Get a Netgear 802.11n USB adapter for $9.99

Upgrade your desktop or laptop to 802.11n with this dirt-cheap USB adapter.

(Credit: Netgear)

Note: If this post sounds familiar, that's because it's a "rerun"--but with a lower price than when it first appeared a couple months ago.

I have an 802.11n router in my house, but not all my PCs and laptops have 802.11n adapters. Most of them run 802.11g, which drags down the overall performance of the network (it's a lowest-common-denominator kind of thing).

Cheap fix: Newegg has the Netgear RangeMax Wireless-N USB 2.0 Adapter WN111 for $9.99 shipped. It's a refurb, but, hey, something like this either works or it doesn't.

To get that discounted price (it's normally $24.99--and new units list for $70!), you need to apply coupon code EMCLVMV69 at checkout. You also need to be a subscriber to Newegg's newsletter.

As you may know, 802.11n Wi-Fi delivers dramatically faster performance and greater range than 802.11g. That's critical if you want to stream music and video (particularly HD video) around the house, and also for stuff like voice-over-IP and online gaming.

It's rare to find a USB adapter for under $20, especially without a rebate involved, so this was a no-brainer for me. (Too bad I paid $13.99 when I bought it a couple months ago!)

The adapter comes without software; you have to download the drivers and whatnot from Netgear (which is good, actually, as you'll be sure to have the latest versions of everything).

In my own little test lab, I had an 802.11n-equipped Netbook that was wreaking havoc on my network. I switched over to the WN111 and poof: problem solved. So it not only works, but works better than some built-in 802.11n adapters.

The 90-day warranty doesn't bother me, but Newegg has a no-refund policy on this product. That means you can return it for a replacement, but you can't get your money back if it doesn't work right or you don't like it. Just FYI.

[jlunce]

Bought this the first time it was listed here. Works great and how can you beat $ 9.99 for a N wireless adapter? As the article mentions you just have to download the drivers from the Netgear website.

[pjcamp]

Netgear has the worst customer support on the entire planet, up to and including denial of warranty coverage. They are the only company who has ever said "No" when I asked to speak to a supervisor. So in this case, you get what you pay for. If you buy this, consider it to be a disposable item.

[Spitz_Mcgee]

Isn't anything purchased from $9.99 a disposable item. Rick nice post as usual.

[bubba2million]

Doesn't work. I got this the first time around - I have Win XP - downloaded drivers - it does nothing. Software loads and installs, but nothing happens. Doesn't work. Waste of $$$$.

[rickbroida]

Frustrating, I'm sure, but for what it's worth, my aforementioned netbook runs XP, and the adapter's working just fine.

[stu21202]

Works fine for me too, under XP. I bought it the first time around too. (Actually I bought two.)

I bought this first time around too. I tested in both Windows XP SP3 and Windows 7 RC1. Both works fine but a bit unstable. It disconnects occasionally and in windows 7 64 bit it disconnects every other minute which makes it unusable under N. I now used it under G. For $10 it is cheaper than some other G USB adapter.

[Flyboy16]

Did you get Newegg to replace/exchange another one?

[bubba2million]

The software is the issue - not the item. I can see it's working and I'm sure it would work if only the software would boot up properly. Something is screwy - I can feel it - my regular network software won't budge and let the new stuff take over and run the adapter.

[slubilliken31]

so this is just an adapter right? I can't plug it into my PC(which can only connect to internet with cord) and have it run off of wireless. right?

[Nychocolips]

Correct, Slub. You'd need to have a Wireless Router in the picture to connect too.

[ck279]

Can this be used on a Mac? Specifically Powerbook G4. I'd want to upgrade my router to N (mine is locking up like crazy). But I'd like to fully utilize the N capabilities rather than pigeonhole it with a G networking card that is, as far as I know, non-removable in this computer.

[MakaiOokami]

If I can't use it with my PS3, PSP, DS, Wii, then it's useless to me. 100 percent useless. (for me)

[Georgia in MS]

I have one of these and it works great with anything that is g internet. I cannot get it to work on my ASUS 1000H. I don't know if the wireless n of the netbook conflicts with this adapter. Is there anything different you need to do on "install" of this when a PC already has wireless n?

I have seen this on two other sites for $9. Ecost.com, circuitcity.com.

[balboos]

The nicest thing I can say about NetGear is they absolutely S*CK.

They explicitly do not give customer support for refurbished items (let alone, take them back). There's nothing to stop them from reshipping defectives (unfixed) as refurbs, and laughing as they go out the door.

My experience with them (both a router and dongle, matched pair) was that the router was DOA and the dongle barely worked ("1 bar" when it didn't drop my signal) and became amazingly hot in a short period of time.

My suggestion? If you get a defective refurb from these guys (and can't return it to whomever sold you the junk), buy a new one (which may work) of the exact same model. Swap it for the refurb and return. This way, at least, NetGear will be accepting returns of their defective merchandise.

P.S. I really will never purchase NetGear, again, and obviously try to discourage anyone I know from doing so. Those that I missed (or didn't listen) agree they should have.

[fosegued]

IT IS NOW $7.99 AT NEWEGG