Over all the range is superior and gives you great wireless freedom.

    The only problem i had with the MA701 was my first one had stopped being recognized by my PDA had had poor range to start with. Netgear's support for there products is sub par due to the fact they have no fluent English speaking representatives. It took 3 days worth of calls to get my RMA number (Return Merchandise Authorization). I had to pay $3.99 to send it back and they sent me one back a week later. The second one I still have and it has the good range I'm so happy about but the connection indicator LED rarely works. I tried to get it sent back and got to frustrated with the hours on hold again and the representatives. I recommend buying this product at a store because you can return it there if it acts up. If you buy it online returning costs shipping and normally you only have 10 days to do so after you receive the product.

    I think over all the MA701 is a great product except for its poor support and some  manufacturing defects. I'm not really going to recommend the MA701 because of the 2 defective units I have gotten. If you get a good unit you will be very pleased. So the MA701 gets a 3 out of 10 rating.

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