Any cons against using a USB wireless adapter?

[AnitaPeterson]

Hi there,

I've recently replaced my router, replacing it with one that has wireless capabilities (54 MB, very basic)... this is useful for my laptop, whenever I need something really quick on the internet and the main computer is busy.

I have another computer, a SFF used as a HTPC, in another room of the house... and now I'm thinking about buying a USB wireless adapter, in order to add internet access on this machine as well...

Is there a good argument against using one of these, as opposed to a dedicated PCI wireless card (which might not fit in my SFF) ?

Are all USB wireless adapters alike? Should I go for something from a known brand, like D-Link, or can I buy anything, 'cause it will work just as good? Any recommendations?

Thanks much!

 

[beemercer]

I used a Linksys adapter for ~1.5 years and had no trouble.

 

[Slowlearner]

A usb adapter with a longish cable that can be positioned to get the best reception would be a good choice. A pci adapter without a separate antenna or pen drive usb adapter stuck behind the computer (facing a wall) would be a poor choice. Some separate antennas cost as much as a pci adapter, so if you have to use a pci adapter, make sure you get one with a separate antenna like the Buffalo? AirStation? 54Mbps Wireless PCI Card With Indoor Omni Antenna.

 

[beemercer]

Originally posted by: Slowlearner
A usb adapter with a longish cable that can be positioned to get the best reception would be a good choice. A pci adapter without a separate antenna or pen drive usb adapter stuck behind the computer (facing a wall) would be a poor choice. Some separate antennas cost as much as a pci adapter, so if you have to use a pci adapter, make sure you get one with a separate antenna like the Buffalo? AirStation? 54Mbps Wireless PCI Card With Indoor Omni Antenna.

Forgot to mention that my Linksys adapter was on a cable and i could place it wherever i wanted. I got good reception as a result.

 

[AnitaPeterson]

Thank you for help, guys...

Got a store-brand adapter from Staples for CDN$19, and it was up and running in two minutes. Excellent!