Wi-Fi card for Laptop: PCMCIA or USB?

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  1. 09-11-2007, 02:19 PM #1
    bras0782
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    Wi-Fi card for Laptop: PCMCIA or USB?

    Hi guys,

    I need to get a wireless network card as the in-built wi-fi in my very old Toshiba T9000 laptop seems to be dead.

    Are there any performance differences (bandwidth, etc.) between getting a PCMCIA card verses a USB?

    Also, will either one be any more resource intensive than the other?

    I'd rather get a PCMCIA card if they are equivalent - less likely to break it. What do you guys think?

    Thanks
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  2. 09-11-2007, 04:47 PM #2
    cat5e
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    If you can find PCMCIA that works withe the laptop, it is a much better choice.

    A 802.11g PCMCIA would provide 802.11g.

    A USB card with an old computer that probably has USB1.1 port would provide only 802.11b


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  3. 09-12-2007, 04:08 AM #3
    bras0782
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    Quote Originally Posted by cat5e
    If you can find PCMCIA that works withe the laptop, it is a much better choice.
    ...
    Aren't all PCMCIA cards compatible? Didn't realise I'd have to check compatibility - how do I find out?

    Thanks
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  4. 09-11-2007, 08:43 PM #4
    wh666-666
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    Yea as well as speed pcmcia wi-fi cards are far nicer, they stick out a touch but dont poke out like usb dongles which can be knocked more easily and ive found in the past generally arent as hard wearing ...
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  6. 09-12-2007, 03:01 PM #5
    cat5e
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    It depends if your Laptop PCMCIA slots are 16bit or 32bit.

    If it is 32bits current Wireless PCMCIA cards would work.

    If it is 16bit you would find it hard to get 16bit Wirlecc PCMCIA and if you would find one it would be an 802.11b card.


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