PCI Wireless Network Cards

[Attila the Bun]

One of the girls in my office apparently keeps breaking her USB wireless dongles (No! I don't know how either?! ) So she's going to put a card instead. As I had cleaned up her friends computer not long ago she came and asked my opinion.

Trouble is I've never used a wireless card before and although I know that Belkin and Netgear produce good products I thought that this http://www.scan.co.uk/Products/Edima...ss-PCI-adapter would be a good option without paying a "name" premium.

Anyone used Edimax before?

Anyone know of any compatability issues using 802.11n or should it be a simple case of insert card, run sw disk, connect to internet.

[kalniel]

Edimax are superb. I use the G version of the PCI card for all computer builds and they've always impressed over USB dongles.

[Attila the Bun]

Edimax are superb. I use the G version of the PCI card for all computer builds and they've always impressed over USB dongles.

That's a pretty strong recommendation Kalniel (you don't work for edimax do you )

Would that g version be this one?
http://www.scan.co.uk/Products/Edima...eless-PCI-Card

[Lee H]

Would that g version be this one?
http://www.scan.co.uk/Products/Edima...eless-PCI-Card

Yes that is the 802.11g model of the PCI wireless card.

I've got a few of the 802.11N 300 Mbps cards at home now and these are great, and when used with the MARS antenna relocation kit, can provide those with low signals, the ability to move the antennas to get a better signal.

[Attila the Bun]

when used with the MARS antenna relocation kit

Do SCAN sell this Lee

[GheeTsar]

Another recommendation from me for the wireless N card - it worked right away for me and performs well enough to stream HD video no probs.

[Lee H]

Do SCAN sell this Lee

Yeap we do and it can be found Here

I only got it so I could attach some higher sensitivity high gain antennas to the base to improve the signals I was getting from a neighbours network (I had permission - it wasn't anything dodgy) as I was living in a flat temporarily while we got a house sorted out

[Attila the Bun]

How does this work then Lee?

It's an odd looking bit of kit I must say.

[kalniel]

That's a pretty strong recommendation Kalniel (you don't work for edimax do you )

Would that g version be this one?
http://www.scan.co.uk/Products/Edima...eless-PCI-Card

Hehe no I don't Yes, that's the G version. I've had so many flaky network products that when you do find one that seems to work excellently in every build (and they've been quite different) it's a huge relief!

How does this work then Lee?

It's just an antenna extender (like the one built into the G card) - plug one end into the sockets on the card, screw in the antennas onto the base and place it away from your case.

[Funkstar]

How does this work then Lee?

It's an odd looking bit of kit I must say.

Unscrew the antennas from the back of the card, screw in the three connectors of the MARS relocation cable. Attach the aerials to the top of the MARS unit. Simples.

The extension does actually do anything clever, it is just a well designed, special purpose extension cable for their cards. I think it's a great idea personally

[Attila the Bun]

Ahha...hence the use with the 802.11N as it has 3 aerials.

I've had a word with the young lady in question and she says she gets an excellent signal everywhere in the house and she only uses the web for emails, facebook, general surfing etc. So will be happy with the 802.11G as used by kalniel in his builds. So I shall be ordering as soon as SCAN put it in Today Only (*hint hint* Lee).

She says "Thanks" by the way.

As an aside PC World were going to charge her £60 to install a card. They seriously take the p*** do those guys which is why I never buy stuff from there.

[Funkstar]

As an aside PC World were going to charge her £60 to install a card. They seriously take the p*** do those guys which is why I never buy stuff from there.

This has been discussed at length before. If you charge by the hour, with a minimum of an hour, and have professional indemnity insurance and all the overheard large businesses do, then £60 isn't surprising. And unless you are happy to do it your self or know someone that can do it for you, it's either pay £60 or you don't get it installed. It's a simple choice really

[Attila the Bun]

This has been discussed at length before.

If it's already been discussed then don't feel the need to revive an already flogged horse.