Need a wireless card for new computer

[McCoy Pauley]

I need a wireless card for my new computer, but don't know very much about what to select (either brand or type). I have DSL from SBC, and my DSL modem is also a WAP. My laptop has a built in wireless card, and when I use it at home, it just works, but I know relatively little about it, and so that's not providing me any guidance in selecting a card. I assume I want something compatible with 802.11b and 802.11g. I had been thinking it should be a PCI card, rather than a USB device (but if a USB device would be better, I'd like to know.) On Newegg I see some PCI cards have an attached antenna and some have a separate antenna, but I don't know which is better. Also, I'm not sure how much brand matter for something like this. Any particular brand to look for, or to avoid?

At the moment, I'm looking at the following:

JAHT 54 Mbps 802.11g PCI Wireless Lan Adapter, Model WN-4054PCI -- $27.99
GIGA-BYTE 802.11 b/g Wireless LAN PCI Card, Model GN-WPKG -- $26.99

Any advice, or resource to consult, would be appreciated.

 

[Kelemvor]

Shouldn't make a whole heck of a lot of difference on what you go with. You definitely want to get a G card and not a B only card. As for brand... Linksys, NetGear, etc are all good brands. As for USB vs PCI, PCI is more permanent since it goes inside the computer. USB can be moved around if you ever need to take it to a different computer for any reason.

 

[louisb]

Another advantage w/ usb (granted it's on a cord) is that you can position it to improve your signal reception.

 

[McCoy Pauley]

Originally posted by: louisb
Another advantage w/ usb (granted it's on a cord) is that you can position it to improve your signal reception.

While I think I'd rather have something in the machine, and I don't forsee needing to attach the device to another computer, I assume the PCI cards with separate antenna would provide the same advantage, right?