Please help me choose an adapter!

Hi

I am looking to buy an adapter for my PC. I really don't know where to start though. Am I right in thinking that usb adapters aren't as good as ones which come with an actual antenna that you can point in the right direction?

Anyway, I'm looking for one that..

- Has an antenna
- Has GOOD range (maybe better than most) it's not for my network but for a friends a few houses down.
- Has GOOD signal
- Is not too expensive (£30, $70 most?)
- It needs to be able to get through quite a few walls if possible

Please if anyone could suggest a few adapters it would be much appreciated.
Thanks for your time.

If signal strength is more important than data transfer speeds...

...before you give up on the cheap USB dongle, check this out:

http://www.usbwifi.orcon.net.nz/

The USB cable allows you the directional mobility that would otherwise come from using a pigtail.

Thanks, it seems worth doing once I get a usb adapter.

Does this mean I should just get any old usb adapter and does it have to have a receiver with it? I don't really understand.

Thanks.

The USB wifi devices used with "parabolic cookware" reflectors have everything built into the dongle: radio, antenna & USB wifi interface.

Some of the USB wifi devices have external antennas, and with these you'd build a reflector to mount on the antenna.

Parabolic Reflector for Linksys Wireless Routers