scsi

I recently purchased a 4 megapixel camera, and I found that it took much longer to download the larger picture files it produced than the pictures from my old 2.0 MP camera, (using a CF reader with USB 1.1). I was also getting more errors, like refusing to open a preview picture, and occassionally freezing the whole system. Since I do a lot of photo editing, I decided to upgrade to USB 2.0. I installed this card in a 866mhz P3 Dell w/512mb RAM, running Windows 98SE. Installation of the card and the software was simple, and it works flawlessly. Used with a new USB 2.0 card reader, the speed is unbelievable, even when uploading images to a website and downloading and editing photos at the same time, with no glitches or errors at all. I had purchased a similar card (Belkin F5U220) from a different vendor, but it caused numerous system crashes, and when I called Belkin tech support, I found the rep to be inept and surly. I highly recommend this Adaptec product, and Amazon's service was superb, as usual.

The card itself is nice and there's a lot of documentation and support available at the company, which is a switch from the generics that I normally buy. This card is replacing a generic which didn't function all too well and had no support.

The USB view software is amazing. I now can see a map of all of my legacy and 2.0 USB devices, including printers, drives, camera, MP3 players, etc.

One point on installation: I have Windows XP Pro. During Plug and Pray, it automatically installed NEC drivers, not the Adapatec drivers. This is likely Microsoft's fault. Download the latest drivers for the 3100LP card from the support website, they are dated Dec 2002. You will have to go to the Control Panel, to the device and update drivers. When it asks you, specify a location where you installed the new drivers to, and ensure you are installing drivers for this card.

Installed this card in minutes including all the software upgrades available on the Adaptec website. Instantly hooked up all the existing USB peripherals and all worked just fine.

Hooked up a USB 2.0 peripheral and experienced the high speed transfer rates.

Bottom line? Nice card from Adaptec, well worth a slight premium over cheaper models.