Wireless access for desktop question

I've inherited an old Dell Inspiron 580 (Windows 7 Home Premium) which I plan on taking to my workplace to use for email and occasional light browsing. I'll need to access the internet via a wireless router which is probably eight feet from where the desktop will sit. It would be very difficult to run a cable from the router to the computer in an acceptable way. We have satellite internet, and it's not the fastest, but better than the only other alternative, dialup. Would a USB adapter work well enough, or should I stay with a PCI adapter? Any adapter recommendations will be appreciated.

 

If the internet is that slow I doubt you will have an issue with just a USB dongle. I have one in a desktop about 20 feet and 3 walls away from the router and get 77mbit connection. It is a 150mbit N USB 2.0 dongle.

 

USB adapter is going to do fine and 8 feet is no distance at all but since you are already spending money and we're talking about ~$15 or thereabouts I would recommend something like this .

Notice the external antenna but also a cradle which means the Wi-Fi card doesn't have to sit at the back of the desktop under the desk but can be instead placed in the desk or wherever and offer better reception.

Mind you at 8 feet any card will have good reception so this is completely unnecessary but you would not be overpaying much for it and it might come in handy one day.

 

Thanks for the reply TANware and your USB suggestion.

Downloads, I think I'm going to go with your recommendation. I like the idea of putting it on my desk for better reception, and the price is right. Thanks!

 

Just to follow up with Downloads suggestion, I couldn't find the TL-WN722NC, which is the model with a cradle. I did find the TP-Link TL-WN822N, which is made to sit on a desk without needing a cradle. It's working perfectly, even better than I expected, so thanks again for the recommendation!

 

The one you got is even better hardware-wise.