I need a wireless adapter. I chose Linksys. Which should I buy? Linksys Wireless PCI Card Adapter, or Linksys Wireless USB Adapter? Which is faster, which has more range?? Please answer. thanks
2007-07-27 08:34:21 · 14 answers · asked by Igor 1 in Computers & Internet ➔ Computer Networking
i prefer the USB so it can be moved around on the pigtail if a better signal is needed. It is a lot smaller and less likely to be damaged form handling. Have broken the antenna off of 4 different cards. They are held on with tiny plastic clips that break and cannot be replaced.
2007-07-27 08:38:32 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
it doesn't matter witch item you get. if you get a Wireless G usb adapter u have the choice of where you want to put it because u can used any USB cable. But if its a Wireless N the adapter it does not use a USB cable. I use the PCI and it works great (it even works on Windows Vista, the Wireless G of course) the thing is you would have to be careful when inserting the PCI card because u do not want to mess up the "internal organs" of your computer but it is easy to install. One thing if you are Using Windows 2000 or lower be sure to install the drivers first. if you are using windows XP SP1 (Srvice Pack) or higher install the device first (USB or PCI) then use the CD. I hope this will answer your queston.
2007-07-27 08:45:06 · answer #2 · answered by Aaron B 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The range is probably the same but the PCI adapter card is faster than USB.
2007-07-27 08:42:12 · answer #3 · answered by old crow 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The wireless performance from NIC card to wireless access point is the same with either. The difference is from the NIC to your CPU - in that case the PCI is much faster.
Range is more influenced by the environment you operate in, sorta kinda like a cell phone.
2007-07-27 08:41:06 · answer #4 · answered by Fester Frump 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Both are fine and going to offer the same speed, and the range with be similar, but the usb will be much easier to install if your not comfortable with installing a PCI card
2007-07-27 08:38:45 · answer #5 · answered by mckinlsm 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
idk which has better range but i know the USB is probaly your best bet has there is no risk of installing it. If youre not experienced with working physically on computers putting a PCI card in is not a good idea. Also w/ the USB one its portable and if it ever causes problem u just simply unplug it. Im pretty sure u wont notice a speed difference beetween the 2 unless you are doing some extreme networking
2007-07-27 08:38:12 · answer #6 · answered by thomas b 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
PCI - faster and cheaper but hassle to install
USB - slower and slightly more expensive but easy to install
I'd choose PCI if I had a spare slot. But I'd get a usb if I have a laptop also.
2007-07-27 08:47:36 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
the usb wil have a little better range but for the PCI card you can always all an extra antenna to it for a better range
2007-07-27 08:37:34 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Both are fairly easy to install the adapter would probably be behind the computer stuck in a hole on the desk or workstation where as the usb usually comes with a cable to set the USB on the desk which would probably give you a better overall signal strength. Thanks
2016-04-01 05:14:56 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Majority of the time, the PCI card has better range/reception, especially if you use an external/extended range antenna.
2007-07-27 08:46:07 · answer #10 · answered by interlude 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋