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Thread ID: 78988 2007-05-04 21:43:00 PCMCIA vs USB wireless adaptor bk T (215) Press F1
Post ID Timestamp Content User
547076 2007-05-04 21:43:00 Got an old laptop without built-in wireless and now looking at connecting it to my wirelss Linksys Router. Should I get a PCMCIA card or a USB wireless adaptor? Which is better? This laptop is running Windows ME with only USB1. What are the pros and cons?

Cheers
bk T (215)
547077 2007-05-04 21:52:00 Well Most US adaptors are USB 2.

It may not work like it should with USB 1.1.

I spose it depends on how much u want to spend.
Speedy Gonzales (78)
547078 2007-05-04 22:02:00 If your linksys router is only 802.11b (11Mbps) then just go for USB.

If it is 802.11g (54Mbs) then I would go for a PCMCIA card as it will give you full speed.

The prices are pretty much the same for USB or PCMCIA wireless adaptors.

The only benefit a USB adaptor would give you is you can use a USB extension lead and then move it around to get the best wireless signal but if the signal is good anyway then it doesn't matter.
CYaBro (73)
547079 2007-05-05 07:06:00 Use a PCMCIA card. I have the WRT54G and I'm using a USB on my old laptop that has USB 1.1 and what a mistake that was. A pain to carry and keeps disconnecting sometimes. Definitely go for the PCMCIA. beeswax34 (63)
547080 2007-05-05 09:28:00 Use a PCMCIA card. I have the WRT54G and I'm using a USB on my old laptop that has USB 1.1 and what a mistake that was. A pain to carry and keeps disconnecting sometimes. Definitely go for the PCMCIA.

beeswax34, thanks for sharing your experiences. Any particular brand would you recommend? Have a tight budget, though.
bk T (215)
547081 2007-05-05 09:50:00 Dlink are always pretty good. I use the Linksys and a DLink and there are no problems whatsoever. Just depends on the budget:D I dint have too much money to spend on this either. Maybe one of these:

www.pbtech.co.nz
www.pbtech.co.nz
www.pbtech.co.nz

And if you check on Pricespy, you'll definitely be able to find cheaper ones.
beeswax34 (63)
547082 2007-05-05 10:32:00 Dlink are always pretty good. I use the Linksys and a DLink and there are no problems whatsoever. Just depends on the budget:D I dint have too much money to spend on this either. Maybe one of these:

www.pbtech.co.nz
www.pbtech.co.nz
www.pbtech.co.nz

And if you check on Pricespy, you'll definitely be able to find cheaper ones.

i actually don't agree, i have a dlink wireless PCMCIA card at the 1st place and put it on Packard Bell Easynote M5-284 series, i having trouble surfing on the web, it keeps on disconnect itself after 20 minutes of internet surfing (as i thought it was facing down on a glass table or any lamp that interference their wireless signal) and always i have to remove it out and plug it back again...

but afterward, i decided to return it back to PB tech (sorry beewax34) saying it is faulty, after serveral arguments with them, i tell them i will puchases the Dlink USB wireless adaptor, i don't have any trouble at all afterward!!!

Jacky
jackyht2002 (6606)
547083 2007-05-05 11:46:00 Not everyone's luck is the same!

Do you think that my Windows Me will be happy with either PCMCIA and USB adaptor? As most of the USB adaptors are USB-2 and my old machine supports only USB1, do you foresee any problem here?
bk T (215)
547084 2007-05-05 15:57:00 Well, not to worry. I had to take my USB connector back to PBTech lol :D because it kept getting disconnected whenever I put it down on a table or even on my lap. Returned it and they dint find any fault and i dint want to spend any more money so now i just use the cradle that came with it. I find it to be a big hassle so thats why I told bk T to seriously consider a PCMCIA adapter. beeswax34 (63)
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