IEEE 802.11b Adapters/NICs

The Bottom Line: The Trendnet Wireless N-Draft PC Card seems like a compelling choice for your notebook PC, but we recommend waiting until the 802.11n spec is finalized before choosing an adapter.

Specs: 300 Mbps, 2.4 GHz, Wireless, CardBus

The Bottom Line: While the Buffalo AirStation Nfiniti notebook adapter made a good showing in mixed-mode throughput testing, we still think it's too early to invest in Draft N technology.

Specs: 2.4 GHz, Wireless, CardBus

The Bottom Line: While the D-Link duo performed admirably overall compared to its draft N competition, we were unimpressed with how it measured up to the promise of 802.11n.

Specs: 2.4 GHz, Wireless, CardBus

The Bottom Line: The Belkin N1 adapter is a little better than the competition, but that's not saying much. Hold off on buying Draft N networking equipment for now.

Specs: 300 Mbps, 2.4 GHz, Wireless, ExpressCard

The Bottom Line: If you plan to sit within 10 feet of your WRT54GX4 router, you'll get satisfying throughput. But if you want an adapter that's faster than standard 802.11g, opt for the Belkin Pre-N, which shows more consistent performance.

Specs: 240 Mbps, 2.4 GHz, Wireless, CardBus

The Bottom Line: Though the Netgear WN511B notebook adapter is an overall decent performer, its times are still fall far short of the scorching speeds promised by the new draft-N standard. Don't jump on the draft N bandwagon just yet.

Specs: 270 Mbps, 2.4 GHz, Wireless, CardBus

The Bottom Line: Solid maximum throughput is not nearly enough to make us recommend the Draft N-based Linksys WPC300N. Sit tight to see how the other Draft N gear fares.

Specs: Wireless, CardBus

The Bottom Line: If your priorities don't include long-range connectivity, then by all means get the somewhat ironically named Netgear WPNT511 RangeMax 240 wireless notebook adapter for its record-breaking short-range speeds.

Specs: 240 Mbps, 2.4 GHz, Wireless, CardBus

The Bottom Line: The Belkin Wireless G Plus MIMO Notebook Card can't compete with another member of Belkin's wireless-adapter family, the Pre-N PC Card, but it compares decently with other pre-802.11n/MIMO adapters and kills the plain 11g competition.

Specs: 108 Mbps, 2.4 GHz, Wireless, CardBus

The Bottom Line: From its comprehensive documentation to its docking cradle, the Linksys WUSBF54G has all of its bases covered, making it a smart choice for travelers seeking a good Wi-Fi hot-spot detector/adapter combo.

Specs: 54 Mbps, 2.4 GHz, Wireless, Hi-Speed USB