Wireless USB or PCI??

[gujuguy007]

I'm staying at some apartments next year that offers free wireless internet access throughout the entire complex. However, to access the intenet you must purchase a wireless USB adapter and plug it into your computer's USB Port (This eliminates the need for an ISA or PCI network card). They charge quite a penny for the adapter, so I'm deciding to purchase a Wireless PCI Card compaitable for a 802.11b connection (which is a whole lost cheaper if you find the right deal). I'm hoping this will work in my apartment complex. I see no reason why it should not. I was just wondering if there would be any performance differences between the USB adapter and the Wireless PCI Card. They both are suppose to transfer up to 11mbps, but I was wondering which one would be faster since the 2 products are engineered differently.

Link for a similar USB product that my complex is selling

 

[azev]

I would choose USB, because you put it on a better place for better receptions.

 

[bigpow]

USB.
(even better, see if you can find one, with external antenna connector)

 

[IceNineJon]

If you go with wireless USB, stay away from the Linksys ones. I've had nothing but problems with them on Win XP and Win ME. Their support (although available toll free 27/7) also sucks. My neighbor was trying to get WEP to work but it kept freezing his bridge. They told him to just disable it if it freezes it. Some solution!

 

[aluehrs]

I would go for a usb unless you are going to need to put a large external antenna on it.

 

[gsaldivar]

Originally posted by: azev
I would choose USB, because you put it on a better place for better receptions.