Linksys wireless usb adapter - is it any good?

[gplracer]

I just built a computer for a friend. He bought a wireless Linksys router and instead of getting the wireless pci card he got a usb wireless adapter. Is there any reason not to get this part? It seems like a good idea. I would assume he could use it in a laptop too. Thanks!!!

 

[RoodyPooGangsta]

My wife's computer connects back to my linksys wireless router via a usb client. It's been solid as a rock. I've also used a usb client in a laptop too so your friend should be good to go.

 

[gplracer]

Thanks for the reply. It is supposed to be 11mps so internet stuff really should not make a difference. The one I installed for my friend seems to work fine. I just wondered if there is a difference between the pci and usb versions.

 

[DaveSimmons]

USB adapters are a little slower (real-world transfers of say 2.5 mbps instead of 3-3.5) according to tests on sites like www.practicallynetworked.com, but that's still more than double the speed of a cable / DSL connection. It will only matter for doing really huge transfers beween 2 machines on the local network.

 

[gplracer]

Thanks Dave that is the information that I wanted

 

[heartsurgeon]

usb adapters are good because you they come with a 6 foot usb cable that lets you optimally position your antenna for the best signal strength.

internal wireless adapters generally place the antenna at the worse possible location for good reception (behind a large shielded object - your PC, close to the ground)