Confirmed: Compaq Wireless Router $49, Wireless USB or PC card $29.99 at Radio Shack B&M

[SupaDupaCheez]

Great deal! I was plannng on going wireless once prices came down to my penny-pinchin' level
and this falls square in the middle of it! I got the last WAP on the West side of Cleveland (OH)
and 2 USB Adapters/antennas (only one more left on west side).

Now if only I can get an 17in LCD for less than $150 (Guess I gotta get back to penny-pinchin')

SDC

 

[mra]

Does anyone know of any sites with information about doing any kinds of mods (new antenna, antenna jack, boost the output power) on the PC Card or the Router? I'd love to boost the output on the router, it's antenna is small and in certain places in my home there are a lot of walls to go through.

 

[FreakyGuy]

Originally posted by: mra Does anyone know of any sites with information about doing any kinds of mods (new antenna, antenna jack, boost the output power) on the PC Card or the Router? I'd love to boost the output on the router, it's antenna is small and in certain places in my home there are a lot of walls to go through.

http://www.pricewatch.com/1/7/4819-1.htm

 

[FreakyGuy]

I just found this on Compaq's Website.

A Broadband Optimizer program for Windows to use with this router and cards.

Linked

 

[MontyBurns]

That optimization program doesn't do anything to the wireless hardware.... It just makes changes to the Windows registry to optimize it for a high-speed net connection.

 

[mra]

Originally posted by: FreakyGuy

http://www.pricewatch.com/1/7/4819-1.htm

Where's the fun it that? And anyway, it's not free.

 

[Joemonkey]

I've heard of people making new antennas out of soup cans and such that work wonderfully, but they are usually directional...

I too would like to know if anyone has modded the antenna or anything that will boost output!!

when i go outside the iPaq only gets 75% link, which isn't bad, but i'd like to get 100% all throughout my yard (and maybe re-sell some of the bandwidth to neighbors!)

 

[RossMAN]

Has anyone heard of or used a Cantenna?

 

[Joemonkey]

Oh, and after flashing the new firmware it shows as Firmware Version: Version 2.08 Jan 10, 2003

gotta love sweet updates like that!

 

[foot]

Thanks for this post guys - picked up the usb adapter for my GF.

BTW if you're in Central Jersey and looking for one of these - The only store around that seems to have them is the Radioshack at Monmouth-Junction (I had never heard of it either). They're on Rt.1 near Princeton and had 4 left before i picked mine up .

 

[Cybordolphin]

If you be sure to update the driver for the USB adaptors you will have NO problems with this setup.

The USB adaptors WILL NOT work in WindowsXP unless you get the current drivers from Compaq's website.

Once you do install the proper drivers, AND don't forget the optimizer..... you should be STOKED! Defenitely a sweet deal.

 

[Ape]

I got a router, 2 USB and 1 PC card all at one store. Very cool. Thanks for the heads up guys. Ape Out.

 

[SearchMaster]

Okay, I've just about given up finding a USB adapter in the Atlanta/Gainesville area, but I found this "Robanton" wireless USB adapter at JustDeals for $25+shipping (after $5 coupon). I was only able to find one user comment about it (positive). Anybody else know anything about it?

BTW, I know JustDeals is like TigerDirect...some people hate them, some have no problems. I've ordered a few things from there, and other than sometimes slow shipping, I've not had any problems.

 

[Joemonkey]

Thinking of picking up this setup for my mom and sis and niece who all live in the same house... anyone have any idea how well the USB connectors will work with Win98?

 

[Woz]

Attn Southern California 'Techers:

I just called 2 local stores in seperate districts and they show stock in: Lancaster, Santa Barbara, Agoura and Van Nuys. Woodland Hills has the PC card, but not the router.

Call ahead to confirm availability.

Thanks for the deal.

 

[kami333]

Found a PCMCIA one in downtown Salt Lake. Though I might end up returning it since I already have several of them, would have prefered a USB one. Anyone want to trade me?

 

[Cybordolphin]

Agoura is out. Woodland Hills also.

 

[Ape]

I would not suggest calling. A RS manager friend of mine says that the store can send them back to Compaq and will lose less money doing that then selling them to us. There were many stores in my area that sent them back once they were allowed to. Ape Out.

 

[MontyBurns]

I called, and they employees were very helpul in my search.

They are in the business of selling things, you know.

The store where I eventually bought two adapters had them in a case opposite the cash register, with a big sign advertising the markdown. Didn't seem like they were trying to hide anything.

 

[DaCaptain]

Picked up two of the USB Wireless and had the sales guy search for the router..only one left in the state of Arkansas..he had it transferred and I picked it up today.

Setup was a snap..I have 2 computers both running XP Pro..one I hardwired via nic and the other one about 30 feet away through 3 ways I setup on of the USB Wireless.

I updated the firmware to the latest version which just came out..no problems..like butter..

Again..I was up and running in no more than 15 minutes..

Bought an extra USB Wireless to setup an old system for one of the kids..

$49 for the cp-2w and $29 each for the USB adapters..

Oh, the wireless through 3 walls is running about 87% consistent..I have the router under my desk on top of my computer but will relocate to the top of my desk tomorrow..just too anxious to setup..lol

There are lots of settings on the new firmware of which I will figure out later..internet and lan works great..

Very Happy Camper

John

 

[Tullphan]

So does one have to install any software and/or firmware updates if one is running XP?
All one has to do is plug the cat5 cable from the DSL modem into this & (in my case, since iit's right by the pc) run a cat5 cable to the lan port?
The instruction seem to be pre-XP & I didn't know if step 3 was applicable. Can anyone who's installed this on an XP pc enlighten me?
Thanks.

 

[Joemonkey]

You don't need any software, just set your network connection to automatically grab an IP

 

[Cybordolphin]

Tullphan..

You will only need to download the current drivers for the USB adaptor (or other adaptor). Your USB adaptor will not work without the new driver from Compaq.

You may also wish to download the Compaq "Optimizer" program (made specifically for windowsXP), although you don't need to.

You can later download the more recent "firmware" from Compaq, to update your routers firmware if you like.

You may want to hard wire (use an ethernet cable) into the router until you get the wireless connections all running. This way you will be able to communicate with the router to adjust the settings (WEP, SSID, Etc.). Once you have your wireless connections all up and working, you can then "disable" the LAN port on your computer if you like to get rid of any "disconnected" icons that will show up on the lower right of your screen.

Be sure to turn off you software firewall if you have it. This will make it easier to get set up. You may even wish to uninstall your software firewall until you have the wireless running, then reinstall and configure to allow the new internet accessing that will happening with your new wireless internet access.

If you have trouble ask.

 

[caribiner23]

I picked up the router today at the South Loop-Chicago Radio Shack.

I went to the store and spoke to the manager last Thursday (16th). He said he'd already ordered two from another store because he knew they would sell. I asked him to set one aside for me, which he did.

Yay!

 

[spanky]

if anyone cares... the new brunswick, nj store has a router in the display case. looks new and sealed. they also have two usb nics. i saw them while picking up some cat 5 cable for $.05 a foot