Using the same upright, single antenna configuration as the Netcomm, the Sparklan unit is surprisingly powerful.
Included with the unit is a small detachable base, alternatively the unit can be mounted to a wall via the small recessed slots on the rear of the unit, and it has a single removable antenna. The Sparklan WL-311F PCMCIA card supports 802.11b only, as does the access point.
This is the only AP in this review that could not be configured via a Web browser. Instead it is configured via its own proprietary application.
This process was relatively straight forward, certainly no more difficult than the Web browser process. However, it may be annoying for technicians who are used to the more common Web interfaces that most configurable IT applicances now incorporate.
This unit certainly surprised us. While not the speediest of the APs tested, it certainly reached the distance and in most cases surpassed many of the more expensive/featured APs here.
Of particular note was the Sparklan's performance when tested with the Centrino notebook. When tested with the Centrino notebook, the Spaklan came up number one with the top transfer rates of the test from the 35-metre to 55-metre points. It also achieved the maximum distance on this test of 55 metres, whereas the next nearest was the Belkin at 45 metres.
The Sparklan AP came in third place when tested with the generic integrated WLAN card--it again however recorded the furthest distance of 65 metres which was equal with the D-Link.
The final test with the 802.11g card saw the Sparklan again finish third and again achieve the furthest distance at 65 metres. As you can see, while not the nimblest of performers, the Sparklan certainly makes up in distance. So if distance with average performance is your goal, it may be worthwhile giving the Sparklan a run.
| Product | Sparklan WX-1590 |
| Price | AU$159 |
| Vendor | Alfa |
| Phone | 02 9313 3333 |
| Web | www.alfa.com.au |
| Interoperability |  |
| Only supports 802.11b. | |
| Futureproofing |  |
| Unless you anticipate only needing 11Mbps well into the future, this product’s future is bleak. | |
| ROI |  ½ |
| The winner in all three distance tests at only $159; if all you need is basic connectivity this would be hard to pass. | |
| Service |  ½ |
| One-year warranty; not impressive. | |
| Rating |  ½ |
The writer of these reviews was not aware that the word "however" is an adverb and not a conjunction. This word was used incorrectly in practically every review, e.g., "Excellent value when everything is considered, however purchasers must intend to use all its features to get good ROI."
An example from the net,
and I can recommend the cheap and useful Strunk & White "Elements of Style",
which is an updated version of the below.
William Strunk, Jr. (1869–1946). The Elements of Style. 1918.
V. WORDS AND EXPRESSIONS COMMONLY MISUSED
http://www.bartleby.com/141/strunk3.html
"However. In the meaning nevertheless, not to come first in its sentence or clause.
wrong: The roads were almost impassable. However, we at last succeeded in reaching camp.
correct: The roads were almost impassable. At last, however, we succeeded in reaching camp.
When however comes first, it means in whatever way or to whatever extent.
However you advise him, he will probably do as he thinks best.
However discouraging the prospect, he never lost heart."