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

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).

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....

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!

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.

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.