rucdma said:
I want to purchase a USB WiFi Adapter for my RV.
Anybody is using one?
I found these two nice ones:
1. From manufacturer
uawifi.com for 99$
2. From a guy on ebay
http://bit.ly/eokn4t for 295$
Which one is better?
Thanks
rucdma,
For wifi, I often use a Linksys Wireless G adapter. My laptop's built in wifi adapter only works well in areas close to the transmitter. The Linksys is alright, not great, but it wins hands down over built in.
A few years ago Hawking was the darling of the computer forums. I bought one and found it could "see" all kinds of wireless sources. BUT it couldn't connect. The transmitter power was too low. I used to have an early Intel unit intended for use in offices with desktops. It couldn't see nearly the networks the Hawking could, but transmitted with enough power to connect to those it saw. It also drained my laptop battery in short order. I returned the Hawking and finally gave the Intel unit to a couple who needed it a lot more than I did.
Of the 2 you linked the little hockey puck looks the best. I took a look and couldn't find the output power listed for any of the assorted adapters sold by various internet resellers. At least UA WIFI lists the transmitting power. I don't remember if it is high, low, or average- one reason I checked several resellers. The threaded holes on the bottom are interesting. They suggest all kinds of mounting options (even if they are metric)- like ladders, cargo railings, and maybe even exhaust fan hoods like the MaxAir. On edit: I have an unused CB antenna that looks about right for adding a "bolt" so the antenna could screw to the top and sit nicely above my Class C.
I very seldom follow ebay links, but even so, that particular seller seems to have problems. He doesn't give any real information about what he's selling. He offers so little, I'm not really sure what it is he has and I'm darn sure not going to bother to email him to find out. And frankly for the money he's asking you could buy a lot of broadband service.
I usually use a Virgin Valley broadband dongle for my internet needs. The hardware was $79 and the plan is $20 a month. I have enough MB's that I don't really need wifi except downloading programs and Windows updates. I went to a local library this afternoon to update my tax software and get a few free programs. The internal adapter worked fine there.
I did use wifi occasionally at an indoor flea market this past month because it was included with the spot and the steel roof even blocked most cellphones. The linksys unit was necessary because I was toward the back.
Good luck and let us know how your new adapter works out.
fleamarketeer