USB Wireless nic

[SteveI]

I'm going to get a wireless nic for my new build... Since the mobo (8rgmi) only has 2 pci slots, I was thinking of getting a USB one... looks like a little thumb drive.

Is this a bad idea? ...why?

My router only does b, so I was going to save money and just get a b nic.

[robbie]

Should work just fine. I have alinksys USB adapter and used it between three computers. (two were folding other was the laptop) and it works just fine. I'd imagine that the "thumb drive" like one would be even less conspicuous.
Rob

[Áedán]

With USB 1.1 you won't get the full bandwidth available. You won't lose very much though! The small ones may not have such a good antenna, so if you have weak reception areas, you might struggle a little.

Otherwise it shouldn't be too much of an issue unless you want to run Linux!

[SteveI]

I found one at best buy for $30, dlink. I figure it is cheap, and since it is small, I can always use it for my notebook someday as well. Knowing my weaknesses, it won't be long until I get wireless g.

[robbie]

Originally Posted by SteveI

I found one at best buy for $30, dlink. I figure it is cheap, and since it is small, I can always use it for my notebook someday as well. Knowing my weaknesses, it won't be long until I get wireless g.

Yeah, I'm about ready to buy a G router and throw up my B in the classy's. Wanna race and see who get's there first?!?!!?!? hahahah
Rob

[Gizmo]

I dunno about the USB ones, but the PCMCIA Dlink cards used to be based on, I believe, a Lucent chipset with a really crappy antenna. There are some mods that have been posted on the Internet for them to improve the antenna range.

[SteveI]

Originally Posted by robbie

Yeah, I'm about ready to buy a G router and throw up my B in the classy's. Wanna race and see who get's there first?!?!!?!? hahahah
Rob

Don't tempt me... I might just beat you to it.

[SteveI]

Originally Posted by robbie

Yeah, I'm about ready to buy a G router and throw up my B in the classy's. Wanna race and see who get's there first?!?!!?!? hahahah
Rob

STAPLES!!!
Netgear wireless G router, $50 after rebates
Netgear wireless G USB nic, $50 after rebates.

The race is on...
I'm definitely getting the G USB nic... I figure the extra $20 is an investment to avoid obsolescence, and besides, it claims a much better antena then the Bs.... OF COURSE, with a nic able to do 54mbps, it is difficult to avoid the urge to upgrade the router to match.

[SteveI]

YO ROBBIE!

http://www.compusa.com/products/prod...EARCH#moreinfo

This kit is free after rebate... if you buy a PC.
However, I dug through all the rebates, only 2 require the PC. THe other 4 are fine... As a result, you can buy this online for 145, and still qualify for 95 in rebates. I just ordered it. 2 of the rebates are only good today and tomorrow.

Bottom line... about 60 after tax and shipping for the 4p wireless g router, and USB wireless g adaptor. Not a bad deal, I looked them up, and they both come with a 2 year warrantee. I think this is worth putting in the online steals and deals.

[Kaitain]

Originally Posted by Áedán

Otherwise it shouldn't be too much of an issue unless you want to run Linux!

And even then a fair number appear in the kernel config menu - I don't know anyone that's actually tried one though.

[robbie]

Yep!!! Looks like you beat me. I got that memory of Daniel and that pretty much wiped all the money I had for computer upgrades.
Rob

[mookydooky]

Once you go wireless, you can't go back baby!