I have a Linksys Wireless-B USB Network Adapter v2.8 on my cpu, and my roomate has a Intel pro wireless 2200bg network connection in his laptop. He can always pick up and use a good internet signal, while mine will only find a usable one about 5-10% of the time, even when the computers are right next to each other. Why is this?
How true. If you get a Pre-N adapter card, (Belkin makes one,) you will smoke your roommate when it comes to more available and stronger signals.
Another option might be to get a high gain antenna. They will increase the signal strength. I had a similar problem with my niece's PC. I tried both a USB and PCI card from Linksys and never could get more than 1 bar of signal. I could place my laptop with a Cisco PCMIA wireless adapter right beside her desktop and get a great signal. Netstumbler also showed a good signal, but her card/usb adapter just wouldn't pick it up. I looked at the high gain antenna then but ended up just going with a wired solution and ran a cable instead.
I now have an open PCI slot, any suggestions on what adapter will get the best signal? Also, would getting one of the "cantennas" get me a good signal in an apartment complex?
