What's the best wireless pci adapter card?

[ynot167]

I wanted to setup a wireless connection with one of my desktops. What would be the best wireless pci adapter that I should use? I need a card with good range too.

Thanks in advance.

 

[WarmAndSCSI]

I don't know any particular makes or models, but make sure it's not a PCI-to-PCMCIA adapter type setup. Make sure it's an actual PCI wireless adapter with an antenna that has a base that can be placed away from the back side of your computer.

 

[jinduy]

is there such a thing as a pcmcia to usb adapter? is it cheap?

 

[WarmAndSCSI]

They have USB and firewire PCMCIA adapters, if that's what you mean. I don't think they are that expensive either. I bet newegg.com has some.

 

[JackMDS]

jinduy

Actually all Entry Level Client Wireless are PCMCIA.

The so called USB is PCMCIA card connected under the plastic to USB interface.

The so called PCI is PCMCIA plugged or soldered to PCI interface board.

ynot167

If Wireless PCI is stuck behind the case you will need external antenna with a long coax to get it going beyond the room.

Range is very important? Buy Orinoco USB.

Make sure that it has the drivers for your OS.

Link: ORiNOCO USB Client Adapter Gold.

 

[ynot167]

Originally posted by: JackMDS
jinduy

Actually all Entry Level Client Wireless are PCMCIA.

The so called USB is PCMCIA card connected under the plastic to USB interface.

The so called PCI is PCMCIA plugged or soldered to PCI interface board.

ynot167

If Wireless PCI is stuck behind the case you will need external antenna with a long coax to get it going beyond the room.

Range is very important? Buy Orinoco USB.

Make sure that it has the drivers for your OS.

Link: ORiNOCO USB Client Adapter Gold.

JackMDS...Thanks again for your input...you got me to buy Orinoco PCMCIA card for my notebook and it works great!!!

However, this time, I kinda hessitant purchasing Orinoco USB. Range isn't much of a factor as it is for my notebook. I just want a reliable, hassle free card that I can use for my daughter's computer which will be one story-level above the access point. I also noticed that Orinoco costs quite a bit more than PCI cards with an antenna.

If you have anymore suggestions, it would be greatly appreciated.

 

[JackMDS]

Yeah the Orinoco USB is quite expensive.

Assuming that the purpose is mainly Internet surfing. I.e. a bandwidth of 2-3Mb/sec would be considered adequate.

PCI with good removable external Antenna is slightly better than USB.

However if it does not work well buying extension coax for external PCI can be somewhat expensive $20-$30.

Get an inexpensive USB from one of the Megastore with liberal return policy. Play with location (max toward the Wireless source, or toward open door or in the hallway with USB extension cable).

P.S. I usually do not like it when people buy in order to return. But the general policy of grossly inaccurate statements concerning ?speed? and ?range? of Wireless by most ?brands? makes it inevitable.

 

[ynot167]

Thanks again...

 

[hackmole]

 

[hackmole]

I have heard that the Engenius wireless card is one of the very best in that it has great sensitivity to signals and greater output strength as it is a 200mw card instead of the 30mw power that most retail cards have.

 

[JackMDS]

I found this a minute ago.

I looked at another Post there is a link given by jinduy.

Orinoco Silver USB for $51 http://www.cdw.com/shop/products/default.asp?EDC=301494

The silver has WEP of 64bit as oppose to 128bit of the Gold, otherwise they are the same.

If you are not very concern about intruders it might deserve a try.

 

[JackMDS]

Originally posted by: hackmole
I have heard that the Engenius wireless card is one of the very best in that it has great sensitivity to signals and greater output strength as it is a 200mw card instead of the 30mw power that most retail cards have.

Yeah 200mw will do well there more like this.
However not being Entry Level (usually 50mw or less) they are also priced accordingly.