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Linksys WCF12 Wireless CompactFlash card
rates it:     Community rates it:    
121 of 200 readers found this review helpful.
I've been using the Linksys WCF12 Wireless CompactFlash card with my Zaurus SL-5500 for six months now, and have had minimal problems with it. This card was a 'value' choice for me... something that would do the job for as little money as possible. I checked online to make sure other Zaurus users had successfully implemented this card, before I took the plunge.
My Zaurus was a 2.38 UK ROM model, and was upgraded to the 3.10 US ROM, before I inserted the Linksys Wlan card. The Wlan card was instantly recognised, and its configuration was easy for me, via the Network tool, found in the Zaurus Settings. I've used the Wlan card with and without WEP encryption.
I've tested the Linksys card on numerous wireless access points, including Dlink 900AP+, Netgear WG602, Symbol Spectrum24, and more. I've tested its networking with another Zaurus in AdHoc mode (The 2nd Zaurus had a Pretec Wlan card installed). The Linksys card works fine with the Kismet network sniffer. I've been very happy with the range of the unit, and have managed distances as high as 200m from the AP. The power-drain of running a Zaurus with Wlan constantly-on means that it does not last as well as the basic unit. At a guess, I'd estimate the drain causes the battery to expire half-an-hour quicker than usual.
This card was a great addition to the Zaurus. Now the Zaurus is a portable network tool, runs numerous server processes (samba, vnc server, sshd, ftpd, httpd) in the background and allows me to web-browse, pick up emails, and so on. The card profile does not hinder access to the headphone jack or the stylus. With a Wlan card and a Wireless Access Point, you can avoid ever using the Zaurus USB cradle! (Just copy the backup files to your home pc across the network)
Added: Friday, November 14, 2003
Related Link: WCF12 product page
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Posted by zaai on Apr 01, 2004 - 03:09 PM
My score:     
I've tried this card on a C860 with a Netgear MR814a access point.
I had a major problem in getting the WCF12 connected to the AP. After many attempt it sometimes was able to connect. I seemed to get better result when holding the card.
Once connected things were okay. I could walk around inside the house until about 30 feet away from the AP.
However, connection dropped easily and then getting connected again proved a major pain. I returned the card quickly.
Posted by zaai on Apr 01, 2004 - 03:12 PM
My score: 
Oops, forgot to set my product score.
Since it didn't work for me it gets a 1.
Posted by Inuyasha on Jun 05, 2004 - 12:05 AM
My score:    
Personally, it works great for me.
I can be up in my room, all the way across the house from the AP, and a floor up, and it still works. It has basically the exact same range as my PowerBook's AirPort card.
The only cons I see are... It's not a small thing, it's a bit large. And the second thing is it draws a fair amount of power, but unless you're going online for more than an hour on it, it shouldn't be too much of a problem (note: refers to a 5600 with it's large battery ;-) )
Posted by nacs on Jun 13, 2004 - 05:43 PM
My score:     
I also have this card and it works very well with my Zaurus 5500. I've used it with the following roms with no problems:
- Sharp ROM 3.1
- Cacko ROM
- Opie 3.2
- Opie 3.3.5
- Opie 3.3.6pre1
I've used it for browsing and listening to streaming audio and find the power drain to be acceptable (lasts over an hour or so under a normal charge). I also have a car adapter for it and have done extensive war driving (with Kismet) and it's range and sensitivity is excellent. Highly recommended.
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