CNF-antastic?! (Cnet CNF401)

Member Name: ben-lloyd

Product:	Cnet CNF401
Date:	21/04/09 (84 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Integrated network port, very well built, Plug and play

Disadvantages: height of port may prove obstructive

~~~ Appearance ~~~

The main body of the CNF401 card looks just like every other PCMCIA card designed for a laptop in that it is made of silver metal, is about 5mm thick, has a number of holes at one end in which the interface connectors are concealed, and large labels on both sides identifying the card and its details.
Where the CNF401 differentiates itself from so many other PCMCIA network cards is where the network lead plugs into it. Instead of the more common port into which a strange dongle-like connector is plugged, the CNF401 features a strange bulge of black plastic into which a standard CAT5 lead can be plugged straight in. Set into the plastic bulge are three LEDS which indicate whether the card is connected to a network and the speed at which it is connected (either 10MB or 100MB).


~~~ Operation ~~~

Using the CNF401 is easy-peasy when running Windows XP as the card will auto-install and run merrily without a problem. This card realy is a plug-and-play device. CNet claim that the CNF401 can also be used with PDAs but you have to ask why one would want to connect their handheld computer to their network using wires rather than using one of the other PCs they are bound to have on the same network?
Plugging and unplugging of the network lead is very simple and because of the well-designed port on the card is not prone to damage as some of the other cards on the market.


~~~ Caveats ~~~

Although the sturdy network port on this card is it's biggest draw, it is also it's Achilles heel. Because the plastic bulge stands so high over the main body of the card, it will obscure other PCMCIA slots on your laptop preventing other cards from being inserted.


~~~ Conclusion ~~~

Although the world is moving towards wireless networks, there will always be a wired network sitting behind it. The CNF401 is an outstanding wired network card which is sturdily built and will easily survive the rigours of travelling with a laptop. With 10MB and 100MB speed support this network card is still compatible with most networks and the automatic recognition by Windows XP makes installation and use a breeze. I strongly recomend that all those looking for a wired PCMCIA network card give the CNF401 a serious look.


~~~ Links ~~~

Cnet's own specifications: http://www.cnet.com.tw/zip/CNF401/CNF401.pdf


© 2009 ben-lloyd. This review appears on other websites under the same user name.

Summary: A well constructed, if ageing network device