PCMCIA WiFi vs. USB WiFi

**htsource** · 04-09-2007, 01:00 AM

Is it pretty safe to say if using PCMCIA WiFi is most likely to connect to an access point than say an USB WiFi mounted at the rear window?

At the moment, I have a TabletPC mounted under the center console (Nissan Altima 2005) under the AC dials. Using a Cisco Aironet 350 B wireless, and it picks up a few open access points no problem. I was just curious to know what if I had an external USB unit like this - Linksys WUSB54GP:

http://www.linksys.com/servlet/Satel...=2762239789B47

Currently I have an USB hub mounted under the trunk, I have hooked up the Microsoft GPS, wireless keyboard receiver and maybe this USB WiFi device if it's better.

Or any other suggestions would be much appreciated.

**DarquePervert** · 04-09-2007, 06:23 AM

Originally Posted by htsource

Is it pretty safe to say if using PCMCIA WiFi is most likely to connect to an access point than say an USB WiFi mounted at the rear window?

No. There are too many factors to even attempt a blanket statement like that.

Currently I have an USB hub mounted under the trunk, I have hooked up the Microsoft GPS, wireless keyboard receiver and maybe this USB WiFi device if it's better.

Or any other suggestions would be much appreciated.

Perhaps a high-power WiFi device is the ticket? Search for SENAO on these forums. Several of us use this adapter and are very happy with it. It's far more powerful than a crappy USB wifi dongle and most PCMCIA wifi cards.

**LYHTSPD** · 04-09-2007, 08:55 AM

I think you may want to search for Senao or Engenius. Here is something to get you started.

**DarquePervert** · 04-09-2007, 09:17 AM

Originally Posted by LYHTSPD

I think you may want to search for Senao or Engenius. Here is something to get you started.

D'oh!
Pardon my typo (now corrected).

**htsource** · 04-09-2007, 03:41 PM

Thank you guys for the link, I'm going to see if I can get one from Canada, but the price is pretty good. Do you think it will work with USB 1.1, or I need USB 2.0 to work? I don't mind the "B" performance but trying to avoid adding an USB 2 PCMCIA card to the Tablet if possible.

Thanks again.

**DarquePervert** · 04-09-2007, 03:45 PM

I wouldn't use any USB wifi adapter on USB1.1.

**2k1Toaster** · 04-09-2007, 03:49 PM

Originally Posted by DarquePervert

I wouldn't use any USB wifi adapter on USB1.1.

why not? If you are using b, and also transfering files through the internet, and not just an intranet, you will never realize the full speed of 2.0 anyways...

Under ideal situations, you could, but realistically, I dont think it will happen

**htsource** · 04-09-2007, 03:51 PM

Okay, any suggestions as far as which PCMCIA USB 2 card to get, and a 4-port USB 2 hub as well?

So far I have tried Adaptec USB 2 PCMCIA card, along with 2 USB 2 hubs, anything that I plugged into the hub didn't get recognized. If I used an USB 1.1 hub, everything worked okay.

I may try another USB 2.0 PCMCIA card but so far the USB 2 experience hasn't been so good.

Just to add, I only have 2 USB devices - MS GPS and Gyration wireless keyboard.

**htsource** · 04-09-2007, 04:02 PM

Alright, one more question! So far I've planned to get the following to work:

a) Gyration wireless keyboard
b) MS GPS
c) Bluetooth
d) Wireless b/g adapter

Tablet comes with one USB 1.1 port, a PCMCIA slot for a potential USB 2 card. If I use the PCMCIA card, I will still need a hub as most USB 2 cards have only 2 ports. Ultimately I want to plug everything to the hub and the hub will be hiding in the trunk. Would I be able to plug everyting into a hub and just one cable to the PCMCIA 2 card.

I guess in this case, the hub should be powered?

Thanks again for your help.

**DarquePervert** · 04-09-2007, 04:26 PM

Originally Posted by 2k1Toaster

why not? If you are using b, and also transfering files through the internet, and not just an intranet, you will never realize the full speed of 2.0 anyways...

Under ideal situations, you could, but realistically, I dont think it will happen

You're correct. I look at USB1.1 as a potential bottleneck. Whether it will be in real-world situations or not, I want to prevent that bottleneck.
I've had broadband for too long. I guess I'm spoiled.

Originally Posted by htsource

Alright, one more question! So far I've planned to get the following to work:

a) Gyration wireless keyboard
b) MS GPS
c) Bluetooth
d) Wireless b/g adapter

Tablet comes with one USB 1.1 port, a PCMCIA slot for a potential USB 2 card. If I use the PCMCIA card, I will still need a hub as most USB 2 cards have only 2 ports. Ultimately I want to plug everything to the hub and the hub will be hiding in the trunk. Would I be able to plug everyting into a hub and just one cable to the PCMCIA 2 card.

I guess in this case, the hub should be powered?

Thanks again for your help.

Yeah. A powered hub.
The GPS can go into USB1.1. The data flow is far slower than even USB1.1 (4800bps).