USB or PCMCIA Wireless on an X20

[jkbrand]

I'm not at all clear on whether the currently offered USB2.0 wireless adapters will work on a X20. I do know the Kingston USB Flash Drive I'm using says "This drive will work faster if connected to a USB2 port" (or words to that effect). It still works, albeit slower than if I had a USB2 port.

So, I'm wondering, even if it's handicapped, could I expect a USB2 wireless adapter to function on the X20? Or is the PCMCIA version a better choice? Would either or both work without having to wire in an antenna?

Thanks,
Jeff

[pianowizard]

My PCMCIA 802.11g card works well on my X20. My guess is it would be faster than a USB wireless card.

[jkbrand]

My PCMCIA 802.11g card works well on my X20. My guess is it would be faster than a USB wireless card.

Thanks, now it's just a card, no h/w re-wiring for an antenna?? If so, does the card contain some sort of built-in antenna?

[ephem]

I am currently using a Netgear 54Mbps Wireless USB2.0 Adapter and it works fine on my X22.

One advantage I can see for the USB adapters, is they are quite small, so they can be attached to a keyring, or anywhere in your bag. But, the USB adapters "pretrude" alot from the laptop itself, so I've found myself bumping it all the time. Having said that, the PCMCIA cards don't pretrude as much and are alot more sturdier.

[pianowizard]

Just a card. So, presumably the antenna is inside the card.

[vincentfox]

If you want compact, on-the-road usage, then the 3Com X-Jack looks pretty cool. The stub that sticks our for good reception, can be pushed in for travel.

If you are at a desk, using a dock, that sort of thing.... I like the look of this Hawking USB device with the 8 dBi mini-dish, directional and picks up distant signals fantastic!

[aceo07]

Both options will work fine. It just depends on what you want to use your wireless card/usb for.

If you want to use the wireless adapter exclusively for laptop, then pcmcia might be good for you. If you want to use the adapter for desktop too, then usb might be good for you.

I like pcmcia since it's a good fit and doesn't stick out as much as usb adapter.

For most wireless applications you probably won't be limited by the usb1.1 if that's the path you want to take.