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    wireless adapter: USB vs PCI

    Discussion in 'Networking and Wireless' started by shadow85, Aug 2, 2006.

  1. shadow85

    shadow85 Notebook Evangelist

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    In terms of signal strength, does USB or PCI get a stronger signal? By how much in your opinion in a scale from 1 to 5 is one over another?
     
    shadow85, Aug 2, 2006
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  2. Pitabred

    Pitabred Linux geek con rat flail!

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    Neither? Both? Depends on the antenna scheme. With a USB one, you can use an extension cable and reposition the key, whereas PCMCIA/ExpressCard has only one option. But I just don't like extra dangly things off my laptop unless it's at a desk, so I opt for internal wireless most of the time (you can usually install a MiniPCI card aftermarket in a newer-ish laptop that doesn't have it)
     
    Pitabred, Aug 2, 2006
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  3. Chutsman

    Chutsman Notebook Evangelist

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    With USB, if you don't use an extension cable you stand a chance of hitting the adapter if you move the laptop a lot, because they stick out so much. With the pc card type, you can get the ones that either have high power output (200mW or more) or one that takes an external antenna. Some have an internal antenna as well as a connector for an external. While these also stick out, it's not nearly as much as the usb ones.
     
    Chutsman, Aug 2, 2006
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  4. shadow85

    shadow85 Notebook Evangelist

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    sorry if i wasnt clear, but i meant for desktops :)
     
    shadow85, Aug 2, 2006
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  5. irishrover

    irishrover Notebook Consultant

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    I use a PCI card for one of my desktops. Like Chutsman stated, I wouldn't like having an extra wire draped over the desk. Theres already enough clutter, why add to it.

    Honestly the PCI does its job and thats all I can ask for.

    Hope this helps.
     
    irishrover, Aug 3, 2006
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  6. Pitabred

    Pitabred Linux geek con rat flail!

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    Yeah. I second that. No reason to use a USB solution when another one exists. And with an actual PCI card, you can usually get a better aftermarket antenna solution than you can with a USB one, in case your signal just won't work right where you want to set up your computer.
     
    Pitabred, Aug 3, 2006
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  7. Chutsman

    Chutsman Notebook Evangelist

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    Actually since it IS a desktop, I would go for the usb type - not the flash drive type ones, but the ones that already have the cord attached. One that I have and like is the Belkin F5D6050. This let's me position the adapter for best signal pickup. Linksys also makes one.

    But if the pci one works then go for it.
     
    Chutsman, Aug 3, 2006
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