Most handhelds transmit data over Wi-Fi networks at the 11 Mbps supported by 802.11b–even though third-generation 802.11g networks deliver much better performance at 54 Mbps. As a result, many mobile users are missing out on the benefits of faster access, such as smoother multimedia, speedier webpage loading, and maybe even improved IP telephony.
With the announcement today of a new CompactFlash expansion card for Windows Mobile devices, including Hewlett-Packard’s iPAQs and Dell’s Axims, Linksys offers welcome news to Pocket PC owners: The Wireless-G CompactFlash card–as the name implies–brings 802.11g performance to Pocket PC PDAs and smartphones. In fact, the card supports all Windows Mobile handhelds running Windows Mobile 2002 or later, which makes it compatible with a wide range of devices.
Here’s how it works:
The card installs into a Pocket PC using a CompactFlash Type II slot. As with most 802.11g adapters, Wireless-G is backward compatible with 802.11b wireless networks too. That way you can use the device with older Wi-Fi networks and hot spots.
According to Linksys, the adapter can roam seamlessly among multiple 802.11g/b wireless network access points or wireless routers. It also operates in ad hoc mode (without an access point) to download data from wireless PCs without a cradle or network connection, and can share data directly with other wireless PDAs.
Linksys’s Wireless-G CompactFlash Card is available now for $99.
Reprinted from PocketPCcity.
