TRENDnet TEW-423PI 54Mbps Wireless G PCI Adapter Reviews

• As Good (or Better) Than Cards at Twice the Price

  
  By A1966UNF4HMOGJ on 2006-02-18
  I have multiple PCs linked to a wireless router and have used 54Mbps network card from Dlink, Netgear, Belkin, Microsoft and now TRENDnet. All of the cards were about $20, though the TRENDnet card is the only one that didn't require submitting a rebate form (and with my Dlink purchase, I missed the submission date on a $30 rebate so that one cost me $50).
  
  The Netgear and Belkin cards were terrible (weak signal, dropped connections) and I ended up returning them. The Dlink and Microsoft cards on the other hand worked fine, though the initial install wasn't without some aggravation.
  
  I was planning to get another Dlink card for my latest purchase simply because I have a Dlink router but I couldn't find the card for less than $30 (after rebate) which is why I decided to give TRENDnet a try. I'd never heard of the company before, but the reviews from users were mostly positive and the price was great. Well, I installed the card 2 days ago and it's been working flawlessly. Some reviewers had install issues and many mentioned problems with the drivers on the disk, but I didn't experience any issues at all - NONE! I loaded the connection management software, turned off the PC, popped in the card, turned on the PC, loaded the drivers from the disk, restarted the PC and I was done. It took less than 10 minutes and has been working perfectly.
  
  As soon as I restarted the PC it connected to my network. All I had to do was enter the security code using the connection software. It now connects automatically every time and hasn't lost or dropped the signal once. This PC is in a finished basement office with the wireless access point on the 1st floor about 30 feet (2 walls and a floor) away, and the signal strength has been very good to excellent. I was planning to update the drivers, but everything is working so smoothly right now I don't think I'll bother (why mess with a good thing?).
  
  Based on my experience, I would highly recommend this card. I'm fixing up an old PC for my daughter and will definitely be ordering another TRENDnet card. It works well and it's cheap which is a great (and rare) combination.
  
  

• Excellent card and worth the money

  
  By A2UTF8QZ557O7T on 2004-10-08
  Pros:
  - Inexpensive
  - Good warranty
  - Easy to install and configure
  - Superlative reception with no drop-offs
  - Works in a plethora of operating systems
  
  Cons:
  - My system won't let me have this card and a wired NIC at the same time, but I think this may be a flaw in the Windows OS
  
  

• Great performance and inexpensive

  
  By AP7LSKELK3CBR on 2006-01-13
  This card replaced AT&T wireless card and works flawlessly but only after latest drivers are installed. Problems experienced by MO reviewer may be due to not installing latest drivers, not disabling Windows wireless configuration software suggested by another review or bad location of card. Moving my PC just a couple of feet improved signal strength from 55% to 80%! I've had the card a couple of years, and the only problem I encountered was changing routers resulted in failure of Windows 98SE system to connect to web which was resolved by Trendnet tech support in just 5 minutes. The issue turned out to be Windows 98SE requirement to run Winipcfg and do the "release" and then "renew" that's brought up by Winipcfg and click "apply." This is a Windows 98 issue and no fault of the card. This device would get 5 star rating from me except for limited tech support hours Monday through Friday 8 AM to 6 PM Pacific time. I can find no faults with the card, would buy again and would recommend to everyone.
  
  

• Highly Recommend

  
  By A3E4HPNMLHDLH1 on 2006-04-24
  When I was in search for a cheap and efficient wireless LAN adapter for my computer, I happened to run into TRENDnet's wireless PCI adapter. I wasn't sure if it would be any good since it was only $20. But after reading a couple of reivews, I decided to take a chance.
  
  One of the best decision I've made (computer-wise). I just plugged it in, attached the detachable antenna, boot up my computer, and it was ready to go. Since I use Windows XP, I didn't even need to install the software that came with the disc it included. Which is a plus, in case you lose the disc and need to connect online to just download a newer version of the software for the adapter.
  
  Overall, it's an excellent product for its price, and I highly recommend it.
  
  

• Cheapest wireless adapter around and works excellent

  
  By A13SDVCP8KM6QY on 2006-02-03
  I only tested the adapter for 5 days, but I did it heavily: 4 days of uninterrupted transfers, that was continuous file transfer and video streaming for about 90 hours.
  
  What I noticed:
  
  Problem: -at the beginning Windows XP had a problem on browsing the networks available, and I had to connect using the TrendNet utility.
  
  Good thing: -once connected to my LinkSys WRT54G wireless router the transfers were just as good as over the wired network (note: I use 64-bit WEP security).
  
  Problem: -once in a while I'll be noticed that my wireless network got connected (it happened about 3 times during my 5 days testing period), but I guess it's just a software bug or something as both my file transfer (using internet explorer) and video streaming weren't affected.
  
  Problem: -the first time I restarted the computer I had to re-connect manually to my wireless network. However this issue has been fixed after, probably because Windows Xp has been able to browse the wireless networks since the first restart. Now the computer stays connected as it used to with the wired network.
  
  Strange thing: when there aren't transfers ongoing the indicators show as the signal strength drops even spectacular sometimes. However, during my intense transfers, the signal strength went only to "very good" once in a while (from excellent) without affecting the speed of 54Mbps.
  
  Conclusion: although I listed here several problems were all minor. If I would have to buy a wireless adapter again I would do the same choice without even hesitate.
  
  Note: I use a Dell dimension 8400 desktop, P4 3.0 GHz HT, 512 RAM. The desktop has been within a close range to the wireless router but I'll come up with more information when I'll set the desktop further.
  
  
• Incredibly poor quality!
  By ASGAZTWI59XIR on 2008-01-21
  The Trendnet TEW-432PI (B1 build) is an incredibly poor quality piece of hardware. I have tried multiple methods to get it to maintain a consistent signal or at least stay connected to my router (which is less than 25 feet away through a wall) more than 10 minutes to no avail. I have tried to use the latest drivers, use the bundled software, change my router's channel signal, use WCZ to override the bundled software and connect via Windows XP's own methods, etc. and nothing has managed to get this card to work.
  
  It is completely unreliable, and technical support is absolutely worthless and rude. I would rather pay 5x the price and buy something reliable. Don't waste your time, or even the small amount of money you will spend to pull your hair out and end up returning this wireless adapter. 0 stars for a terrible experience.
  
  
• works great
  By A38J7JOS8H4RKP on 2006-03-08
  when i first god this thing i thought it was junk because i never heard this brand before. well guess what, i was "WRONG". this wireless card works great.i get broadband speeds wireless. it cost less than a 50 feet cable and now i can move my desktop wherever i want to. this is good for the price but if you want more speed get the 108Mb. i just hooked this up to a pendium 3 so i didnt want to spend more than that. i hoped i helped
  
  
• Excellent and Inexpensive Card
  By AVS17HC2VMZW on 2005-09-06
  I was looking for good and inexpensive wireless G card in the market and came across this one.
  It took me less than 10 minutes to install this card and within no time I was browsing.
  I already have Linksys router and there was no compatibility issue.
  I am very happy with this buy and would recommend any one to go for it.
  No drop connection.
  
  
• Great wireless card
  By A2WO2E77X7YFAS on 2005-12-29
  Download their latest software and drivers from their website and expect no troubles; smooth sailing with Trendnet. The software works well across multiple accounts on the same PC.
  
  If you use their software, then make sure that Window's Wireless configuration software is disabled! See Wireless Networks:Advanced Properties:Wireless network tab and uncheck the appropriate box.
  
  One interesting issue with the software though is that the software indicates a good signal (as expected) and 36 Mbps, while Windows indicates a weak signal and 36 Mbps. I think that Windows needs to work on its wireless monitoring services (as well as its wireless configuration services, which is why I chose to use Trendnet's software).
  
  
• Windows Vista--plug and play
  By A1KBCSI0C88DMV on 2007-04-30
  I was not sure this card would work with Windows Vista, but it was as simple as plug in and play for once. I was pleasantly surprised.
  
  
• A Cheap Wireless Card
  By A307KD0P5U2TKU on 2006-02-24
  You usually get what you pay for and this product does not contradict that. I had a USB wireless adapter that got a very low signal. My laptop gets an excellent signal from the exact same spot. I got this card in hopes it would improve my reception. It is better and data transfer is faster, but it is still receiving a low signal. I feel I got what I paid for (and that's not a bad thing).
  
  
• This wireless NIC doesn't work well with Linksys WRT54G router
  By A1U35F6YXH9FT0 on 2006-08-27
  I bought it because it was cheaper. However, my Windows machine failed to connect to my Linksys router very often. I regret to own this wireless NIC.
  
  
• Drops Connection, TRENDNET HelpDesk victimized me
  By A82MYSXP3BQSI on 2006-11-25
  I have a Windows XP Home SP2. My wireless router is LinkSys.
  
  I have a Dell C610 laptop that has built-in wireless, and a Dell desktop for which I purchased this TRENDnet PCI Adapter.
  
  Installation was easy. I never shutdown my desktop, the next day there was no Internet connection. Upon checking the signal, it seemed to be at 80%. Repairing a connection did not solve the issue, the process hung. I had to restart the PC. Upon restarting the connection was fine. All the while my laptop was connected with no issues.
  
  When I called TRENDNET helpdesk, the person told me that I was the only person who had this problem. He asked me to switch the card to another empty slot & call back. He hung up.
  
  I switched the card to another slot. Next day the connection was not there. I called helpdesk again. This time some other person asked me to download the latest driver. I did that, the problem did not go away.
  
  I was given an RMA number, but now I have to pay for shipping to TRENDNET, I sent an email asking for an explanation. They explained that "they would pay for the shipping of the replacement". I was not pleased with this policy. Now I have to bear the burden of a defective product, not the company. I responded with a request for escalation to the management. So far it has been 10 days, and no response.
  
  I am writing this review from my laptop, because the Internet connection from my Desktop is completely unreliable.
  
  I give this 2 stars for (a) easy installation (b) toll free customer service with good hours
  
  I will not buy a TrendNet product again.
  
  
• Junk
  By A3D75CT9J6XQOK on 2007-07-24
  Other people have given this product positive reviews. I can't. After installing the software (drivers) on my Windows 2000 computer I installed the board and the computer would not boot at all. I received a replacement from Amazon (which could not have been easier) and the computer would boot with the new board installed but recognized the board as an Ethernet card and would not recognize the drivers at all. Called the technical help line (in India) and they were totally useless. I would not recommend this product.
  
  
• Doesn't always install like it says....
  By A3LK6ED1LJ7JZD on 2007-11-05
  Apparently it's a good card if it works on the first install, but DO NOT try to work the problem if it doesn't work right straight out of the box. The problem is in the card, not your computer, I promise.
  
  Mine goes back to amazon tomorrow, taking with it a day's worth of my time....
  
  
• Not worth the money
  By ASGG0LXK0KU39 on 2008-01-28
  I purchased this PCI card because it was cheap. I admit that. Sadly, that is exactly what I got, a cheap, poor quality card. It consistently had trouble with the Wifi signal in my home when other computers did not. It dropped the connection all the time and then wouldn't pick it back up, so that I had to reboot the computer to get back online. The software that comes with it disables the standard Windows XP login, so instead you have to type in your username and cannot have two users logged in at the same time. Finally, after about 6 months it just stopped working altogether. Honestly, I'm glad to get rid of it. I bought a much more expensive Linksys wireless card to replace it and am much happier.
  
  
• LAN connection keep dropping
  By ABG0GTJPT6UZM on 2005-08-13
  After the driver installed, bootup my XP takes 5 mins, before one half a min.
  Also Internet connection is fine but can't see other PC (LAN) all the time.
  This min ok, try again, can't connect.....
  
  
• Would Buy again
  By A106ZQRWX7LI88 on 2006-02-24
  A little tricky to set up, but i had absolutly zero networking experience. After updating xp with service pack 2, driver was automaticly updated and the adapter works great. the only complaint is that tech support sucks, and i think my usb linksys adapter gets a stronger signal but is like 3.5 times the price. For the money, i think it is a great deal.
  
  
• does not work well with Linux
  By AXCHI8J1LAE9T on 2006-07-10
  Some trendnet products have Linux drivers however this one does not (yet). Unfortunatly this made it difficult to use this product.
  
  
• Just okay...
  By A1CURDV9SLCNU on 2007-01-10
  I bought this because I moved into a new house, and didn't want to start drilling holes in the walls/floors to hook up my network. I already had a wireless router that I used with my notebooks, and this was a much cheaper option than using ethernet over the power lines (which I eventually purchased). My router is on the second floor of my house (where it is supposed to be), and the PC that used this card is in the basement. It worked fairly well, but never got better than a "low" signal strength. Strangely, my two notebooks got "very good" and "excellent" most of the time in the exact same location. Anyway, this does what it claims to, and the price is right -- just don't expect a whole lot of range from it. Expect occasional drops, and forget about gaming with it.
  
  
• Great product and tech support
  By A2FRFAQCWZJT3Q on 2007-01-20
  This adapter installs so easy and it works great. Signal has to go at least sixty feet in my network and it does so easily. It was installed and working perfectly until I had to do a system restore on the computer. After that I ran into problems getting it going again and I emailed the Trendnet tech help guy and I have never had more helpful and responsive tech help. This product and this company I highly recommend.
  
  
• Terrible customer support
  By A1994KKM4VIOE4 on 2007-05-30
  I was unable to install the software that came with the adapter. When I called customer support, I was told that there was probably something wrong with the CD (if there was, shouldn't there have been a recall?). Three separate calls ended the same way--with the representative telling me that they would email the correct software to me. The first woman I talked to told me this without asking for my email address, then hung up. Needless to say, I am still waiting for these files.
  
  It seems like most people who bought this were satisfied, but if it doesn't work on your computer the first time you install it, good luck getting their tech support to even listen to you.
  
  
• Good hardware, possible software problems
  By AD1WGZMU2PYKQ on 2007-07-05
  The software included with this card works occasionaly, so this card is controlled via the Windows XP wireless configuration page. Mostly, it is very stable.
  
  For a couple weeks my DSL connection wasn't working and I had to use the computer this was installed in for dialup internet connection sharing. At this point, I noticed that if dialup sharing is on, it will work properly for a few hours then suddenly lose the connection to the access point. At this stage, trying to disable the card and reconnect to the network results in Windows crashing, requiring a reboot, then the cycle repeats itself.
  
  When not being used for dialup sharing, however, the card is very stable. The computer I have it installed in turns on every morning and remains on till late at night. It remains connected to the access point all day and reconnects at every boot with absolutely no hassle.It is a tiny bit slower than other wireless devices that I use on my wireless network (MacBook, Dell 6400, desktop with a Buffalo PCI card installed), but not by much.
  
  Overall, if you don't use dialup connection sharing and are looking for a cheap PCI wireless card, this should do fine.
  
  
• Workes great in my Dell connecting to an Apple Airport
  By A2WM1KL9DQSQ18 on 2007-12-05
  You could buy something more expensive, but why!? This product worked fine, there is nothing more I could ask for! It gets a very strong signal. It actually picked up 4 new neighbor networks that I did not even know existed. So it seems to have the longest range of any of my other wifi products. I am also using it with an Apple Airport, using WPA, so there does not seem to be any issue there! Very happy with this product!
  
  
• TrendNet is a great price, but connection too unstable
  By A2DAOH9KHEAH4J on 2008-01-14
  I recently purchased one of these cards and have been sadly unhappy.
  
  Pros
  Price
  Installation
  
  Cons
  Connection drops at least 2x daily requiring a repair or reboot.
  Drops on continuous usage. For example, can't copy more than 200 Meg across network without it dropping once.
  
  I know the problem is not my network as I have two other laptops and have had at least 10 guests on my network with no problems. Also, the machine is about 10ft from the router so I know it is not the signal strength.
  
  Seems to work reasonably for intermittent use on document surfing. But once you get into streaming music or video it falls on its face. I'm heading back to hardwire....
  
  
• If you buy this, you are testing your luck
  By A29KV2TOPJ95F5 on 2008-01-31
  I already return this. It is nightmare to get this piece of stuff work. There have been a bunch of people online waiting for help desperately. And the official haven't given a solution for them.
  
  I am sure there are portion of people can get it works without any problem (see the other reviews), so I am saying that you are playing the dice.
  
  my os is Vista.
  
  
• No muy buena
  By A1T7LJ15MR3BTT on 2006-03-02
  No funciona como esperaba, muy poco alcance, talvez para equipos en un mismo espacio u habitacion.
  
  
• Works great and price is great.
  By A33LOYQ1L5QFO on 2006-07-19
  put it in and works fine on my xp computer.
  
  
• bad signal detecting
  By A394C3TJTSOL38 on 2006-09-14
  1-disconnect every 5min comparing to my wireless notebook which is continously working where both reciving from the same router that mean the problem is not in the router as I thought befor
  2-very low signal detecting where the distance is about 10m in open area (less than bluetooth rang...loool)
  3-pay some more bucks and get mimo adapter
  
  
• You get what you pay for . . .
  By A1TLCJL200LLK4 on 2006-11-03
  I purchased this wireless card based on the price, figuring that even if it didn't live up to the good reviews here, I would only be out ~$20. The set up was easy and smooth, but the card won't stay connected to my wireless network. I've got a Belkin wireless router. The Trendnet signal meter generally shows ~95% signal strength, but the connection only lasts for a few minutes, and I have to keep cycling the connection to regain network access--very annoying. I know there's nothing wrong with the network because my laptop's connection is stable. I purchased a D-Link card, and it has worked flawlessly. Unfortunately, I threw away the packaging when the Trendnet card arrived; if I hadn't, then this card would be on its way back to Amazon now. Like the title of my review says: you get what you pay for . . . .
  
  

• Netgear MR814 802.11b Wireless 4-Port Cable/DSL Router
• TRENDnet TVIP-200W Wireless Internet Camera Server
• Lorex Network Video Server w/Pan/ Tilt/Zoom Camera
• Trendnet TEW421PC 54Mbps 802.11g Wireless PC Card
• Trendnet TEW-226PC Wireless LAN CardBus PC Card (11 Mbps)

• Linksys WRT54G Wireless-G Router
• TRENDnet54Mbps Wireless G USB Adapter
• TRENDnet 54Mbps Wireless G Broadband Router ( TEW-432BRP Version D1.0R)
• Linksys-Cisco WRT54GL Wireless-G Broadband Router (Compatible with Linux)
• Motorola SURFboard® Wireless Cable Modem Gateway (SBG900)