If you’re looking for a way to connect your PowerBook G3 to a faster Ethernet network, or if you have a need to connect that PowerBook to a “Thinnet” Ethernet network, you may be interested in some new offerings from connectivity company Asante Technologies Inc.
Asante today announced new FriendlyNET 10Mbps and 10/100Mbps network interface cards designed to work on PC and Mac-compatible laptops featuring CardBus PC card interfaces. 32-bit CardBus PC card slots have been standard-issue on PowerBook models ever since the “Wall Street” PowerBook G3 first appeared.
The cards use a 64KB RAM data buffer, which Asante claims provides maximum performance. If you’re running a conventional 10baseT network or a 10base2 “Thinnet” network, you can use the 10Mbps 10T or 10T/TN model. Users connecting to faster 100Mbps networks can opt instead for the 10/100 Integrated CardBus Adapter.
Asante said the FriendlyNET 10/100 Integrated CardBus Adapter sports up to 200Mbps connection speeds when operating in full-duplex mode. The card also supports half-duplex and auto-negotiation between 10baseT and 100baseTX operation. The card also features an integrated RJ-45 connector, requiring no external cable adapters or pop-out jacks.
The 10T model is expected to retail for around $69; the 10/TN Thinnet-enabled card runs for $79; the 10/100 integrated adapter runs $75.