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PCMCIA or USB for eithernet RJ45 connection to network on Laptops

T

todays

Senior member
Which have you guys had better luck with? I have three people in an office with laptops. Need to get them on the 10/100 network for DSL sharing. Just installed a 16 port switch to service the different offices.
 
At the moment, the Choice of USB is minimal (Only two offers) in the next, few weeks there will be explosion in network USB modules. Most of the big player will come out with new staff.

I personally prefer the USB:

1. It does not take any IRQ, and it is very easy to install.

But more important

2. If the laptop is not very close to the Network Transmitter, and you need to play a little with the location of the antenna the flexibility of the PCMIA is minimal.
The USB consist of a small unit that connect with USB cable to the Laptop USB port, so the USB receiving module can be put in better location (within the length of the USB Cable). While the laptop is on your lap, or desk, the receiver can be at top of something, and have a stronger reception, the speed of Wireless Network node is determined by the strength of the reception.
 
In the last few days, I was so busy with wireless that every Network topic starts to look Wireless ?hehe?.

To return to the topic.

Price wise it is the same range. USB is a little more secure mechanically, since you plug a USB cable to the Laptop, and there is nothing to brake, to lose, or get into bad plug connection trouble.

I use SMC 10/100 USB adapter. The Ethernet side is plugged to a Barricade with DSL service, and the USB is used for laptop, or at times as a temporary station for any computer that need to be connected to network (since it takes about a minute to configure USB connection). Works like a charm.
 
If the connection is only for sharing DSL, use the USB. If you plan on transfering files or aceesing local resources, get a 10.100 cardbus pcmcia card, preferably realport style. You will thank yourself.
 
Note that there are problems if you ever want to use multiple USB-Network adapters in the same computer.

 
Ok so the PCMCIA is faster and the USB is easier. Yes, they are just going to use it for DLS sharing at the moment. But, I always like to look to the future. And wireless does sound good, but I don't think they will pop for the $$$ or I would have done it. lol
 
Maybe USB is tres easy, but PCMCIA is EXTREMELY easy as well.

Plug in the card, install the driver, maybe configure a few settings and you're done.

If you want to unplug it, no problem. At least in Windows 2000 there's a nice button in the tray that allows you to disable the device before you unplug it. Takes 10 seconds. I usually leave mine in though, since I have two PCMCIA slots.

It literally took me 3 minutes to get my Linksys 10/100 Ethernet & HomePNA combo card up and running.

Plus it's much faster than USB.

 
get a WAP and 3 wireless nicks and put it into your ethernet backbone.. the best thing ever than you laptop useres will be so happy they can move around and be on the itnernet at the same time 🙂
 
The one downside to the PCMCIA cards are the dongles. I've trashed a could of modem dongles in the past and its usually cheaper to buy a new modem than try to find a new cord. I've been lucky with my PCMCIA nic since I only bent one of the clasps badly but was able to repair that.
USB nics just tend to plug the patch cable right into the device. I also believe good USB nics are cheaper than most PCMCIA nics.
 
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