Wireless Adaptors. USB V PCMCIA

[fcukcov]

I have a fairly old laptop that I want to get up and running for surfing the net at home and checking emails etc.

I have a wirless n router that we use to access the internet through a wired connection on the main pc and wirelessly for our mobile phones.

The laptop has both USB (obviously) and a PC Card slot. Which would you recommend to use for a wireless adaptor? and what are the relevant advantages of both?

 

[Macky]

PCMCIA adapters are less common and depending on how old the laptop is and which slot type it has, you're probably not going to get driver updates and possibly only WEP instead of WAP security, slow speeds and the like.

But, it's handier in a laptop because it's a lot more solid than a USB adapter, too easy to disconnect a USB stick if you knock against it

 

[fcukcov]

PCMCIA adapters are less common and depending on how old the laptop is and which slot type it has, you're probably not going to get driver updates and possibly only WEP instead of WAP security, slow speeds and the like.

But, it's handier in a laptop because it's a lot more solid than a USB adapter, too easy to disconnect a USB stick if you knock against it

Cheers Mackster, knew someone on here would hold the (USB)key to the answer!

 

[bocadillo]

I've used both. The PCMCIA was a bugger to set up and never did work properly. The USB one worked straight out of the box but had the disadvantage that it was very easy to knock, as already mentioned by Macky.

Not sure that you'll get a PCMCIA version that will take full advantage of the n technology of your router but perhaps that would not be so important on an old laptop.

 

[fcukcov]

I've used both. The PCMCIA was a bugger to set up and never did work properly. The USB one worked straight out of the box but had the disadvantage that it was very easy to knock, as already mentioned by Macky.

Not sure that you'll get a PCMCIA version that will take full advantage of the n technology of your router but perhaps that would not be so important on an old laptop.

Cheers Boc, backed up my thoughts really. But I'm not expert on these things so wanted to check it out.

 

[Durham Fox]

I used a PCMCIA one for years on a work laptop before built in wireless was the norm. It was a Cisco card though so was very good quality. I'll be able to find it somewhere leroy if you want it?

 

[fcukcov]

Just one other question guys, would you suggest getting the same make adaptor as the router or does it really not matter?

 

[fcukcov]

I used a PCMCIA one for years on a work laptop before built in wireless was the norm. It was a Cisco card though so was very good quality. I'll be able to find it somewhere leroy if you want it?

I'm liking this idea very much!!

 

[bocadillo]

Just one other question guys, would you suggest getting the same make adaptor as the router or does it really not matter?

It doesn't matter at all.

 

[Durham Fox]

Just found it. It's this one:

http://www.cisco.com/en/US/prod/col...s5818/product_data_sheet09186a00801ebc29.html

You'll be able to pick up the drivers from that link somewhere I'm sure.

 

[fcukcov]

Just found it. It's this one:

http://www.cisco.com/en/US/prod/col...s5818/product_data_sheet09186a00801ebc29.html

You'll be able to pick up the drivers from that link somewhere I'm sure.

Thanks again for the offer but Boc has offered a Netgear one which I'm keen on as it is wireless N and is the same make as my router. Cheers anyway!

 

[Durham Fox]

Thanks again for the offer but Boc has offered a Netgear one which I'm keen on as it is wireless N and is the same make as my router. Cheers anyway!

Gazumped by Bocadillo, my lifes in tatters :icon_lol:

 

[bocadillo]

Gazumped by Bocadillo, my lifes in tatters :icon_lol:

 

[fcukcov]

Gazumped by Bocadillo, my lifes in tatters :icon_lol:

What can i say? The shorts sealed the deal!:icon_redf

 

[bocadillo]

What can i say? The shorts sealed the deal!:icon_redf

Aye - I had to buy him a brandy and a couple of whiskeys before he agreed to take it off my hands.

 

[fcukcov]

Aye - I had to buy him a brandy and a couple of whiskeys before he agreed to take it off my hands.