Microsoft Wireless-G Xbox Adapter Reviews

• This Thing is Ridiculous....

  
  By A2TQA9HR8K9PA9 on 2004-01-28
  ....Ridiculously easy to set up. Actually ,the XBOX system did most of the work for me. It detected and configured most of the network info itself from my existing 802.11g wireless network. The hardest thing was typing the 26 digit WEP code for my wireless network.I just followed the step-by-step instructions and was online within minutes. Piece of cake.
  I was a little concerned about the signal strength with my Base Station being two rooms over , about 35 feet away with multiple electronic devices along the way, and no real line of sight, but my fears quickly disappeared when I checked my network speed on the XBOX and found it steady at 54 Mbps with a Very Good to Excellent signal.Fantastic.
  Online gaming on the XBOX is phenomenal with the Microsoft Wireless-G Xbox Adapter.The game play is flawless. It's as if your playing with that person in your living room right next to you. There was no laggy or choppy gameplay, just really really smooth. I love this thing!!
  Just take the time to read the instructions one step at a time and you'll be playing before you know it. I look forward to playing you on XBOX Live.
  
  

• Almost Great! But, Still Easy.

  
  By A12EHHENQX9ZC9 on 2004-10-13
  **READ THIS IF YOU ARE HAVING TROUBLE CONNECTING TO XBOX LIVE**
  
  Well, I read everything I could find on the Microsoft MN-740 Xbox Adapter and the Linksys WRT54GS Wireless-G Broadband Router w/ SpeedBooster to prepare for installation. Hours reading before I even had the units in my hands. I was a bit worried after reading this review list. So, I did what I could.
  
  The setup of both units was near automatic and needed little in the way of help from me. I got everything in order following the instructions the Xbox adapter and the Linksys Router were talking to each other. But, when I tried to get into Xbox LIVE...'bummer' the Xbox Adapter would not connect to LIVE. I thought it might have been an SSID problem, channel junk, or ISP information missing... So, I sat and tried to find out the problem for about 4 hours. Opting not to call customer services (feeling it to be jokeful). Frustrated and sleepy, I got online and re-read something tucked away at the Xbox site that I knew was not in any of the manuals. One setting change (see excerpt below) and it was running fast and the games began to fly with no lag what-so-ever!
  
  If you have a Linksys router try this link and fix your Xbox LIVE connection problem.(...)
  
  Excerpt: "Note: The UPnP implementation on the Linksys WRT54g with firmware 2.02.7 has been discovered to prevent users from being able to connect to Xbox Live. If a user is unable to connect to Xbox Live with this specific router model/firmware, they may get connected by turning off UPnP in the router's settings. Microsoft is working hard with Linksys to repair this issue as soon as possible."
  
  Other than the one setting problem that they are working to correct... I am a bit disappointed with the weaker WEP security the Microsoft Xbox Adapter needs. Not cutting edge. But, for the ease of use this unit offers I'll take what I can get to get LIVE while my wife is online.
  
  I hope this helps. If it did help you please click the "YES" button below.
  
  

• Works GREAT Now...But...

  
  By A298TTGJ598XKA on 2003-12-30
  I suppose I should start off this review by stating absolutely that the XBox Wireless Adapter now works flawlessly (and speedily) on my system. In fact, I'm delighted with it, but that's after an entire day wasted on solving what should have been a very simple problem.

  Basically stated, though my XBox recognized my wireless network it would not connect to XBox Live. After several attempts at following Microsoft's online help features, I gave up and called their 800 tech support line. After waiting an HOUR for tech support I finally got someone who could tell me the problem - I had to enter a specific WEP security code in order for the two devices to communicate with one another. It was really that simple. So - my question is, why isn't that information in ANY of Microsoft's documentation (either in manuals or online)? I could have easily saved a day's worth of frustration had I known.

  Five stars for the hardware. Three stars for the lack of useful documentation. I'll settle for four stars altogether.
  
  

• I just saved $90!

  
  By A1IBQZ2C3YB3M2 on 2004-04-04
  You can, too!!! This product is totally not needed if you have a laptop (which is why most people have wireless in the firstplace). From my Mac, all I did was go into system preferences > sharing > internet > and click "start" to share the internet access. Then I used ethernet cable (cat-5) and connected my laptop to the back of my xbox. Im sure you can do the same if you're running windows. Im sure this product is great, and it works right out of the box, but why spend the money if you don't have to? Hope this helps save some of you some cash.
  
  

• BEWARE MACINTOSH USERS

  
  By on 2004-01-19
  Macintosh? Huh? I thought this was for the Xbox?.... well, it is... but if you have a macintosh computer like I do... you might be in for some problems. I use this with my wireless airport extreme system and it does work great most of the time. It was also easy to set up (through the Xbox dashboard) and for the most part it's a good purchase and worth the money...... BUT..... I was getting a little lag (not bad... and only occasionally)... I checked online on the Xbox live site and dug deep into the support pages to find that this unit has firmware updates to get rid of some bugs. "Cool!" I though... "Can't wait to update and get rid of the lag". The update is only available by downloading to a home computer and sending the update via your wireless router to the unit... and guess what? It's an exe. file and you have to have an IBM, PC to download and run it. So Macintosh users are screwed on updating this things firmware. I called the company and spoke to them about it... hoping I could get a CD or something or someone could email me a MAC friendly update of the firmware, but the support team had no answer or help. They looked around for an answer, called their senior support person, and finally just handed me the..."um, try calling Apple". Of course, Apple isn't going to have any info on a microsoft wireless router, so it was pretty lame. This is a good unit. Don't get me wrong, but I'm sure there are at least a couple people out there that have an Xbox and use Macintosh computers. If you get this, it will work with your wireless airport (or other brand) wireless system really well... but if you want to make it even better and update this this to it's present firmware you're out of luck.
  
  
• Buy this network adapter!!Stay away from Linksys garbage!
  By ACIEN2K8SJ3EL on 2004-01-15
  Ridiculously quick and easy setup with the mn-740!!After having used the Linksys wgallb game adapter, this things connects and configures like a dream! It took hrs to get the linksys to work right with 128bit encrytion even though I was using a Linksys router. Linksys support is a joke! Absolutely terrible. They told me my game adapter was defective and that I need to return it. It wasn't, they just have poor troubleshooting ability. I would like to know how many thousands of non-defective linksys products have been returned because of poor tech support? I had the mn-740 Xbox adapter up and running in 2 minutes! With 128bit encrytion, I am seeing 48MBPS through 3 rooms and 80ft. My Xbox adapter is running beautifully with a D-link DI-624 with the 108G firmware upgrade. With rebates, the router and mn-740 Xbox adapter together is around 100.00. That's incredibly cheap for the quality and performance with this setup. Buy the MN-740! Stay away from Linksys, you'll thank me. Also, I have read from other reviewers that you can use the mn-740 as a wireless network adapter for any device with a ethernet jack after the initial setup. Hope this helps.
  
  
• Customer support drops the ball and rude, returning adapter
  By on 2004-06-14
  After reading the rave reviews, I went to pick up a MN-740 to go with my wireless G setup.

  Needless to say, it fails to log into the router. I have setup 3 devices to hook up flawlessly to the router so I know the router configuration.

  I called Microsoft support hotline and the rep was very rude. She noted that the Netgear WGR614 router was not supported and I should have read the xbox online website for a list of compatible router. The tech rep requested I return the adapter to the merchant.

  Not putting a list of routers that do not work with the adapter is borderline advertising fraud.

  Do yourself a favor, check out the website before buying the adapter.

  http://www.xbox.com/en-us/live/connect/wireless_connect.htm
  
  

• works great with modded XBox
  By A32LR27V9CW2IA on 2004-07-15
  This works wonderfully right out of the box with a modded (evoX) XBox, linked to a Linksys WRT54G. I originally tried to use the Linksys Wireless Game Adapter, which really sucked and never worked. Took a chance on this thing, worried that it would not be configurable enough with the network. Piece of cake. And 30-50 dollars cheaper than the Game Adapter. It found the network just fine and can now transfer files back and forth from the XBox from both the wireless PC and the Mac on our network via FTP. Hate to say it, but a really nice experience from MS.
  
  
• NOT COMPATIBLE WITH WPA ENCRYPTION!!!
  By AZGS0UQ74U6U3 on 2004-07-29
  Based on other reviews I had high hopes for the Microsoft Wireless G Xbox Adapter. Unfortunately this model MP-740 does NOT support WPA encryption standard. While it does support WEP encryption, WEP is extremely insecure & crackable thereby putting the entire network at risk. While WPA is susceptable to dictionary attacks when the encryption key is weak (less than 20 characters), keys between 20-63 in length are (for now) considered the most secure way to go without installing a VPN server. For anyone truly concerned about the security of their network, this product is unacceptable. If all you do is play Xbox games & you have no other computers connected to the network, then this product would be fine.
  
  
• SETUP ISSUES
  By on 2003-11-27
  I spent about 6 hours getting it setup. I followed MS directions and everything went fine, but after it connected, it wouldn't stay connected for more than a minute, and then it would drop. After checking with my DSL Gateway manufacturer and getting a wrong answer, I kept messing with it and resetting it and I finally got it to connect and work right. The one possibility is that I didn't have my WEP key typed correctly, but I checked what I had written down and it was correct so I don't think that was the problem. Once connected, it runs great and I get a very strong signal.

  My recommendation for people that have problems is to reset the XBOX adapter using the reset button and then reconfigure it manually through the Xbox by typing in the network name (SSID)and letting it find the network again by itself. Once I had cleared all the settings, it seemed to find them and work fine.

  I am using it with an Actiontec Wireless Ready DSL Gateway R1520SU (Qwest) and the 802CI3 (HWC01170-01) wireless PC card. I also did a firmware upgrade on my DSL Gateway. The Xbox adapter already had the updated firmware on it.

  It seems to have a pretty strong antenna as I picked up some other wireless networks in my area.
  
  

• Wireless XBOX Gaming With A Lag Free Setup and Play
  By A25AK0POKXJJY0 on 2004-01-24
  By far the best Wireless Network Adapter for the XBOX. Microsoft is starting to release more peripherals for their beloved console and this rates at the top of the list. Utilizing the 802.11G standard, it provides the most bang for the buck. Yes, it is more expensive, if you have to invest in the Router and the N.I.C., it could get more expensive then the XBOX itself. Truth be told, quality wireless isn't cheap, but it is worth it. Now if they could only release a Wireless Controller that supports the LIVE Headset.
  
  
• Fast easy setup, no lag, works with my dell router
  By A1XTM4PHUGCSOA on 2004-12-03
  I was very skeptic about this item but let me tell you it is:
  
  1) A very quick (5 minutes if that), very easy setup.
  
  2) Playing xbox live there is NO lag (well not anymore than usual)
  
  3) I was concerned it wouldn't work with my router, but it worked perfectly and in no time.
  
  The details: More so than ease of use and setup, I needed to know about lag and I didn't see it much covered in reviews so... I played dead or alive ultimate 2 which of all xbox live games had the most lag ever. Well with this wireless gizmo, I could sware there was no lag (no more than the usual), heck I might even say less than before. FYI: I have sbc yahoo dsl service, I did a speed test at dslreports.com and I came up with 278kbps download speed / 285kbps upload speed. So in the end, THIS DEVICE CAUSES NO LAG FOR ME. I installed the device via the easy steps and was done in like 2 minutes. I thought about it and went back and put security in my wireless connection and put a wep password on it too. The xbox was automatically disconnected and said it was, so I put the setup disc back in and changed the settings to match that I had made on my computer and it connected right away no fuss, no problem. Oh ya FYI: This works perfectly on my Dell TrueMobile 2300 Wireless Router.
  
  If you're still having trouble getting over the high price on this thing here are a few suggestions to help you:
  
  a) Try trading in a bunch of games to bring the cost down.
  
  b) Just imagine how cool it will be when your friends come over and you can show them just how cool you are.
  
  c) If the modem is upstairs and yer xbox is downstairs eh?
  
  d) c'mon you (your girlfriend especially) don't want to see those ugly cables running all through the house right?
  
  If you are reading this, obviously you are at least semi-serious about getting the thing SO GET IT!
  
  
  
• hi
  By on 2004-02-20
  This is awesome. not very educational, but screw education.
  
  
• Horrible Compatibility Problems
  By A1A8BZK0QXEK9N on 2004-07-09
  I just received my adapter in the mail today, and will be sending it back tomorrow. It turns out, the adapter is not compatible with ANY ROUTERS made by NetGear. In fact, Microsoft reccomends that you ONLY use a LinkSys or Microsoft router. Since I don't have the money to throw away my old router and buy a new one, this product is totally useless to me, and probably will be to you unless you have a LinkSys or Microsoft router.
  
  
• Painless setup, excellent device
  By ANRS46UY9EMKD on 2003-11-03
  This is an excellent wireless adapter for xbox owners. Setup is very easy. I have WEP and MAC filtering configured on my router and I was able to add this device to my network. A couple things people should be aware of:

  1. You will need to turn SSID broadcasting on for it to work.
  2. If you have a D-Link DI-614+ wireless router you will need to disable the special d-link 22mpbs mode and use 11mpbs instead (this is only a problem if you use the d-link 22mpbs speed)

  Being able to configure the settings from the xbox is very convenient for system link play. Haven't had any problems at all.
  
  

• Wireless gameplay made easy
  By A423XLYS1Q1D6 on 2004-05-01
  If you want wireless online gameplay on your XBox, and have an existing wireless 802.11-G or -B network, this little baby is the perfect ticket. As an avid gamer and a games retailer, I've seen my fair share of wireless networking problems, with few solutions offered that made sense. There are other wireless game adapters out there, but none of them perform as well as this one. Not only does it solve problems, it doesn't CREATE any! (A show of hands: How many of you have found the cure to be as bad as the problem when it comes to wireless networking?) This thing is simplicity itself when it comes to setup and orientation. Your XBox will take care of most of the setup process on its own. The Adapter has an auto-sensing feature that detects your existing network and then configures and aligns itself. Just follow the instructions and let your system take care of the rest.

  How good is the signal strength? At home, it maintains a perfect signal, with no stalling or lagging, of 54 mbps across three rooms separated by two floors. At work, we moved one fifty feet away, with some large wired hubs and three solid walls in between. Still no lag or disruption. The adapter features both internal and external antennae that allow for extensive range and maximum signal strength. There's even an upgrade option that will allow for increased security. This adapter takes the worry and aggravation out of setting up wireless gameplay, leaving you more time for games...which is always good. Highly recommended.
  
  

• All work and no play
  By A5N07CDA1JV2T on 2003-12-30
  After hours of customer service chats (customer service is very nice) and long conversations with my broadband and microsoft router customer service, I could not get this product working. I have the mn-700 router so it should be a no brainer. My computer it less than 50 feet from my xbox, with a clear line of sight. My signal was low, at best, and sometimes it didn't pick up the signal at all. However, even with a signal I got error after error.
  I bought a 50 foot cable, and within minutes I was gaming, so I know it was the adapter. The adapter was shipped back today.
  While it's a great idea, wireless for the xbox isn't really up to par yet. I envy those who got this to work, however I can deal with hooking up and taking down a cable rather than dealing with dropped games and unreliable signals. Hope this helps with your purchase.
  
  
• Better ones out there
  By A2UA1EGIBT523H on 2004-01-02
  I love Microsoft but this product you can only use with Microsoft XBOX and it costs a lot more for similar features that a Linksys wireless ethernet adapter would do. Compare this product to the Linksys wireless game adapter. You don't have to go in the Xbox and setup anything with the Linksys. With the Xbox you have to go through setup on your Xbox and on your router. With Linksys, only setup the router. I bought the Linksys WGA and it's awesome.

  Also if you ever stop your xbox live account you can only use this with xbox. What if you bought a Sony Playstation or PS2, you won't be able to use this one on it. With the Linksys, you can use any game console. Just my opinion :)
  
  

• Works Great - No Lag
  By A8EO864QVNMC2 on 2005-05-02
  I was skeptical at first about this, seeing as how I had never gone wireless before. However, this adapter really works and there is not a spot of lag. Actually, I was having more lag problems when I was directly connected to a modem.
  
  Linksys offers an alternative to this called a game adapter. It is the same price and I imagine that it works just as well. Don't make the mistake of trying to save money and buying another router or an access point, it won't work.
  
  
• Save your money. Buy the B variants
  By AAWJ4HOLH8HF1 on 2005-07-31
  Don't buy this overpriced adapter from microsoft. The reasons for the extra $50 is the microsoft brand and the g format. You can play online without either of those. Buy the logitech 802.11b (wga11b). its half the price and does exactly the same thing. Don't worry about what the sales rep at best buy said, hes just trying to get you to spend the extra money.
  
  
• Works with Xbox 360 too
  By ACV9Z956ZOU51 on 2007-05-12
  This wireless adapter works great with the 360 as well.
  
  
• this is not the wireless device you want
  By A2JN0EEYIQCBUS on 2005-02-07
  Don't waste your money on a single purpose device. Instead buy a Cisco Linksys WRT54GS and install the latest Sveasoft Alchemy firmware to use it as a multiport wireless ethernet bridge. W42 supports WEP while later versions are sure to support WPA or better. Since the Cisco Linksys firmware was released under GPL anyone is free to distribute the firmware so long as it includes the source. Google for "sveasoft theindividual" to grab your legally-free copy today.
  
  
• 4 hours in - still not working with xbox live
  By A163QTAP4L1OSQ on 2003-11-09
  I'm using this adapter with the MS MN-500 802-11b base station router (cable modem). The xbox is upstairs and 1 rooms (about 50 feet away - 1 ceiling [wood] and 1 wall). I find the network with a low (to very low) signal strength (I cannot connect to XBOX live since my IP address cannot be located (tried both automatic and manual address entry). The nice people at MS have no answers - waiting for instructions to their database. Waste of time (3 hours) and money so far. Anybody else have this problem - if you figure a patch email me please - is running a hardline my only option - despite spending money - using the optimal MS hardware configuration - still no opportunity to pay MS my money for xbox live. Dopes,
  
  
• Great idea but flawed
  By A3F5S6O10EZFGX on 2003-12-06
  OK, I'm all about the wireless LAN and internet connectivity and once I read about this I was excited to buy and try it. As a note, I'm connecting to an Apple Airport 802.11b wireless station.

  Connecting was fairly easy but not necessarily straightforward. The password issue of logging into the network is not as clear cut as could be and may need you to enter your HEX password instead of your ASCII one depending on if you have a 128bit WEP password key (wow, that's a mouthful). So reception, was low to very low initially which is annoying as I get 80% from my Apple laptop in the same spot. So I reconfigured, the base station to have line of sight access maybe 50ft away. Connectivity shot up to good or very good.

  HERE'S THE CATCH: Despite the change in signal strength, the connection was CONSTANTLY dropping out in the middle of games every 2-10 minutes. I tried reconfiguring various things and still no help. In lieu, and as a test, I ended up running a 50ft ethernet cable to see if it was the modem or something else causing the problems. Negative on that.

  VERDICT: While other people have fairly positive feedback about this, I will be returning mine as I find the dropped game occurrences unacceptable. It may work for you, but given my Apple setup, I can't do anything to readily change it other than use my long ethernet cable. As a note, other users on Live told me they had similar problems with the wireless connection adapter, though most have told me they're on hardwired connections. Conversely, other Apple users have told me they've had no problems with it so it works both ways I guess. Bought mine @ Best Buy so I'll be returning it there momentarily.

  Hope this helps.
  
  

• Easy to set up, works great!
  By A1KUA2WULOBJOU on 2004-01-02
  After having major headaches trying to setup the more economical Linksys game adapter B, I returned it for this product. Within 5 minutes I was online on my Xbox. For a more detailed account of what happened, check out my other review on the Linksys product. But the bottom line is this product is faster (up to 5 times)and has much better instructions.
  
  
• Awesome
  By A312P4PSX5Z05Y on 2004-07-10
  This thing is great. It did not take long to set it up and when it was all hooked up it has not given me any problems. The connection is fast and I have not experienced any lag. This thing also works with playstation 2. I use it to play Socom 2 and it works great, just takes a little time to comfigure for the PS2, also works on my other computer. A great buy!!!!!!
  
  
• It doesn't get any easier !
  By A23RDL5SR1GGAP on 2003-12-13
  All I can say is, I am impressed ! The only way it would be easier to set this bad boy up, would require the Microsoft team to come to your home and do it for you ! A child could do it. I am using it with the Microsoft MN-700 wireless router, and getting great results with this combo.
  
  
• Worth every penny I spent
  By on 2004-02-03
  This thing works flawlessly. And with the price now being $85 intestead of $140 from last year, all I can say it was a good investment. If you have the wireless network and the money, you should buy it.
  
  
• Great Device...WORKS FOR ALL SYSTEMS
  By on 2004-06-13
  Easy to set up adapter that works fantastic. It's great being able to play wirelessly without dragging cords! Fast connection, even without direct line of sight. Also after you program it using your XBOX all the connection info is saved to the adapter, which means that you can connect it to your PS2 (or other computer) and it will connect to the network. Only downside is that you can only program it using the XBOX dashboard, but do that once and you're all set for all of your systems. I use it with the MN-700 wireless base station so I had no problems with compatibility. Great buy for anyone looking for wireless fun!
  
  
• Fast XBox Wireless Gaming quickly Up & Running!
  By on 2004-06-22
  The Microsoft XBox Wireless 802.11g adapter has been soooo easy to setup. Plug a patch cable (included) from the adapter into the network port in the back of your XBox, plug the AC adapter into the wall, and your XBox is connected to the Internet... Quick & easy to setup with no problems. You might have to orient the adapter and its adjustable antenna to optimize the speed of the wireless connection -- the XBox Network Setup Control Panel has a Wireless Connection Manager to help you see the speed of your connection & signal strength. My wireless router's downstairs signal goes through 50+ feet through one ceiling, and three solidly built walls, and the XBox adapter is still able to pick up and utilize an 18-54Mbps wireless signal (36Mbps most of the time). I have a 1.5Mbps DSL service, and setting up Wireless XBox Live gaming is a breeze. It beats stringing CAT 5 network cable between floors and rooms.
  
  

• HoMedics iCush-100 Immersive Audio Sync Massage Seat

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