Getting wireless for a desktop

[NotAGolf]

Hi guys, i'm gonna be getting some sort of wireless device for my desktop because i'm getting wireless in my house soon. Basically I would like to know two things:

1. Is there much difference between getting a usb adapter/dongle type thing and an actual wireless card? I would have thought a card would have better performance/range, but thats a total guess.

2. Is there any makes that i should stay clear of/are particularly good.

Thanks for any advice.

 

[Deleted member 58846]

Hi guys, i'm gonna be getting some sort of wireless device for my desktop because i'm getting wireless in my house soon. Basically I would like to know two things:

1. Is there much difference between getting a usb adapter/dongle type thing and an actual wireless card? I would have thought a card would have better performance/range, but thats a total guess.

Performance / Range is one thing. Many people have not noticed a difference in using both.

2. Is there any makes that i should stay clear of/are particularly good.

Thanks for any advice.

Don't go for a cheap brand if you can help it, netgear/linksys is a decent brand. I do no there is a few places doing offeres on bundles to help you get what you need.

 

[NotAGolf]

Ok thanks for that. Can anyone recommend either a usb adapter or pci card that has a good range? Speed isn't as important but range is, as i may be 2 floors away ffrom the transmitter. Looking <£35 if poss. Thanks

 

[NotAGolf]

Just seen this card: Netgear RangeMax WPN311 Wireless PCI Adapter

Sounds quite good but have some seen some bad reviews regarding software/installation problems. It also says it works best with a specific net-gear router, which mine probably wont be, does this mean the 'rangeMax' bonus goes out the window?

Any views?

btw it is quite likely that the router in my house will be on the ground floor and i will be on the second, will many adpters still give me a fairly good signal?

 

[Biohazard]

btw it is quite likely that the router in my house will be on the ground floor and i will be on the second, will many adpters still give me a fairly good signal?

depends on the construction materials used tbh but I would have thought you would be 'ok'.

 

[zetec452]

Unless your walls a lined with lead you will be ok.

We use 3com cards at work which seem to pickup wireless networks rather well. If you are looking for a cheaper option D-Link do some good PCI cards.