"Not a big deal" Although most users would probably prefer a PCMCIA adapter, this USB adapter is fine for desktops. The warning about not being able to configure the base station via Win2k is inaccurate--configuring the base station from Win2k is exactly the same as from XP--I'm not sure why that warning is there.
Overall, installation is a breeze, signal strength is good, and for the entire line of wireless Microsoft products, phone support is outstanding. Four out of five stars. (If it had wall-mounting hardware, it'd be five.) From trav, September 16, 2003
"Win2000 Compatibility Issues" Couldn't believe it! As soon I put the setup CD in the drive I got the following message:
"Setup has detected that Microsoft Windows 2000 is running on your computer.
Although you can use Windows 2000 with Microsoft Broadband Networking, you cannot use it to configure the base station."
Can you believe MS makes a product that is not compatible with one of their later OS's? So seeing I only have Windows 2000 I'm in the deep not being able to configure any of the options. Going straight back for an exchange with a non-MS unit that is compatible with all Windows versions (ironic isn't it?).
BTW, there is no mention of this incompatibility anywhere on the box, you have to buy it to find out.
And to think I purchased Microsoft thinking it would have better compatibility than the other brands available.
John
From John, March 03, 2003
"MN-510 is the best USB 802.11b adaptor I have used" I have used various 802.11b adaptors, from PCMCIA to PCI to USB adaptors, and this MN-510 External USB adaptor is the best and easiest to use.
With my DLink and Linksys items, packet loss was high on a lot of games, rendering them impossible to play. They were good for normal web/email use, but for gaming ONLY the Microsoft MN-510 let me play those games... The signal strength is EXCELLENT, almost 100% where as using the other products at the same location only received 40-70%.
The setup was simple and quick. The only think I forsee is the imcompatibility with other OSes due to it being a microsoft product. May take a while to get generic drivers written for other OSes.
Also the setup under Win2K was a little biggy. During setup, instead of it automatically installing the drivers, I had to manually install the drivers while running the setup software before it would continue and finalize the setup.
The device is small simple and comes with a hardwired USB cable so you don't have to pay $30 (retail) for a 6ft USB cable.
Overall I give it a 9 out of 10 From Dennis C., January 03, 2003
We're currently upgrading our user review system; so we won't be accepting new reviews for now. MN-510 Wireless USB Adapter Specs
Interface(s)
Original USB
Released date
September 2002
Platforms
Windows 98, Windows 98 SE, Windows ME, Windows 2000, Windows XP
Connection
Wireless
Network standard
802.11b
Speed
11Mbps
Number of computers supported
1
Operating range
USB cable length
--
Software
--
Extra?
--
Security
--
Power source
Bus-powered
Warranty
One year
Where to buy Microsoft MN-510 Wireless USB Adapter?
