And the results...

5 feet / 40 feet / 72 feet

Initially I was disappointed to see that we didn't even get close to 11 Mbps.  We already noted that 11 Mbps is the MAX transfer rate but with the adapters within 5 feet of one another I expected a much better rate.  However, in looking around on the internet, it seems that the average transfer rate for 11 Mbps wireless adapters is between 5 and 6 Mbps.  The Actiontec is clearly at the high end of what one can practically expect for this type of product.  As far as range, I was EXTREMELY pleased to see such minimal signal degradation, even at 72 feet.  It kills me not to have access to a lap top so I could drive down the block to see what kind of distance this thing taps out at.

Conclusion

The Actiontec Wireless Adapters rock pretty hard.  Even at 72 feet, transfer rates were comparable and even better than many other wireless products that have been tested elsewhere.  The ease of setup and how short a time it took is also noteworthy.  Priced at $119 a pop is right in the ball park of pricing for similar units.  I did notice on the Actiontec website that they are selling these adapters in there online store for $105 domestically in the US.  Even at $105, you still need at least two devices, which brings you up to $210.  That isn't cheap for a network but then again, to have the ability to hot swap network connections with such a small device, transfer at rates up to 11 Mbps, as well as being able to set it up in a matter of five minutes may very well justify the price to a large number of you.  For me, I'll be sending e-mails and surfing the web while lounging in a lawn chair outside in the sun this summer!  Thanks again to Actiontec for providing us with these great products to play with.  You can purchase the Actiontec USB 802.11b Wireless Adapters at the Actiontec online store.

Pros

• Wireless baby!
• Good speed when compared to similar devices.
• Compact
• Easy setup.
• $210 for a set of two.

Cons

• Transfer speeds not even close to the 11 Mbps rating.
• $210 for a set of two.

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