[SOLVED] WIFI USB LAN ADAPTER NETWORK INTERNET DONGLE 54Mbps

bat999

Hi
I'm considering setting up a second PC in another room and connecting it to a router using WiFi.
My present PC is connected by ethernet, which is fine.
I've looked at some PCI WiFi cards. These seem to be priced from around £10 upwards, and some second-hand ones are available on eBay.
But there are also some "WIFI USB LAN ADAPTER NETWORK INTERNET DONGLE 54Mbps" listed on eBay.
It says the range is 100m, which is adequate for my needs.
And the prices are very low.

This is a link to an eBay listing:- http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/WIFI-USB-LAN-ADAPTER-NETWORK-INTERNET-DONGLE-54Mbps-/280509744157?cmd=ViewItem&pt=UK_Computing_Networking_SM&hash=item414faf041d

So, has anybody out there used one of these USB WiFi adapters?
Are they any good?
Is there any advantage using a PCI card instead?

weegie.geek

PCI ones tend to have an aerial, so will usually give a better signal. USB ones are more portable I guess. If it's for a desktop and you have a spare PCI slot I'd probably spend another few quid and get one of those really.

No way you can run ethernet to the second machine as well? Faster, more secure and not at the mercy of your neighbours' overlapping networks.

Lokolo

USB WiFi adapters are the worst.


Especially ones like this!

Bought myself a new PCI card and it works perfectly.

KingL

I use (an older version of) this (USB Wireless Adapter - £6 off ebuyer, but out of stock at the mo) which looks pretty similar. It's just fine - I can even run off my neighbours router (with his permission!) 15 m and 3 sets of floorboards away with no problem.

Donnie

For a USB Wireless modem, try this. PCI card; here for £8.20. Though you might find cheaper, the products are of decent quality.

bat999

Well
I bought a dongle and it works OK in an upstairs room.
There's a mini CD installation disc provided that has drivers for Linux, Mac and Windows.
Windows XP found the driver straight away.
Everything's hunky dory.:j