I'm thinking about getting a wireless card for my backup computer, and I'm not sure what to go with. I'm tempted to try the Hawking wireless USB adapter with the external antenna.
But I've heard rumors that USB adapters don't have nearly the power or range of a PCI card, and I really want to know whats better before I buy.
I have an Actiontec USB adaptor on my desktop and it works without issues.
The problem with the adapters that plug into the motherboard is the antenna is blocked by the computer case. You might need to connect an external antenna to it to get a good transmission path to the Wi-Fi access point.
Consumer grade Wi-Fi is really not designed for long range applications, maybe to be reliable within 50 - 100 feet range depending on line of sight, so don't expect miracles with either adapter type.
--- CHAS
__________________ If it ain't broke, fix it till it is.
USB adapters give more flexablity and freedom to move if want to get better signal. It also can be ubplugged at any time to use with another computer.
The PCI ones are sticky and can't be moved easily.
Regards
I got both and my experience with both types are...USB types are of course can be easily remove and transfer from one computer to another but thats about it. If you intend to do use it permanently then PCI is the better option. Signal is definitely stronger on the PCI card.
it easily beats the alpha in all our testing and also has a built in software AP mode.
We have report of it working with the stock antenna up to a mile.
USB is almost always better than PCI because the case will block some of the signal. But you might want to use a high power PCI in a public venue where you are woried about theft.
Wireless USB adapters VS. wireless PCI adapters 
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