First off, if you will be using your PC Notebook computer more than half the time on a wireless network, get Windows XP. XP’s ‘Wireless Zero Configuration’ (WZC) feature makes life so much easier. WZC eliminates the need to install third-party configuration clients for your wireless network cards, and in my experience is much more reliable at managing multiple wireless profiles.

I used the WLI-CB-G54A on both a Windows 2000 and XP notebook. If you are running Windows 2000, don’t try to be clever and download the latest client software, use the version from the installation CD. The new client software does not support multiple profiles, nor the ability to see any other AP besides a Buffalo product. The software client on the CD supports all of the above, and provides a much nicer overall interface. If you are running XP, just use the CD for the drivers, you don’t need the client software. Are you an Apple PowerBook user running OS X and the latest Airport software? Don’t already have an Airport card? You too can use this 802.11g card.

Once installed and connected, I tend to not notice the network card I am using, which is how it should be. The WLI-CB-G54A was solid, causing no blue screens of death or other system hiccups. File transfers around the local network were noticeably faster with fewer network lags. My experience with the Internet hasn’t changed, nor should it. The improved speeds in 802.11g will only improve your printing and file-sharing speeds on your local network. If your Internet connection is currently slow, buying one of these newer cards will not provide any improvement. However, if you have more than one computer around the house or office, the increased speed for file sharing and printing is well worth the cost. Note: The final 802.11g geek spec dictates that if an older 802.11b-based computer connects to the network, overall maximum speed drops to 22Mbps. To realize the full benefits of a 802.11g network, you should use only 802.11g cards. Makes you think someone wanted to sell more of these faster, newer cards eh?

Price: $58.79 – Dell