Best Wireless Networking (USB Adapters)

[WoLFe]

I just ordered a new pc - this to be exact



And was wondering what the best sub £25 USB adaptors for wireless broadband are? I want reliability, and an "excellent" signal @ 54.0mps like I get now with this windows XP and old PCI networking PC.

I have been looking around sites such as Ebuyer & Amazon but it seems that almost every USB device has really good AND bad reviews; though some people clearly seem misinformed generally. Confusion ensues!

I currently have BT 2/3MB Wireless Broadband and need full compatability with this and Windows Vista Home Premium 32bit.

BT Shop - BT Voyager 1055 Wireless USB Adapter (018581)

That perhaps looks like the obvious choice but some of the reviews sound like a nightmare.

I really don't want any problems with this; the desktop would not be moved around and I just want an excellent, full signal at 54mbps.

Thanks in advance.

[WoLFe]

Netgear WG111 Wireless-G USB Adapter **Limited Stock at this Price** - Ebuyer

I think I've decided on this, thoughts?

It's that or a Linksys I want to avoid Belkin.

[SiM]

http://forums.hexus.net/current-barg...ible-12-a.html

[WoLFe]

http://forums.hexus.net/current-barg...ible-12-a.html

Thank you very much for bringing this to my attention!

[TheReaFireblade]

Doesn't the motherboard in that system have wireless as standard?

[WoLFe]

Doesn't the motherboard in that system have wireless as standard?

Not sure actuallly, my bad! Any info on this?

[TheReaFireblade]

Not sure actuallly, my bad! Any info on this?

Whatever make/model it is notwithstanding, it uses a nForce 750i chipset... so it'll almost certainly have on-board wireless support

[WoLFe]

Whatever make/model it is notwithstanding, it uses a nForce 750i chipset... so it'll almost certainly have on-board wireless support

I was hoping it might, seeing as it would have been odd not to give me the option for wireless support on Mesh's part! Thanks alot for the help!

[s_kinton]

Are you aware that you are talking about 32bit Vista and using 8Gb RAM in that system? You'll only be able to address roughly 3.5Gb without a 64bit operating system. So basically, its pointless having all that RAM

[WoLFe]

Are you aware that you are talking about 32bit Vista and using 8Gb RAM in that system? You'll only be able to address roughly 3.5Gb without a 64bit operating system. So basically, its pointless having all that RAM

Yep very aware my friend. Luckily with SP1 it supports 4GB.

The 8GB came as totally free, and if I could have had 4GB for less with that configuration perhaps I would, but to quote the latest Hexus article...

Bottom line: it always makes sense to invest in high-quality RAM, and recent pricing is such that a 4GiB set shouldn't be overlooked. Also, don't discount 8GiB; memory is certainly cheap enough to warrant it.

If I decide or need to upgrade to 64bit Vista or anything else in the future it'll be easier than having to tinker about with the hardware; I don't plan on changing anything on the PC for a while, perhaps another GFX card to enable SLi or changing it completely in a few years.

Anyway cheers for bringing that up.

[acro666]

I have been using Netgear WG111 adapters for quite a few years now and have never had any problems. The other computer in my home also uses the WG111 also and is fine too.

Both adapters use a Netgear DG834G Router, which also, so far has had no problems.

regards

acro666

[aidanjt]

Yep very aware my friend. Luckily with SP1 it supports 4GB.

The 8GB came as totally free, and if I could have had 4GB for less with that configuration perhaps I would, but to quote the latest Hexus article...

Bottom line: it always makes sense to invest in high-quality RAM, and recent pricing is such that a 4GiB set shouldn't be overlooked. Also, don't discount 8GiB; memory is certainly cheap enough to warrant it.

If I decide or need to upgrade to 64bit Vista or anything else in the future it'll be easier than having to tinker about with the hardware; I don't plan on changing anything on the PC for a while, perhaps another GFX card to enable SLi or changing it completely in a few years.

Anyway cheers for bringing that up.

Wait, you intentionally asked for the 32bit version of Vista?.. Dear god man, they're the same price, they run all the same programs.

[WoLFe]

Wait, you intentionally asked for the 32bit version of Vista?.. Dear god man, they're the same price, they run all the same programs.

Ahhhh, no! This ram thing has been causing me problems everywhere I turn.

The ram was free. I couldnt downgrade to 4 even if I wanted. If you don't believe me go and configure the pc's with 8gigs of ram as free/default.

Mesh can only ship with 32bit Vista due to licensing and probably 90% of customers not bothering with 64bit when/if it was available.

IF I had the option I'd have gone for 64bit, but I didn't; I'm fine with 32bit until I feel the need or desire to upgrade to 64bit. Hope that all makes sense...


Thanks for the feedback acro666 that was all very good to hear, and if I have any problems I'll deffo go for that one now.

[Flewis]

You can install 64 bit using your product ID, vista doesnt discriminate between 32/64 bit. So if you can get hold of a 64bit disc you should be able to install it.

[Eddd]

If I decide or need to upgrade to 64bit Vista or anything else in the future it'll be easier than having to tinker about with the hardware;

I've never changed from a 32bit to a 64bit OS, but I can almost guarantee that it will be harder than putting some ram in some slots

[WoLFe]

I've never changed from a 32bit to a 64bit OS, but I can almost guarantee that it will be harder than putting some ram in some slots

I've heard this as well, but why is this?

Oh well the ram thing doesn't bother me, 4 gigs, 8 gigs.. fine by me. Maybe the 8 gigs will be useful on this rig when the Windows after Vista comes out in a few years. (Having 512DDR on a ME system seemed to help make upgrading to XP Pro a completely problem-free deal!).