Hardware Best WiFi Adapter?

[.Chris]

I recently got an old computer, with Windows XP, but does not come with WLAN. So I have been searching for a WiFi Adapter to fit my needs.

I just need a WiFi Adapter that has a long range, good connection, and a price under $20.
I have found these, and I do not know with one to choose.

http://www.amazon.com/GMYLE-Wireless-802-11n-Network-RTL8191US/dp/B003Y6UNI6/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1335127970&sr=8-5
http://www.amazon.com/TP-Link-TL-WN722N-150Mbps-Wireless-Adapter/dp/B002WBX9C6/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1335127970&sr=8-2
http://www.amazon.com/USB-Wireless-Lan-Adapter-150Mbps/dp/B002XGDU9M/ref=cm_cr_pr_pb_t
http://www.amazon.com/Sapido-AU-4912-One-Touch-Multimedia-Technology/dp/B004544YH2/ref=sr_1_32?ie=UTF8&qid=1335128019&sr=8-32

 

[AlanWeird]

Try looking for that 3 pronged buffalo sucker, the airstation nfiniti. Cheap, and really holds its own with range.

 

[Originality]

Of the linked WiFi adaptors, the first is the best. Personally, I would get the 4th one.

Two things to keep in mind about WiFi adaptors, it is easy to disrupt or block their signals (e.g. If the signal has to travel through lead-painted walls or the actual computer itself), so it's usually best to either position them openly (e.g. On the front panel if it's in the direction of the router) or get an extension so the aerials get better reception. Secondly, your WiFi reception is only as good as your router is. Your router might not even do 300Mbps speeds, so getting the first linked WiFi adaptor would be pointless.

Oh, one more thing, consider PowerLine/HomePlug adaptors instead of WiFi. I've found that they're much more convenient than WiFi dongles for old computers (since they're stuck to the wall anyway).

 

[yellowsnowcone]

What Originality said, pretty much.

An external antenna can help with reception, but it can also snap the device in half, and bend the USB port, when you aren't thinking about it. The router will make at least as much of a difference, and grounded metal objects in the way are your enemy.

 

[.Chris]

Of the linked WiFi adaptors, the first is the best. Personally, I would get the 4th one.

So would the first one be better with range?

 

[Originality]

Range will depend on the router. You've not told us what you have, so I will make no assumptions.

 

[Joe88]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16833122419&nm_mc=EMC-IGNEFL042012&cm_mmc=EMC-IGNEFL042012-_-EMC-042012-Index-_-WirelessAdapters-_-33122419-L05B

enter the promo code shown there to save another $1.04
total shipped $5.94

 

[.Chris]

Range will depend on the router. You've not told us what you have, so I will make no assumptions.

Oh, sorry

I currently have Westell A90-750015-07 Router. I think it is a G router.

 

[Wizerzak]

I have recently bought the non-high range version of the second link you posted and can confirm it works great. It's a little big but if you'r using an antenna then I guess you'll be expecting that.

Also, if your router is only capable of wireless G then an N dongle will only be able to connect using G (but there's not much difference in price anyway, so you can kinda ignore that).

 

[Originality]

Not only will you only be able to connect at G speed, but also only at G range. To that end, all 4 of your choices will perform roughly the same. In fact, Joe's linked WiFi dongle will perform the best, because the USB cable allows you to position it better for better reception.