D-Link DWA-140 RangeBooster Draft 802.11n Wireless USB Adapter

A few months ago, we moved our office to another floor, and didn't feel like running cables everywhere. So, I added this wireless adapter to my Windows XP Pro desktop build and left the router (a D-Link Wireless DIR-615 N Router, 4-Port 10/100 Switch, 2 Antennas, Draft 802.11n) downstairs.Had zero issues with installation, and it just works. Didn't have to change any router settings. The computer is on another floor, and the tower is in a corner on the floor, but still has "excellent" signal strength, at 270 Mbps. I haven't had the usual issues that I tend to have with wireless cards, where I have to reset or repair the connection due to some random system hiccup.I want to buy more of these adapters for our other computers (two laptops) since they are both stuck at wireless-G (54 Mbps) and I want more!!! We're probably going to just end up with new laptops, though, that have wireless-N.Side note about compatibility:I made sure to purchase this over some other wireless adapters because this one is compatible with Vista and Windows 7 in 64 bit (the version of the D-Link DWA-130 Wireless N USB Adapter that I have is NOT 64 bit compatible, there are certain hardware revisions that are, but it's hard to tell which one you are purchasing). Do not underestimate the value of being 64 bit compatible, especially for hardware devices, because unlike software, you will oftentimes just be totally out of luck in getting that hardware to work on the system unless the manufacturer decides to release a new driver. 64 bit is the way all computers will eventually run so that they can have more than 4 GB of RAM, so you're just future-proofing yourself. Use the Windows Compatibility Center to check, even if you're on an older OS right now -->[...]

I recently picked up a free DIR-625 wireless router from a family member, and needed to get an access point to use with it. I found the DWA 140 on Amazon for about half what the local chain stores wanted, so I picked it up. Setup was a breeze. I was quite ready to spend hours and brain power setting this thing up (as I have done in the past with wireless networks), but much to my enjoyment it took only a few minutes. Just follow the instructions, make sure your router is already functioning, and you're set.I did the 'manual install' and just punched in my network name and password, and it worked immediately.It's more than enough speed for my cable internet, and I notice no lag during anything online even with the wireless signal going through a couple walls and a closet. It's never had any trouble connecting, never lost signal, nor given me any grief so far.You don't see in the pics on Amazon, but it also comes with a nifty USB base that plugs into your USB port on your computer, so you can place it out of the way.Great little USB adapter. Get it.

I like USB portability and compatibility, but as far as wireless goes, I have seen some issues with many products in the past. I wasn't sure what to expect from this but needed a portable N card for my network and am pleasantly surprised, but was still hoping that USB/N wireless technology had come a little further.SPEED: Good. Delivers consistent 216-270Mbps even at the furthest point from the router I can find in my house.(using Dlink DIR 655 router in N only mode).RELIABILITY/RANGE: Good, but had hoped for better. No drops so far, but the range is less than my other wireless cards, and most notably, my cheap Belkin USB adapter. This is to be expected from any wireless N product though, and given the consistently awesome speed and absence of dropped signalls, I wouldn't even notice if I wasn't monitoring the range counters during testing and comparisons to my other devices.DURABILITY: Constructed well. Made of plastics like most of the new products, but very solid construction. Really impressive is the extension cradle which has about a 4' extension cable and could literally be used as a paper weight in a hurricane. My Belkin by comparison seems like it would blow across the room with a sneeze. Heat is always a concern with many new products, but not with this. It maintains a steady operating temperature and has small vents to release internal heat.COMPATIBILITY: Of note, I have read many reviews of products causing blue screens and crashes, especially for VISTA 64 bit computers. I am using this on Windows 7 64 bit and have no issues except that the Wireless Connection Manager software doesn't run, which is probably a blessing as most 3rd party wireless managment software causes more issues than good and I always revert back to the Windows wireless management anyway. I am not a MAC user, but it came with MAC utilities for what that is worth and I don't believe I came across any bad reviews from MAC users prior to buying, but I wan't paying attention for that either.Overall a very good product. As with any wireless N product, it carried a higher price tag than the Wireless G products and the range/signal does not live up to all the N hype, but it delivers the N speed I wanted with no issues. This is the mid-level Dlink USB wireless N card at the time of this writing, and maybe the high level offers more range at a higher price tag, but I don't need it. There are some less expensive N cards out there, but read the reviews before you buy, especially if you run MAC, 64 bit, Vista, or plan to use Windows 7 when it comes out as some of the "off brand" and even some familiar branded products are causing some crashes and other issues. For me, this one did not.