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Micro USB Wireless Adapter for Windows 8.1
- Thread starter Enonimous
- Start date
That is less than helpful. My issue is that I bought a laptop and the built-in network card is complete horse shat. I want something small that I can leave plugged in that will allow my laptop to stay connected to the internet without me having to remind it every five minutes. If the micro ones are capable of that, then great. If not, I'll invest in something a bit more substantial for when i'm sitting in one place (like at home) later on. Either way, the micro ones typically cost less than $40 so i'll survive the hit. I just want to know if there are any decent ones on the market right now that can handle the 8.1 update, because most of the reviews I've read so far state that many consumers have had issues with it and their network cards.
- Mar 16, 2013
- 171,725
- 18,098
- 184,590
Size or performance. Choose 1.
Any of the little tiny ones are probably not any better than what is built in to the laptop.
WiFi performance is very dependent on environmental conditions. Does your WiFi performance change as you walk around in the house? Probably, yes. Mine does.
Any of the tiny ones will do exactly the same.
Any of the little tiny ones are probably not any better than what is built in to the laptop.
WiFi performance is very dependent on environmental conditions. Does your WiFi performance change as you walk around in the house? Probably, yes. Mine does.
Any of the tiny ones will do exactly the same.
My issue isn't that it is slow, it's that it won't stay connected. The reviews online say that it is a terrible network card because it is faulty. When it IS connected, my internet speed is fine. But I literally have to tell it to connect every five or ten minutes or so, and even then, sometimes it says it can't connect to the strongest/nearest signal.
I understand that other adapters are more efficient, but I want a micro one. Unless you know of any that can connect to Windows 8.1, (In other words, the answer to the question I have posed), please don't respond to this thread. Your opinions aren't helping me get closer to what I'm looking for.
(I am really not trying to come across as offensive or rude, I just know that other people may be less inclined to help me if they have seen that I have already received replies).
Saga Lout
Retired Mod
- Mar 31, 2010
- 24,042
- 310
- 69,740
I actually agree about the tiny dongles being no better than the built-in but I wonder if your problem can't be cured in settings. Try matching the channel at both the laptop and router end and if you can do without the N capability, settle for just B/G. It has to be worth a shot and better than spending money on anything at this stage.
I've tried everything from drivers to settings. I need to get something external and I'd prefer something that can be on the go and ignore-able (aka small). thank you for the suggestion though. I'm starting to think that the product I want doesn't exist yet, even though 8.1 has been out for quite some time now.
late to the party...
I realize you mentioned "on the go" and portability so this may or may not be of interest. But the following three items are a a real bargain to extend your range and signal strength 10x at home or on the road. I've used them all among many other wifi gadets over the years.
3.53 shipped free from ebay
Product Feature:
Chipset:Realtek 8188CU
Peak throughtput: 150Mbps
Antenna: 2dBi antenna
en/UploadFiles/SL-1501N.jpg wireless transmission speeds up to 150Mbps
Built-in smart antenna
In line with IEEE802.11b, IEEE802.11g, IEEE802.11n standard
WPS security settings with one-click button, to simplify the process of the wireless security settings
Type A USB interface provides
Provides two operating modes: centralized control type (infrastructure) and equation (Ad-Hoc)
CCA technology automatically avoids channel conflicts using its channel selection feature, be sure to use the wireless network will not affect the neighbors
Supports WEP encryption, WPA/WPA2, WPA-PSK/WPA2-PSK and other advanced encryption and security mechanism
Supports PSP connection mode
Provide easy configuration, monitoring program
Support wireless roaming (roaming) technology to ensure efficient wireless connections
and this...
15.29 shipped free from ebay
*this is actually pretty small antenna dimensionally and I would doubt its Dbi rating. There are better looking panel antennas on the web for not much more.
and this.....
either 12ft ($1.46) or 15ft ($1.95) usb male/female extension from monoprice
Barely over 20 dollars in all. Leaves plenty of room for upgrading the usb wifi (many of them now sport std sma external antenna connnections) to a more powerful one. Remember though, an overpowered usb card with a 14db external antenna can be overkill if the card's sensitivity is no better than the cheaper usb card. Wifi has to broadcast AND receive.
For portablility when away from home if carrying your laptop in a protective bag you simply remove the weather protective front cover of the panel antenna, making it much slimmer and slide it into a pocket of the laptop bag. Then you can run the cable innocuously to your laptop bag and point it whereever you find strong signals. Hotspots and cafes and hotels galore in downtown areas whereever you're sitting.
I realize you mentioned "on the go" and portability so this may or may not be of interest. But the following three items are a a real bargain to extend your range and signal strength 10x at home or on the road. I've used them all among many other wifi gadets over the years.
3.53 shipped free from ebay
Product Feature:
Chipset:Realtek 8188CU
Peak throughtput: 150Mbps
Antenna: 2dBi antenna
en/UploadFiles/SL-1501N.jpg wireless transmission speeds up to 150Mbps
Built-in smart antenna
In line with IEEE802.11b, IEEE802.11g, IEEE802.11n standard
WPS security settings with one-click button, to simplify the process of the wireless security settings
Type A USB interface provides
Provides two operating modes: centralized control type (infrastructure) and equation (Ad-Hoc)
CCA technology automatically avoids channel conflicts using its channel selection feature, be sure to use the wireless network will not affect the neighbors
Supports WEP encryption, WPA/WPA2, WPA-PSK/WPA2-PSK and other advanced encryption and security mechanism
Supports PSP connection mode
Provide easy configuration, monitoring program
Support wireless roaming (roaming) technology to ensure efficient wireless connections
and this...
15.29 shipped free from ebay
*this is actually pretty small antenna dimensionally and I would doubt its Dbi rating. There are better looking panel antennas on the web for not much more.
and this.....
either 12ft ($1.46) or 15ft ($1.95) usb male/female extension from monoprice
Barely over 20 dollars in all. Leaves plenty of room for upgrading the usb wifi (many of them now sport std sma external antenna connnections) to a more powerful one. Remember though, an overpowered usb card with a 14db external antenna can be overkill if the card's sensitivity is no better than the cheaper usb card. Wifi has to broadcast AND receive.
For portablility when away from home if carrying your laptop in a protective bag you simply remove the weather protective front cover of the panel antenna, making it much slimmer and slide it into a pocket of the laptop bag. Then you can run the cable innocuously to your laptop bag and point it whereever you find strong signals. Hotspots and cafes and hotels galore in downtown areas whereever you're sitting.
g90814
Honorable
- Apr 11, 2013
- 1,382
- 1
- 11,960
As others have said, the micro USB adapters likely won't be much better than the internal wireless in your computer.
The smaller ones like the first in the post above that have an antenna may be your best option. There are others that connect with a USB cable that can be placed where you get the best signal.
The smaller ones like the first in the post above that have an antenna may be your best option. There are others that connect with a USB cable that can be placed where you get the best signal.
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