Wireless internet adapter - Page 2

**luv** · 11-24-2006, 12:09 PM

I think I've posted something like this before, so I'll go ahead and call my own repost.

Anyway, I'm moving next week to an apartment complex that offers free high speed wireless internet. I found an adapter at Wal-Mart for $48. Is that a good deal?

**luv** · 11-28-2006, 09:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stewie

If you do ebay, this is a good deal.

http://cgi.ebay.com/Linksys-Wireless...QQcmdZViewItem

That's the other thing I keep finding. It looks like something that you would plug something into, not something that you plug in.

Stewie · 11-28-2006, 09:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by luv

That's the other thing I keep finding. It looks like something that you would plug something into, not something that you plug in.

The USB cable has to plug into your computer and the wireless adapter. That's why it looks like something plugs into the wireless, because it does. (It has to communicate with your computer some how.) The wireless units come with the cable that attaches the unit to your computer.

**luv** · 11-28-2006, 09:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stewie

The USB cable has to plug into your computer and the wireless adapter. That's why it looks like something plugs into the wireless, because it does. (It has to communicate with your computer some how.) The wireless units come with the cable that attaches the unit to your computer.

Okay, that's good. I have a new computer desk that has one of those cubby holes to put your tower in. I can run the cable up the back to that. Cool.

luv
-feeling better

**Lzen** · 11-29-2006, 10:31 AM

luv,
I guess I didn't realize what you were thinking about adapters. Some wireless adapters use a cable between the PC and the wireless adapter while some plug directly into the PC (like the Gigafast one you posted from Tiger Direct). It doesn't matter which you choose as they both do the same thing.

One difference, though, is the speed in which they communicate with the router. For instance, the one that Stewie posted on the ebay link is 802.11b. The "b" means that the device communicates at up to 11Mbps (megabytes per second). The Gigafast wireless adapter (in the link you posted) is 802.11g. The "g" means that the device communicates at up to 54Mbps. In other words, the Gigafast is 5 times faster than the Linksys. Something you may want to consider.

**Lzen** · 11-29-2006, 10:33 AM

BTW, here is a link on Tiger Direct's website that may help you get a better grasp on wireless networking.

http://www.tigerdirect.com/static/ht...Info-New2.html

**luv** · 12-03-2006, 02:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lzen

luv,
I guess I didn't realize what you were thinking about adapters. Some wireless adapters use a cable between the PC and the wireless adapter while some plug directly into the PC (like the Gigafast one you posted from Tiger Direct). It doesn't matter which you choose as they both do the same thing.

One difference, though, is the speed in which they communicate with the router. For instance, the one that Stewie posted on the ebay link is 802.11b. The "b" means that the device communicates at up to 11Mbps (megabytes per second). The Gigafast wireless adapter (in the link you posted) is 802.11g. The "g" means that the device communicates at up to 54Mbps. In other words, the Gigafast is 5 times faster than the Linksys. Something you may want to consider.

I waited until I signed my lease to see what the specifications were. I had to have something that was compatible with 802.11b. I ended up getting the Linksy's Wireless-G USB Network Adapter.

**Lzen** · 12-03-2006, 03:33 PM

So, you bought the one on Ebay? The thing about 802.11g is that they're backward compatible. That means that the will work with a 802.11b router as well as a 802.11g router. While a 802.11b adapter like you got will only work with a 802.11b router.

**luv** · 12-03-2006, 04:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lzen

So, you bought the one on Ebay? The thing about 802.11g is that they're backward compatible. That means that the will work with a 802.11b router as well as a 802.11g router. While a 802.11b adapter like you got will only work with a 802.11b router.

No, I got this at Wal-Mart. It's an 802.11g, but it's compatible with the 802.11b. It's 2.4GHz.

**Lzen** · 12-04-2006, 09:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by luv

No, I got this at Wal-Mart. It's an 802.11g, but it's compatible with the 802.11b. It's 2.4GHz.

That's good then. That way, when they upgrade or if you move, you won't have to upgrade your wireless adapter.

11-24-2006, 12:09 PM
luv MY LITTLE #15 Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Springfield, MO Casino cash: $6239600	Wireless internet adapter I think I've posted something like this before, so I'll go ahead and call my own repost. Anyway, I'm moving next week to an apartment complex that offers free high speed wireless internet. I found an adapter at Wal-Mart for $48. Is that a good deal?
Posts: 63,427

11-29-2006, 10:31 AM	#19
Lzen Supporter Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: Jan Quadrant Vincent 16 Casino cash: $2220692	luv, I guess I didn't realize what you were thinking about adapters. Some wireless adapters use a cable between the PC and the wireless adapter while some plug directly into the PC (like the Gigafast one you posted from Tiger Direct). It doesn't matter which you choose as they both do the same thing. One difference, though, is the speed in which they communicate with the router. For instance, the one that Stewie posted on the ebay link is 802.11b. The "b" means that the device communicates at up to 11Mbps (megabytes per second). The Gigafast wireless adapter (in the link you posted) is 802.11g. The "g" means that the device communicates at up to 54Mbps. In other words, the Gigafast is 5 times faster than the Linksys. Something you may want to consider. __________________ If at first you don't succeed ...skydiving is not for you.
Posts: 41,348

11-29-2006, 10:33 AM	#20
Lzen Supporter Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: Jan Quadrant Vincent 16 Casino cash: $2220692	BTW, here is a link on Tiger Direct's website that may help you get a better grasp on wireless networking. http://www.tigerdirect.com/static/ht...Info-New2.html __________________ If at first you don't succeed ...skydiving is not for you.
Posts: 41,348

12-03-2006, 03:33 PM	#22
Lzen Supporter Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: Jan Quadrant Vincent 16 Casino cash: $2220692	So, you bought the one on Ebay? The thing about 802.11g is that they're backward compatible. That means that the will work with a 802.11b router as well as a 802.11g router. While a 802.11b adapter like you got will only work with a 802.11b router. __________________ If at first you don't succeed ...skydiving is not for you.
Posts: 41,348