Socket low power WLAN CF reviews?

JmE · 02-10-03, 05:29 AM

Anyone know of any good links to a review of the Socket low power wireless CF card? I want to compare the power consumption with that of the Linksys WCF12.

I believe I found a link the other day with the power consumption (in mA) of the Linksys, but I can't seem to find it today. Anyone know the mA Tx and Idle on the WCF12?

Thanks,
-JmE-

jda5id · 02-10-03, 08:43 AM

Here is a review that says the WCF12 did as good as the Socket from a power perspective (though they don't list the actual specs). They do list the specs of the WCF11 so that is at least a starting point (I believe the 12 uses less power than the 11)

http://www.pdabuyersguide.com/tips/linksys.htm

Here is one that says the Tx on the WCF12 is 250mA

http://www.tampabay2002.com/subpage.asp?subnavID=102

Here is a Socket review that highlights the power savings

http://www.pdabuyersguide.com/tips/socket_wifi.htm

JmE · 02-10-03, 11:18 AM

Thank you!

Some of the specs (per the articles) for anyone reading this thread (and for me later when I forget :) )

WCF12 *** EDITED: These specs are listed for the WCF11 NOT the WCF12. Since the WCF12 is supposed to be more frugal, I am assuming it's specs are the same or a little better. I still think, from other reviews on the web too, that the WCF12 is the way I will go) ***

Power Consumption:
Sleep/Idle Powersave ON 44.8 mA
Powersave OFF 75.6 mA

Download (RX) Powersave ON 97.8 mA
Powersave OFF 93.2 mA

Upload (TX) Powersave ON 96.0 mA
Powersave OFF 89.4 mA

Socket

Power Consumption:
Sleep: 20 mA
Transmission:170-280mA

It does appear that the power consumption is similar. Even though the idle mA is roughly twice, the TX apears to even it out. Additionally, the range may be implied to be slightly better (not scientific) for the Linksys. They both seem to pan out to similar (as the poster had pointed out ;) )

Cool, I will not be returning the WCF12 card I bought in anticipation of my Ax shipping. :D

Thanks again for the good info!

-JmE-

jda5id · 02-10-03, 11:53 AM

One other name to throw out there...AmbiCom.

It caught my eye because the sleep power is 17 mA, even less than Socket. They list the Tx and Rx as <370 mA and <250mA respectively though. Perhaps a good choice for someone that wants to leave it in the Axim a lot (in sleep mode) but will only be transmitting and receiving intermittently. Price is ~$90 online though I swear I remember seeing it at a Fry's store for less

JmE · 02-16-03, 01:15 AM

Thanks for the info...

The irony is that my younger brother (he knows almost nothing about technology... even once lived with the Old Order Amish!) brought that Ambicom to me in BestBuy a few weeks ago and said it looked like the best price. Of course, I patted him on the head (figuratively) and proceeded to purchase the LinkSys WCF12. Boy was I wrong. I have just now (in the last 5 minutes) started having major problems with the WCF12. Well, I have admitted my mistake to him and we are making the trek to BestBuy tomorrow morning.

I have a Socket Communications Low Power WLAN CF card on order. I will keep both the AmbiCom and the Socket as I use the network so much on my Ax.

Thanks again for the heads up on AmbiCom!

-JmE-

BTW: BestBuy has the AmbiCom for $79. I think it was at $69 a few weeks ago.

jacklew · 02-16-03, 04:48 AM

The Ambicom CF WiFi is $60 through Feb. 17 with a $30 mail-in rebate at CompUSA.

JmE · 02-17-03, 02:34 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by jacklew
The Ambicom CF WiFi is $60 through Feb. 17 with a $30 mail-in rebate at CompUSA.

Thanks! CompUSA is havig a two day sale. The card was $29 after rebates. :) It works great as I am typing this message on it. They also had Bluetoooth CF cards (with PCMCIA adapter) for $29 and Bluetooth USB for $29 as well.

Thanks again.

-JmE-