wireless - usb or pci card

[rhuss]

whats the difference? any advantages or disadvantages of either pci wireless card or usb wireless adapter? i want to run both my desktops on wireless. i don't have a wireless router yet. trying to decide what to get and how much it is going to cost. would like to go G or Super G.

the desktops are win2k and win98se. the win98se is in a shuttle sff box and the PCI slots are available.

 

[JackMDS]

When it comes to Entry Level Wireless Clients almost all of them are based on PCMCIA cards.

The so called USB is PCMCIA card connected under the plastic to a USB interface.

The so called PCI is PCMCIA plugged or soldered to PCI interface board.

Since the PCI and the USB are PCMCIA with additional interface circuitry and different buses the performance resultant is some what less (about 5%-10%) than pure PCMCIA.

What shell I use?

For Laptop the regular PCMCIA is the best solution,

For Desktop (or tower case) USB Wireless Client Card should be considered as the preferred solution.

Why?

Wireless is depending on signal propagation.

PCI Wireless Client Card ends up been stuck behind the computer's case, resultant in obstructed transmission and poor performance. USB is connected to the Port with 2-3' cable allowing the Antenna to be placed above the System for better Transmission.

However a PCI card is a good choice when a powerful external Antenna is needed for long distance. Many Wireless PCI cards come with a removable Antenna.

:sun: