Review of Aspire 5600U With Atheros AR5BWB222 Wireless Network Adapter

scolburn — Sun, 25 Aug 2013 20:12:31 GMT

ASPIRE 5600U REVIEW, 2013/08/25

The Aspire 5600U is a nicely designed AIO with a great video display. However, it has one serious flaw, the Qualcomm Atheros Wireless Network Adapter, model AR5BWB222, which disconnects frequently (i.e. every few minutes, not just now and then) from the internet. This will drive you absolutely buggy when you are doing anything that requires a live internet connection! This is a known hardware problem that Acer is well aware of, but has been unable to resolve. Read the numerous complaints that purchasers have posted on the Acer Community Bulletin Board, and there you will find a record of Acer's failed attempts to deal with this problem, which will NOT resolve the connectivity issue. First, they will tell you to download an older version of the WNA's driver (DON'T), which will just create new connectivity problems that you didn't have before. Then they will tell you to download an updated BIOS (DON'T), which will have the same effect--new issues you didn't have before, and still you will be stuck with the same connectivity issue. Last, they will tell you to return the computer, at your own cost, to their repair facility. Most likely you will receive back from Acer a reconditioned unit (a/k/a "used computer") which will still have the same WNA and the same connectivity issue. Now if you've read this far, I can tell you that there IS a work-around solution, which you probably won't like: Get an Ethernet cable and connect it between your computer and your wireless router, and your internet connection will suddenly become rock-solid and reliable again, although you will be tethered to that wired connection. For some people, that won't be a problem (this is not a laptop, after all), though it seems like you should get what you pay for, and what is advertised (i.e., a WiFi, cable-free computer). More good news is: you will probably be able to connect by WiFi to nearby devices, just not to the internet. I can connect by WiFi to my scanner and my printer, no problem. This defect in the WNA only seems to involve the internet connection. HELLO ACER, THAT'S A CLUE! So folks, be sure you can return the computer, in case you decide that you don't want to be tethered by an Ethernet cable to your WiFi Router, and that you DO want a computer that performs as advertised. That's it, thanks for reading.

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Review of Aspire 5600U With Atheros AR5BWB222 Wireless Network Adapter