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Thread ID: 101700 2009-07-23 10:57:00 Help me choose a wireless system Strommer (42) Press F1
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794645 2009-07-23 10:57:00 Finally getting fed up with the cable to my wife's laptop and want to go wireless.
I don't know much about wireless systems so what do you think of these choices:

ADSL 2+ Modem/Router (www.enetcomputers.co.nz)

USB Adapter (www.notebookcity.co.nz)

I already have an ADSL 2+ modem, but it seems that wireless routers alone cost the same - as on this PriceSpy list (www.pricespy.co.nz).

The laptop is old (but works very well) so the USB adaptor must be ok with USB 1.0.

Would Linksys be better than TP Link? I have been advised to stay away from DSE USB adaptors as they take a long time to set up.

Thanks.
Strommer (42)
794646 2009-07-23 11:02:00 How far is the wife's laptop from you? And whats between you and the laptop? ie: walls? anything? Speedy Gonzales (78)
794647 2009-07-23 11:03:00 Linksys is IMO definetly better than TPLink.

www.ifocus.co.nz 00h31t2

There is also a Wireless N version about 10$ more, but that would mean getting a wireless N adapter which will be a bit more expensive.

How far away is the router going to be from the laptop?

Blam
Blam (54)
794648 2009-07-23 11:06:00 [QUOTE


How far away is the laptop going to be from the laptop?

Blam[/QUOTE]

:p
GameJunkie (72)
794649 2009-07-23 11:08:00 Edited.:p

/me should not type so fast..
Blam (54)
794650 2009-07-23 11:45:00 Sometimes you can do a post that contains no spelling mistakes whatever. Sweep (90)
794651 2009-07-23 19:44:00 How far is the wife's laptop from you? And whats between you and the laptop? ie: walls? anything?

Only 4 meters, no walls. I have been using a cable from the ADSL +2 modem / my desktop to her laptop. SWMBO is checking email more often than 2 years ago and I am getting tired of managing the cable, so it is time to go wireless.

Unless I have missed something on PriceSpy, I would have thought wireless routers would be less expensive than a modem / router combo.

Does it make sense to get a wireless modem/router combo so it would eliminate difficulties of compatibility? Similarly, I thought it would be a good idea to get the same make of USB adaptor.

[edit] Regarding distance: If SWMBO would upgrade to a new laptop, i.e. one that does not have a dead battery, allowing her to move around the house, there would be one or two walls, with a maximum distance of 10 meters or so. The present situation is the most likely arrangement - I can just about lean over and touch the table her laptop is on.
Strommer (42)
794652 2009-07-23 19:50:00 Linksys is IMO definetly better than TPLink.

www.ifocus.co.nz 00h31t2

There is also a Wireless N version about 10$ more, but that would mean getting a wireless N adapter which will be a bit more expensive.

How far away is the router going to be from the laptop?

Blam


I guess that the N version would be a way to future proof the system. At present the old laptop is USB 1.0 which may limit the data rate, and although I am happy with Slingshot's broadband speed I assume that N version transfer rates would not speed the data transfer even if the laptop was USB 2.0. (?) But maybe sometime in the future I would be glad to have N wireless? :confused:

BTW, $10 or $20 or a bit more is no problem, but if N wireless doubles the price, or getting such-and-such brand would substantially increase the price, I would then go for the less expensive option.
Strommer (42)
794653 2009-07-23 21:01:00 At present the old laptop is USB 1.0 which may limit the data

It must be USB 1.1, not 1.0, as I see 1.1 arrived on the scene during 1998.

I am trying to get an idea of the data transfer rate on a G, or N version wireless - using the laptop that has USB 1.1. Here is what I have found:

Theoretically, 2.0 vs 1.1 = 60 MB/sec versus 1.5 MB/sec.

In reality: (www.lyberty.com) USB 2.0 is about 20 - 25 MB/s on average.

Wireless G version: 54Mbps.

N version: up to 300Mbps

Typical broadband download rate: 4 Mbps

It would seem N version wireless is pointless for NZ broadband.

--------------

Do I have this correct?
Strommer (42)
794654 2009-07-23 21:16:00 Unless I have missed something on PriceSpy, I would have thought wireless routers would be less expensive than a modem / router combo .




Hope you guys don't mind me answering ;) my own questions . :p
Doing this in a public forum does focus my mind .

Found this for $63: Asus WL-520G Wireless Router ( . pcpop . co . nz/shop/main/product . asp?pid=1031" target="_blank">www . pcpop . co . nz) 125Mbps (520GC)
Strommer (42)
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