Joined on 12/16/05
Supply OK, Support Amazing
Pros: Comes with a switch on standard connectors (four spade/quick-disconnect terminals) and works pretty well, especially considering the money. See "Other Thoughts" for another important issue. Newegg, of course, never fails to impress. (Thought I'd throw that in there, although it's a little beside the point.)
Cons: Fails the "heft-it test" severely. When I picked it up, I was wondering whether or not the metal box was empty! It's *that* lightweight. Doesn't look like much, either, but hey, it's a metal box with important stuff in it. Also, the spade connectors tend to tug off easily -- be very careful removing the switch if you don't need it, and you might actually want to widen the connectors a little, because they attach to all mating connectors with an iron grip. Think "arm-wrestling strongman on sterioids" grip.
Overall Review: Considering that this particular type of computer power supply went out of style in 1996, and was largely out of use by 1998... I don't think that there are very many being sold here! That said, Athena Power stands behind their supplies 150% and then some. I took a reading with my multimeter which sent me to their RMA department. I got it approved very quickly, and although they did not pay for return shipping (which I don't mind), they were eager to assist me with my problem. Even though it turned out that the issue was with my multimeter, they were willing to send me a replacement supply. I even was able to ask them to not include the (unneeded) switch and tug-test the spade connectors for me! Athena Power, you have won at least partial brand loyalty from a first time customer, based solely on your support staff! ...and Ricky (you know who you are)... I don't know how much you make, but you deserve a massive raise. You are a true customer supporter. Godspeed.
Didn't work for long...
Pros: It's a brand I trust, and it worked fine for the first week or two.
Cons: This item very quickly developed issues. I eventually substituted another Rosewill product, an RNX-N150UBE (much better) that this adapter was actually supposed to replace, and set this one in the spares bin. Brought it out today and it didn't work at all. It connects to a network but pages don't load. I'll hold onto this and see if someone wants to give me a warranty replacement, but if I don't hear soon I'll probably just pitch it. Not much point in holding onto broken electronics.
Overall Review: Rosewill has good products, don't get me wrong -- I have two of their other adapters (the RNX-150UBE I mentioned before, as well as an RNX-EasyN1). It's just that this isn't one of their better efforts. Rosewill, you folks can do better than this. I've seen it.
Not bad, but not great, either...
Pros: Love the external antenna option, and the included CD is a nice touch. Gets good reception (see "Other Thoughts" for something that does affect this statement.) Great price -- but then, I got it on a "shell shocker" deal ;)
Cons: The internal antenna is peewee at best, and feels a little flimsy to me. The other issue is that the included software constantly tries to take over instead of letting Windows Wireless Zero Configuration Wizard do its thing. I don't need anything else to run my wireless card, thanks. Gonna have to go into msconfig and fix that. That alone kicks it down to three stars.
Overall Review: I didn't use the included antenna, but immediately swapped it out for a much larger model that I had on hand. That antenna worked fine for me; I don't necessarily recommend it for others -- with antennas, bigger is not always better. Wavelength matters, too. It worked for me because the antenna I was using was also designed for a Wireless "G" network, and that's what I wanted to use it with. FWIW, other than the issues above, it's a pretty good adapter. With the big antenna and ignoring the config problem, it has better range than anything else in my house. This is good, and is the only reason it's getting 3 eggs instead of 2.