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    Those tiny USB WiFi/BT adapters, how good are they?

    Discussion in 'Networking and Wireless' started by Mr.Koala, Oct 2, 2013.

  1. Mr.Koala

    Mr.Koala Notebook Virtuoso

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    I'm thinking about getting a USB Bluetooth adapter for a notebook that has no built-in BT, and maybe a USB wireless network adapter for a all-in-one desktop.

    Those things are really small and convenient, but how much performance/reliability am I sacrificing?

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  2. downloads

    downloads No, Dee Dee, no! Super Moderator

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    Bluetooth might do alright but Wi-Fi will have a ridiculously low range both positioning and antennas do a lot to make it complete crap.

    BT should do fine mostly because it's not meant to transfer too much data so no one cares if it's fast and it's meant to be used at a very limited range so wireless mice or mobile phones paired with the notebook will work fine.
     
  3. reb1

    reb1 Notebook Evangelist

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    I use bluetooth for speakers, mouse and keyboard. There are wifi network adapters that will do a good job. They are not the small ones. I purchased my daughter a dual antenna network adaptor for around $20.00. The small one she had only showed about half speed on speedtest. the dual antenna unit shows full speed on speedtest. The pc is around 25 feet from the router and there are three walls between the pc and router.