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    are those little usb wireless cards as good as the integrated wlan cards in notebooks?

    Discussion in 'Networking and Wireless' started by ARGH, Aug 1, 2010.

  1. ARGH

    ARGH Notebook Deity

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    in terms of 100% non-stop connectivity to wireless routers and assuming the router is in the same room so no worry about signal strength, are these usb sticks good enough?
     
    ARGH, Aug 1, 2010
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  2. leslieann

    leslieann Notebook Deity

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    While I have seen some good and bad usb wireless, the best only seem to manage to be equal to be as good as an average internal wireless card. There is always a risk of snapping it off as well.
     
    leslieann, Aug 2, 2010
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  3. iRis9091

    iRis9091 Notebook Consultant

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    USB wireless adapters are much better than internal cards for desktop computers because you can position the usb adapter anywhere you want to get better signal strength but in terms of wireless cards in laptops, theres no external replacement that can match the reliability, range and speed on desktops
     
    iRis9091, Aug 2, 2010
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  4. newsposter

    newsposter Notebook Virtuoso

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    same chipsets, drivers, and connectivity (usb). Most of your internal mini-pcie cards are actually connecting to the laptop internals via the usb pins in the mini-pcie interface.

    So the variables are the antenna and potential for knocking it around/damage.
     
    newsposter, Aug 2, 2010
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  5. leslieann

    leslieann Notebook Deity

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    USB often has poorer power management.

    Given the choice on a notebook, internal, always.
     
    leslieann, Aug 2, 2010
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  6. huai

    huai Notebook Consultant

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    I've got a 3 year old Sony Vaio VGC-LS21N, an all in one desktop that's made from laptop parts. Currently has an internal intel G wireless card. I've taken apart my share of laptops, but for the life of me can't get to wireless card on this one or find a service manual for it. What kind of trouble am I asking for if I plug a usb N dongle in and turn off G radio via OS? Currently running router in mixed mode due to this device and want to turn it to all N.
     
    huai, Aug 8, 2010
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  7. downloads

    downloads No, Dee Dee, no! Super Moderator

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    No real trouble- as mentioned before you may and probably will get worse range than you did and for the lack of power management for USB possibly shorter battery life but that's all unless drivers are troublesome.
    The problem with USB and network devices drivers and stability- I wouldn't run any network device on USB- if you put it through its paces it may just vanish from system until you unplug it and plug it again. I'm not saying it happens all the time with all the devices but often enough for me to avoid it.
    Still if you're not into P2P etc. and pick up a good USB card you should be fine.
     
    downloads, Aug 8, 2010
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  8. nikeseven

    nikeseven Notebook Deity

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    If you have an internal antenna in the screen, I would definently go for the internal
     
    nikeseven, Aug 8, 2010
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