Netgear brings Gigabit Ethernet to notebooks
The GA511 Gigabit PC Card provides speeds up to 10 times faster than Fast Ethernet and 100 times faster than 802.11b wireless, Netgear claimed.
The card is fully backward-compatible with 10Mbps and 100Mbps Ethernet products and automatically senses 10/100/1000Mbps network speeds, thereby eliminating the need for manual switching. It incorporates the Smart Wizard Install Assistant, which makes installation a five-click process, and the Smart Wizard Performance Dashboard, which allows users to monitor actual data transfer speeds.
Until now, Gigabit adapters have been available only for desktop systems. With more workplace environments migrating to notebook computers for employees, Gigabit speeds can allow users to transfer large CAD, video, and database files much more quickly, Netgear said.
Other adapters available from Netgear include the WG511T, a 108Mbps 802.11b/g wireless PC Card; and the FA511, a 10/100 32-bit CardBus PC Card.
The GA511 Gigabit PC Card requires a 32-bit CardBus slot and is compatible with NDIS 2.0 and Windows XP, 2000, Me, and 98SE operating systems. Netgear backs the card with a one-year warranty and offers 24/7 technical support. It is available immediately for $59.99.