Updating a dino-PC to Wi-Fi: to dongle or not to dongle?

vonBlanko

Hello there moneysavers,


I'm updating my parents broadband connection, and am awaiting a switchover to a new broadband supplier. In the mean time, we're hoping to upgrade their several-year-old Dell to wi-fi (currently regular BB, with PC>cable>phoneline), so they can best take advantage -- mainly so they can join the modern world a bit, and we can all keep in contact as a family.

My question: is there a serious difference in speed or quality between a USB dongle and internal PCI card? There's such a wide price range, what should I be looking out for and what are my minimum requirements so I can get the best out of this new connection for them, without losing all the saving we're making on a new contract.

(Note: I don't believe their PC has USB2, for what it's worth)


TLDR: Upgrading old PC for parents, mainly as wi-fi hub for TV-watching and smartphoning with family --to dongle, or not to dongle? And any cheap but effective recommendations? Thanks!

wongataa

Why do you need to make the computer run off a wireless network connection? If it works wired as is leave it wired. Everything connects to the router wireless or not so you don't need the computer to run off a wireless connection.

Wired connections are usually more reliable as there are no issues with weak signals etc.

vonBlanko

Hey wongataa,

Thanks for the response.

It was an anticipation of setting up the new router on the main phone socket, which is downstairs, for the strongest connection across the house.

Right now their PC is sequestered upstairs (from a socket and extension cord), and is staying there, so I was thinking that the router may well find a new HQ, where it may better accommodate house-wide smartphone browsing, etc.

If somehow we get a strong signal otherwise, you're right in that we would probably pocket the different and stay the course as is.

brewerdave

1. Unlikely that the PC doesn't have USB2 -its been "standard" on most PCs for at least 8 years.
2. Not sure how easy it is to get PCI expansion cards anymore -have you actually found a PCI wireless card ( some are actually PCI-E!!) -I've got desktops attached by both external USB2 dongle and old PCI card -the one running on the internal card struggles to get full rate internet access (16Mbps) - even with an extension aerial. I would definitely go with the dongle mounted high on a decent length of USB cable.I currently have a Linksys dongle which (touch wood!) has worked well for ~4 years.
3. Further thought - use powerline extenders to connect the desktop to the router in its new position?

macman

Plenty of PCI wireless cards on eBay etc. Their advantage is that being internal, they don't get damaged, unlike a protruding USB adapter. But as above, if signal is an issue then put a USB adapter on an extender.

NiftyDigits

vonBlanko wrote: »

Hello there moneysavers,


I'm updating my parents broadband connection, and am awaiting a switchover to a new broadband supplier. In the mean time, we're hoping to upgrade their several-year-old Dell to wi-fi (currently regular BB, with PC>cable>phoneline), so they can best take advantage -- mainly so they can join the modern world a bit, and we can all keep in contact as a family.

My question: is there a serious difference in speed or quality between a USB dongle and internal PCI card? There's such a wide price range, what should I be looking out for and what are my minimum requirements so I can get the best out of this new connection for them, without losing all the saving we're making on a new contract.

(Note: I don't believe their PC has USB2, for what it's worth)


TLDR: Upgrading old PC for parents, mainly as wi-fi hub for TV-watching and smartphoning with family --to dongle, or not to dongle? And any cheap but effective recommendations? Thanks!

What is the Service Tag, written at the back of the machine?
That will allow us to identify the exact model and specification.

USB 2.0 was introduced in 2000, so it's not possible that there is no USB 2.0.
If their machine does not have USB 2.0, you should get yourself a paper round, start saving your pennies and get your parents another PC.

vonBlanko

A busy day, thank you for the responses in my absence.


I rooted around and found that the PC actually has mixed USBs, 1 and 2; also that USB speeds are supposedly minimal effect on the broadband speed we'll be getting. We're some way from needing to facilitate bandwidth for fibre.

I think getting a USB dongle and an extension would give us the most room for error. From what I'm able to gather, dongling-up doesn't sacrifice speeds, which was my main concern. There's something about the word dongle maybe that denotes the flimsy or cheap, maybe.

It is fun to type, though.

Also, I wish to contrive a situation where I have my mother with tinfoil on her head and holding dongle out the window for "the best possible connection".

Anyway.

Thanks again to the moneysaver mindhive. It is appreciated.

NiftyDigits

What was that Service Tag?