Dell TrueMobile 1180 802.11b CF

mnguyen281 · 05-01-03, 07:34 PM

does anyone know how well the dell wireless cf works? i guess i should have asked before purchasing. i can still cancel my order if it is bad. thanks.

DellTech · 05-01-03, 07:42 PM

Don't return it. :p

Dell TM1180 CF card is just like other Wireless CF cards out there I would imagine. If you have an existing wireless network already, just install the Dell Client software onto your Axim and edit the wireless profile to the Network Name or SSID that is being broadcast by your wireless router/ap. Or walk into a Starbucks and ask 'em what their SSID is when you go get some coffee. :D

ikehiker · 05-01-03, 07:42 PM

Some people have complained about their range - see this thread as an example but I think there are others as well: http://www.aximsite.com/boards/showt...ght=TrueMobile

DellTech · 05-01-03, 07:58 PM

That may be something I have to check on. I don't have any problems using the TM1180 CF at work but I also never tested this range thing to validate it myself nor have I used other non-Dell wireless CF. These posts may also be isolated incidents? And for me to say anything about Dell products vs non-Dell (whether its good or bad) is prohibited or I may get into serious trouble.

DoubleD · 05-01-03, 08:16 PM

I've been using the card for a few weeks now and its been great. It was super easy to setup - no problems, it found my network, typed in the WEP and voila!

The range isn't much worse than my laptop card - but then it will run all night and still have power left over...

Keep it - you'll like it...

peterbright · 05-01-03, 09:24 PM

Mine works great, but I have nothing to compare it to.

christie · 05-01-03, 10:41 PM

i just got the axim i installed the true mobile 1180 wlan cf card but i have no idea how to use it or what it is for any help

ikehiker · 05-01-03, 11:10 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by christie
i just got the axim i installed the true mobile 1180 wlan cf card but i have no idea how to use it or what it is for any help

Hi Christie,

The wlan is a wireless network card. Most people get them because they have a wireless network (aka WiFi) at work, school, or home. They basically allow you to get a pretty fast connection to the Internet for email or web browsing. You can even sync with your PC through the WiFi.

You can check with a systems administrator at work or school for how to set them up. Once they give you the information you need, feel free to post back here at AximSite if you need more help.

Most people only set them up in their homes if they have a broadband connection (DSL or cable). Again, if that’s something you are interested in, there is a whole section here devoted to wireless networking: http://www.aximsite.com/boards/forum...?s=&forumid=31

05-01-03, 11:16 PM

The card is greater, but the range desire to be better. If it possible try Linksys instead.

TheWolfen · 05-01-03, 11:48 PM

I tried the Dell card, and the range was wretched. I also had a Netgear MA701 card and the Dell card had about 1/3 the range of the Netgear. I really couldn't believe how bad it was. The only time I could get 100% signal on the card was within 5 feet of the router. Needless to say, I returned it.

On the plus side, the antenna is very thin (which probably accounts for the poor range). I didn't keep it long enough to see how it was on power.

Personally, I'd recommend the Socket if money isn't such a big deal - it's the best on power and smaller than some of the other cards. If money is an issue, go for the Linksys or the Netgear.

christie · 05-02-03, 10:34 AM

Thank you for the info i have the cable hook up at home what i want to do is be able to acess the internet anywhere for ex: walking in the store and in the car stuff like that, is this possible to do with the cf card or so i need to get some kind of service? thanks for the web site info i will check it out. I am still trying to figure out how to download programs on my axim do I have to download it on my pc first and then send it to the axim?

mnguyen281 · 05-02-03, 12:43 PM

so the truemobile wont just pick up a signal and connect? you have to manually input all the information yourself?

pda_wy · 05-03-03, 06:12 AM

I am using the TM1180 CF and I love it. I have not had any range problems at all. About 2 blocks from my house in all directions.

I installed the card, used the included utility to find the network(the wifi network is already existing, I have 3 PC's on it). Installed the 128bit WEP Key and bang, up and running. The only problem I had was that I had not installed the DNS as provided by my DSL provided. I went back, put that in and now it works flawlessly.

I use it to access the Internet and wireless sync. What a wonderful tool.

If you have more specific questions or issues, see the wireless forum or send me a PM. I will be happy to help all that I can.

Thanks
ANDY

aspruil · 05-05-03, 09:29 AM

Curious, do you have the default ssid for your linksys set to "linksys"? The reason why I asked is that like yourself I was able to walk 2 1/2 blocks away from the house and still have a signal. I was very, very excited. I thought I brought a nice card at a cheap price. Then I started thinking, I have minimal security set on my wireless, anyone can walk up to my house and start surfing the web. I began adding the security measures with the router. I changed the ssid, turned on wep and implemented mac filtering. After all that, my laptop (not the axim) was still getting a signal, even after all my safety precautions. then it dawned on me, there must be someone else in the neighborhood, who like my self had their router setup with no securtiy. grabbed the axim, with the dell wifi utility I scanned for networks, and you guessed it my renamed network and the original linksys network showed up. this is the reason why I was able to walk 2 1/2 blocks away and still have a signal. Now that I have made the change, I can barely leave the house, and certain spots downstairs away from linksys router, it does not work.

I will try a new card today, but I am not sure which one to get. I was about to go with the netgear, but started hearing on other forums how people are having problems with it. Ambicon, sounds good, but it covers the earphone jack, I think.
I know everyone says the socket is great, but I am not ready to drop $150 for a nic.