M17x - USB Wireless Cards

Hey Guys -

I googled this, but there are way to many choices out there...so I had to ask...

First off, would a USB wireless card be better than the standard broadcom wireless card found in the M17x?

Secondly... What one would be the best, linksys, tp link, d-link, etc... there are so many to choose from...

And thirdly... Would it be worth it... Such as getting better signal streghtn and such... cause the standard broacom wifi card does 300 Mbps, which is pretty good i beleive... but i heard people wanted to put a wireless card in and using this instead due to one reason or another.

P.S. I swear this will be the last question... ive been a nuisance asking all these questions...

thanks guys

 

hmmm - i have the m15x with the internal wireless that came with it, and have no need for a USB version.
i would expect the same would go for the M17x.

my question to you then would be why?
the one offered is the new generation wireless anyway.

 

hi Ryujin

Yeah thats why I was asking... Would it be worth it?

But then I also wanted to check my wifi security of my own laptop, and seems some of the software doesnt really like the broadcom cards?

But, basically, i just wanted to know if the standard wifi card for the M17x is good compared to a linksys or what not... Just though maybe I would also get more signal stregnth, since my router is in the basement, and my room is on the 2nd level... And i only get around 5.5 Mbps (or 2 bars of strength).... so i thought this would help with signal strength...

Or maybe I would be better off getting a strength enhanceer, such as the wi-fire (which is now compatible with vista, i believe)?

thanks Ryujin

 

The integrated antenna in the m17x should be MUCH better than any usb antenna will be. I cannot imagine this being worth the trouble. Now if you had preference on internal wireless (mini pci-e cards) than that is another thing. I know some people prefer one brand over others then.

 

hmmmm
well - since you router is farther away then mine is you may have issues.

but before you purchase, give it a shot first. you would be amazed at the strength of the newer cards.
also chk the placement of your router in the basement.
keep it as far away fm walls as possible if it is that far from your location, and items such as shelves, tools, etc....
ideally, if you could mount it on the rafters in the middle of the basement away from everything that would be best.

 

I really need to move the router in my house....sadly that would be a couple hour project (DAM FiOS and their cheap actiontek routers!)

 

I had a USB wireless adapter for my old desktop, and it was pretty slow. I get the same signal strength or better with the built in wireless in my laptop.

I was amazed at how much faster I was downloading too. My router has N capability, and now I can take advantage of it.

 

the internal will spank a usb