Installation of the SmartLink UE1205RU is pretty simple. Just
plug the NIC into an empty PCI slot and and let Windows detect it. The card
comes with drivers for pretty much every major operating system. I just can't
get over how small the card is. Once installed, it's just a matter of plugging
it to the big 100 base hub.
The speed difference between a 10 base NIC and 100 base is
pretty amazing. While you may not be able to tell much of a difference during a
Quake LAN party, you will really see the speed advantage when transferring large
files from one computer to another. Files that use to take 30 minutes to
transfer on 10 base took about 4 minute to do on the SmartLink. Of course you
will have to use a 100 base hub to take full advantage of this speed. If you
have a normal 10 base hub, the SmartLink will work with that too, just at a much
slower speed.
Priced at just $19, I can't see any reason why anyone would buy
a 10 base NIC over a 100 base NIC. At this price you can buy two and have a
spare just in case. We always have a couple of spare SmartLinks at our LAN
parties.
There really isn't much to gripe about this card. It does its
job and and does it well. I didn't have any problems with the card every since I
got it. All 5 units are doing their thing on The Tech Zone LAN. Five 10/100 NICs
for less than $100! Who would have thought it possible?
The Goods
The Bads
Rating 9/10
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