Okay so this isn't going to be the most scientific or comprehensive review, just to let you know. Anyways, the Trendnet 441pc is a 802.11g/b/Super G compatible PC card (32-Bit CardBus Type II Card); there is a PCI version called the TEW-443PI both adapters are pretty much the same, or at least should be considering the driver CD supports both. So, today we'll be testing how well the TEW-441PC, lovely name huh?, works on Ubuntu Linux 6.06 LTS.

Installing the TEW-441pc
        Well thankfully for all of us Linux users, there are native drivers for the TEW-441pc, since the card contains a well supported Atheros 5212 chipset. In 'Ubuntu 6.06 the Madwifi drivers (that support the Atheros chip) are already installed so the card is pretty much plug and play. Enabling WEP was a breeze too. Well then let's see some pictures:

First up we have the backside of my TEW-441pc.


Here's what you get when you buy the whole thing. The design on the front of the card is a little tacky, but it's not like you ever see it. There are 2 little green LED's that light up when the card's operating. Also, if you're going to use the card on Linux, you don't need the operating manual or the drivers cd, instead head over to Madwifi, many linux distros already pre-install the drivers so you might not even have to do a thing.


Signal Strength
        Okay here's where my limited technical skills start to come into play. In this test I will be using Ubuntu's Network Connection manager to test the signal strength. We will only be testing wireless B.

Test Setup:
Belkin 802.11b Wireless Router
Trendnet TEW-441pc



Distance (in Feet) :: Strength
4 ft :: 85%
10-15 ft :: 75% (through one wall)
25-30 ft :: 65% (through one wall and a refigerator)
50-60 ft :: 60% (through one door)
50-60 ft :: 55% (one floor down)
10 ft :: 80% (directly one floor below)
10 ft :: 80% (directly one floor above)

As you can see the TEW-441pc has a fairly good range, going through walls and doors. If I had a wireless G, or Super G enabled router, the results probably would have been much better.

Conclusion
        The TEW-441pc is a solid wireless card with good Linux support, which is the only reason I bought it. For the price of around $30, including shipping, this thing is a great deal.