NetGear has reportedly settled a class-action lawsuit about its claims of speed for some of its gear: The settlement includes an enormous class: every purchaser of NetGear wireless equipment since January 1999. Folks in that category will get a 15-percent discount off a future wireless purchase. These kinds of settlements are often barely exercised, partly because they often rely not on a rebate against a street price but rather a discount off retail which might be only slightly below street price and involve more conditions for fulfillment.
NetGear will also donate $25,000 of equipment to charity and pay $700,000 to the plaintiffs.
The point under dispute seems fairly minor, that NetGear allegedly overstated speeds. Now, the company (and every other firm in the industry) hedges its bets about speed being variable and not achievable under all circumstances. (The cell industry is even more conservative, assuring 3G users that service may just not be available at any given time.)
NetGear reportedly disputes all claims and disclaims liability, deciding to settle to avoid ongoing litigation and associated expenses.