Entered CNET Catalog: 03/02/2002
SKU: 1100054
Manufacturer: Sierra Wireless
Manufacturer description
The Sierra Wireless AirCard 300 wireless network card provides LAN-like connectivity when you're on the road. With the AirCard 300 you can continue to work as if you never left the office, with wireless access to your email, intranet, corporate applications and full web browsing. As a true Type II PC Card without extensions, the AirCard 300 wireless network card set the standard for the Sierra Wireless family of AirCards, seamlessly integrating into your Windows notebook or handheld device to achieve secure, reliable wireless connectivity. The AirCard 300 wireless network card provides you with seamless wireless Internet connectivity, connecting your notebook or handheld device directly to the CDPD (cellular digital packet data) network with minimal user steps. For notebooks, the AirCard 300 wireless network card offers the fastest CDPD registration times, as well as automatic cellular data connection on power up or following suspend and resume. The AirCard 300 wireless network card application software is simple to install and easy to use for both notebooks and handhelds, resulting in hassle-free wireless connectivity. The application software components included with the AirCard 300 wireless network card help you to install, configure and manage your AirCard. On a notebook, the AirCard 300 wireless network card has fewer conflicts than competing products since the AirCard 300 wireless network card is the only true wide area wireless NIC (network interface card) for the CDPD networks. Configuration on notebooks is similar to that of a LAN card. For handheld devices, installation, configuration and use of the AirCard 300 wireless network card is also very simple. The AirCard 300 wireless network card was designed to have the lowest battery drain in its class to allow you to work wirelessly without the need for backup batteries or frequent recharging. The AirCard 300 wireless network card offers superior power management to optimize your computing device battery life, setting the industry standard for CDPD PC Cards. The AirCard 300 wireless network card antenna was also designed for flexibility - you can remove the antenna when it is not in use to further reduce the risk of damage. The proven technology of the AirCard 300 wireless network card has established the leadership of Sierra Wireless in designing breakthrough wireless connectivity products. The AirCard 300 wireless network card is a two-time Mobile Insights award winner, including "Best PC Card". It's not only the first ever wide-area wireless network interface card (NIC), but also has the lowest battery drain in its class. The AirCard 300 wireless network card true Type II PC Card design and application software seamlessly and effortlessly integrates into the Windows notebook or handheld device of your choice. With AirCard 300 wireless network card you can be the most productive person in your office, even when you are on the road.Product summary
The good: No dial-up connection necessary; wireless; works with Windows CE.
The bad: Expensive; slow data transfer.
The bottom line: This card works best for email users who want a hassle-free mobile connection.
Editors' review
- Editors' Choice: No
- Reviewed on: 03/20/2000
Cellular Setup
Although it has an antenna, the $549 AirCard functions like any laptop card by popping into a slot on the side of your notebook. The AirCard works with Windows CE, 95, 98, and NT. Its setup software, Wireless Expert, was helpful when we set up our account. Just as with a cell phone, the software lets you choose from a number of service providers, from whom you get an IP address and a DNS server for your card. Monthly CDPD service is available from wireless ISPs for as low as $60 per month.
After we entered all of our account data, we attempted to connect to the network, but the AirCard Watcher diagnostics program informed us that the network was unable to establish a data link with the Sierra Wireless. A quick call to tech support cleared things up, with the technician instructing us to unplug the antenna from the card and plug it back in. Problem solved.
Surfing in the Slow Lane
We then successfully--but slowly--checked our email and did some light surfing. A word of obvious advice: Steer clear of large files or graphics-heavy Web sites. The AirCard is rated for 19.2-kbps transfer rates, which is even slower than a 28.8-kbps modem. However, the card and the connection were reliable, which counts for a lot.
The Sierra AirCard 300 is a handy solution if you need to stay abreast of email wirelessly while you're out in the field. And not having to locate a free phone jack and plug in a bunch of cables definitely has its advantages. The price is pretty high, but if you buy directly from cellular service providers, such as Bell Atlantic Mobile, you can shave almost $200 off of your start-up costs.
User opinions
Select a User Opinion to view: 1 2 3 4out of 4 user reviews
Best investment for a road warrior...
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Not worth the effort
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out of 4 user reviews
Better throughput then Merlin
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out of 4 user reviews
Good for email on the go
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