Since last fall, I've been having difficulties getting my Compaq iPaq 3870 to cooperate with various 802.11b-based wireless networking adapters. But instead of disparaging the adapters that didn't work (I have no idea why), I'll tell how Symbol Technologies's compact flash-based Wireless Networker turned frustration into child's play.
At least part of the problem is the operating system's fault. The 3870 is based on Microsoft's PocketPC 2002. If you've ever paid a visit to that OS's control panel for networking (called "connection settings" in PocketPC parlance), you'll agree that getting anything networking-related to work is confusing--at best.
Third-party networking adapters--be they for wired LANs, wireless LANs, wired modems, or wireless WANS--need to make the process of getting connected idiot-proof.
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