USB wireless or PCMCIA?

-zip- · 11-16-2004, 01:31 PM

USB wireless would be easy to install under my dash with a clear view though the glass. Question is, I see that a lot of you do not like USB and would rather go with PCMCIA cards and an antenna. Is there really a difference ? I dont want an antenna sticking out from my car, so how much reception will I lose with USB?

voidunknown · 11-16-2004, 01:44 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by -zip-

USB wireless would be easy to install under my dash with a clear view though the glass. Question is, I see that a lot of you do not like USB and would rather go with PCMCIA cards and an antenna. Is there really a difference ? I dont want an antenna sticking out from my car, so how much reception will I lose with USB?

I'm using a PCMCIA wireless card with NO antenna and my carputer is under my drivers seat. Still works just fine.

jcdillin · 11-16-2004, 01:54 PM

only time I have found a external antenna to be better is for wardriving, but for the real use of syncing my songs from the house my USB WiFi works just fine.

ukchris · 11-16-2004, 02:17 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by -zip-

USB wireless would be easy to install under my dash with a clear view though the glass. Question is, I see that a lot of you do not like USB and would rather go with PCMCIA cards and an antenna. Is there really a difference ? I dont want an antenna sticking out from my car, so how much reception will I lose with USB?

If you get an Orinoco USB it is actually a USB to PCMCIA device, kind of the best of both worlds as you can put it anywhere and also add an external antenna later if you choose to.

Going pretty cheap on eBay too http://search.ebay.com/orinoco-usb_W...ectZ1QQfromZR8

Chris.

-zip- · 11-16-2004, 05:31 PM

I was looking at the Orinoco USB, but it's only 802.11b not g. I have noticed that the range of G stuff is pretty small though, and wow that Orinoco is inexpensive.

Is anyone getting G speeds from the diveway?

adamis · 11-21-2004, 04:06 AM

I bought a USB wireless card from Fry's Electronics (think Walmart sized stores but only for computers and anything else that plugs into electrical outlets) for 15 bucks the other day. I was really surprised how good the thing is.

I set the thing up on my dash and was able to connect to it while the car was parked in front of the neighbors house while I was inside my girlfriends house. It was probably a good 50 feet or more and the connection was good enough to do a VNC session on...

I think the range probably could have gone furthure easily, I just didn't have a need to do so.

We were also able to watch music video's off of launch.com while parked in downtown campbell. I'm not sure where the access point was or how far away it was but it held a great connection.

A wireless internect connection is definitly worth the price of a 15 dollar usb card... As long as you don't plan on trying to get 300 ft ranges I think you'l be fine.

Don 944 LA · 11-23-2004, 11:24 PM

I use Orinocco PCMCIA cards, USB gold, and USB Airlink G ...
The airlink G is pretty good, but the orinoccos are better even though they are B units

tbird2340 · 12-09-2004, 10:28 AM

I'm looking to get a faster card too.. I need one for my HTPC and my carputer.

I can use PCI for my HTPC but need usb for carputer.. Any suggestions on a good, cheap, fast card?

adamis · 12-09-2004, 01:20 PM

I got a Netgear MA111 Refurbished from Fry's electronics for 15 bucks, it's a usb unit. It works great, and the range is pretty decent, I can park the car in front of the neighbors house and still be able to do a VNC session from my house.

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