What are the benefits of a USB wireless adapter over a wireless card?

Answer by  worker2268 (76)

Cards often have a greater coverage distance but the USB adaptors allow for multiple use amongst multiple machines. Mobility is essentially the one and only advantage to the USB adaptor. As for hardware based security? You get what you pay for in this area, though it is easier to find quality protection on a card unit than via USB.

Answer by  Jacob47 (295)

The wireless card must be installed inside the computer, the USB adapter is easy to plug and play. Also you can use on other computers simply detached and mounted without disassembling any hardware. Another advantage is that USB wireless adapter can be placed in the highest points via a USB extension cable so you can get a better reception

Answer by  asad (116)

Wireless Cards are better then USB WIFI adopter, clear edge because they can catch the wifi signals in weak points or location of your home. USB wifi will work most if the Access point is near in the range. So go for WIFI card rather then USB WIFI dongle.

Answer by  monoacuro (441)

With the USB adapter you don't need to go through all the hassle of opening your computer and installing a new part. The USB is also cheaper, so if anything happened it wouldn't take much to replace.

Answer by  zackf (105)

Neither has an advantage over the other, however, most modern laptops do not have space to insert expansion cards. So, in this case, I'd say that you should examine your laptop and if it has a card slot than go ahead and buy a card, otherwise, stick to a USB adapter.

Answer by  Amber40 (24961)

Well the usb one is usually cheaper and require less effort to install. However it won't be as reliable as a hardwired connection but you wont have to run cable with the wireless setup. I believe the usb adapter is also slower.