USB Wireless network adapter

[scomac]

My Dad has a laptop (XP PRO SP 2) that he'd like to take with him when he travels. I was looking at USB Wireless network adapters on Newegg, but there seem to be many 'cons' to them. The main concern with these seems to be some issues with XP Pro SP2 and these devices. Has anyone used one of these and if so, what one would you recommend?

Scomac

[DynamicTech]

I have an airlink usb dongle for my XP sp2 laptop, and have not had an issue with it other than it either sticks out and is easily bumped, or when using the extension, you have to find a conveinent place to set it down. It actually performs really well.

[Freakitchen]

Does this laptop have a PCMCIA slot? If so, I'd definitely recommend getting a PCMCIA wireless card...they use less system resources than the USB equivalent and, in my experience, provide a more stable connection.

Whichever you get, I'd recommend a Linksys adaptor.

Contrary to what you've heard, I've found XP SP2 to be very good at managing wireless devices - its built-in configurator is better than the majority that manufacturers provide with their cards.

FK

[sgtspector]

I cant comment on others but I bought a Belkin 54g USB adapter that gave me nothing but trouble.

[thefultonhow]

Does this laptop have a PCMCIA slot? If so, I'd definitely recommend getting a PCMCIA wireless card...they use less system resources than the USB equivalent and, in my experience, provide a more stable connection.

Yep, I've had a lot of trouble with USB wireless adaptors -- constant disconnects, etc. -- and when I upgraded those customers to PCI or PCMCIA cards, the problems went away and they had rock-solid wireless.

I agree that SP2 is very good at managing wireless -- I think most of the problem is USB's inherent limitations,

[scomac]

Thank you for the quick replies. I kind of figured he'd be better off with a PCMCIA card for all the reasons stated. I will advise him of this and look into the Linksys adapter.

Thanks again!

Scomac