Wireless Networking

[MagGnome]

My new roommate has a wireless router set up in the apartment. Right now I'm hardwired into it with an ethernet cord running out of my room and over to the router. I'm thinking about switching it out in favor of a wireless option for my desktop, and I wanted to know what you guys recommend. I went on Newegg and saw that I can either get something installed into my case or I can plug in a USB dongle. Thoughts/advice?

[biosc1]

I used this fo my file server in the shed out back (and used it for my wife's when she had a desktop). Excellent range and reception:

http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16833124115

I have a couple of these as well that seem to do quite well. I have one attached to my HTPC at home and it streams Netflix without a hiccup. I have one at a desktop at work as well and it works admirably.

http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16833320040CVF

I would suggest the internal Linksys over the USB just due to it's better antennae. The USB one is a lot more versatile though.

[civil]

Personally I've never had good success with a USB adapter and have always eventually just bought a card. FYI here's the real (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16833124115&Tpk=Linksys%20WMP54G) (read: Gawtdamn American) version of the product biosc recommended. Sadly they're out.

And wow, I haven't been to newegg since they updated the site.

[biosc1]

Yah, when I say I recommend the built in card, it's not just:

expansion card > usb

It's more:

expansion card >>>> usb

But a USB stick has a value, especially if one doesn't have a free expansion card. I am actually pleasantly surprised by the ASUS one, but I've never really tested it past 20 feet.

[Jairdan]

While I agree Internal > USB, I ended up buying this one for my roommates computer. It is pretty cheap ($10 + s/h), reliable, and has decent reach (he is upstairs and 40 feet from router). Besides me, it has a lot of positive customer reviews.

http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=105&cp_id=10501&cs_id=1050105&p_id=5336&seq=1&format=2

I <3 Newegg, but for certain things I shop at Monoprice (ie: usb network, cables, tv mounts).

[biosc1]

While I agree Internal > USB, I ended up buying this one for my roommates computer. It is pretty cheap ($10 + s/h), reliable, and has decent reach (he is upstairs and 40 feet from router). Besides me, it has a lot of positive customer reviews.

http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=105&cp_id=10501&cs_id=1050105&p_id=5336&seq=1&format=2

I <3 Newegg, but for certain things I shop at Monoprice (ie: usb network, cables, tv mounts).

Yah, I think USB has come a long way and for that price, it's definitely worth a try.

[pronounconnoun]

I use a USB (Dongle *snicker*) and I have no complaints. My internet is pretty decent, but I get logged off probably once an hour if I play games online.

[MagGnome]

Thanks for the advice, guys!

[SpacemanSpiff757]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16833166021

Just bought that for the girlfriend now that she has wireless in her home. So far, it's worked flawlessly, but that model is discontinued now. Like others have noted, I like the internal (PCI) vs. the USB connectivity for reliability reasons, but I almost bought the USB for versatility. A little less of a chance for a signal drop, since I hate playing tech support to my family and friends. I like knowing that I can plug something it, configure it and it will work (unless they mess with settings) so I can cut down on the "help me, my <whatever> doesn't work" phone calls.

[MagGnome]

I'll have to browse around for one that hasn't been discontinued. Thanks! :)