Trouble deciding on a wireless adapter

[seven_deuce offsuit]

I'm planning on moving my desktop to another room and I was deciding on what type of wireless adapter I should get: a USB or a PCI. Having no experience with wireless adapters I don't know what type would be better for my situation. The desktop will be moved two walls away from the router, which is about 20-25 feet. The PCI would have to be against the wall and the USB will be inserted to one of the front ports of the tower. Given the situation, what would be a better pick? USB or PCI?

[fritzi93]

The distance isn't very far at all. Hell, I can pick up two other (encrypted) networks besides mine, and no neighbor is closer than 50 yards away. I suspect either would work for you, if the walls are typical wood frame/drywall construction. I have one of each: PCI wireless card and USB dongle, both work fine with a Belkin router. (Yeah, I know, but it was cheap and it works).

Good luck.

[Soopafresh]

I've had problems with several of the USB wireless LAN devices, lots of intermittent disconnects. There was a Linksys one that drove me crazy. I threw the thing out and vowed never to get another USB one.

[usta]

I've got 2 of USB ones: Lynksis and SMC. I use primarily SMC, because the interface is much more clear and the connection is without any problem. Lynksis is getting on my nerves because of its messy interface.
If I had to make the choice, I would go again for USB one. It is more versatile (you can use a USB cable to get the adapter at the best position, or use it on laptops that don't have WiFi).
In addition, it doesn't use a PCI slot, leaving it free for something else (network card, sound card, TV tuner card, extra ports/interfaces cards, etc...).

[bevills1]

Do you already have a router? All routers aren't created equal and can affect connectivity also. I had both a Hawking and a D-Link router that had such poor range they were returned for refund. I've had very good performance with a US Robotics router and a Trendnet router. I read that PCI wireless adapters are more reliable than USB, and I've had no issues with my PCI adapter but have no experience with the USB adapter.

[gll99]

I've been testing 2 wireless N (150) usb adapters on 2 computers and they work well between 1 and 2 floors down from the router (wood, plaster drywall). I chose usb for the flexibility and not to tie up pci ports that are getting rarer in newer machines. If you haven't bought anything yet, get a wireless N (300) for best range and performance. I didn't need more range so my N (150) router and usb adapters work fine for me. If you have kids, controlling access to the net is as easy as pulling the usb adapter.

[AlanHK]

USB dongles have the advantage that you can put them on a long cable and put them wherever they get the best signal.

You can also make an effective antenna out of scrap, to boost the signal if necessary.
See http://www.usbwifi.orconhosting.net.nz/

If your router already has wifi, borrow a laptop with wifi and check out the signal strength.

Alternatively, you can use a powerline ethernet adapter and run your signal through your electric cables.