Should I get a PCMCIA or USB wireless network card?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Tiny Tim
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T

Tiny Tim

I have a Dell 2650 laptop that I plan on putting on a home network.
Don't know the pros/cons of PCMCIA vs. USB when it comes to nics.

Can anyone give me a summary of the pros/cons?

Is there someplace on the inet where I can read about the differences?

Thanks,

tt
 
I have a Dell 2650 laptop that I plan on putting on a home network.
Don't know the pros/cons of PCMCIA vs. USB when it comes to nics.

Can anyone give me a summary of the pros/cons?
Click to expand...

USB is slower, much slower if only USB1.1 (check the
system's USB Specs) and uses more system resources.

Only use USB when you don't have a faster bus available, or
if you have need to put some other device (with higher
throughput needs) on that faster bus and the slower devices
on the slower bus). With both available, use PCMCIA (or
Cardbus card if system accepts that).

However, with a laptop some people prefer wireless. You can
get wireless 802.11g PCMCIA or Cardbus cards for cheap
(under $20) and a wireless access point or router (which
will also work as an access point without need to use it as
a router) for under $25 after rebates... just about every
week many ads in your local paper should have plenty of
deals on suitable parts.
 
Thanks for the info.

tt

USB is slower, much slower if only USB1.1 (check the
system's USB Specs) and uses more system resources.

Only use USB when you don't have a faster bus available, or
if you have need to put some other device (with higher
throughput needs) on that faster bus and the slower devices
on the slower bus). With both available, use PCMCIA (or
Cardbus card if system accepts that).

However, with a laptop some people prefer wireless. You can
get wireless 802.11g PCMCIA or Cardbus cards for cheap
(under $20) and a wireless access point or router (which
will also work as an access point without need to use it as
a router) for under $25 after rebates... just about every
week many ads in your local paper should have plenty of
deals on suitable parts.
Click to expand...
 
I just got a Dell Inspiron 2600 from my cousin. It shows having
128mb. I looked on the Dell site and it says the 2600 will support a
maximum of 512mb. Of that there is "one user-accessible SODIMM
socket" that will take either 128mb or 256mb dimms. Therefore, there
appears to be a "non-user-accessible" socket.

I'm fairly handy with tools and PCs so is there any way to get to the
2nd socket (if it is a socket instead of chips soldered to the
motherboard) and bump it up to 512mb?

Any published instructions for doing so?

Thanks,

tt
 
I just got a Dell Inspiron 2600 from my cousin. It shows having
128mb. I looked on the Dell site and it says the 2600 will support a
maximum of 512mb. Of that there is "one user-accessible SODIMM
socket" that will take either 128mb or 256mb dimms. Therefore, there
appears to be a "non-user-accessible" socket.
Click to expand...

I might remember that chassis/model or I might be confusing
it with another, but I "think" it has two SODIMM slots,
right next to each other. That is, you can have 256MB max
per slot.

The easiest thing to do would be to simply take that memory
hatch off the back and see for yourself.

I'm fairly handy with tools and PCs so is there any way to get to the
2nd socket (if it is a socket instead of chips soldered to the
motherboard) and bump it up to 512mb?

Any published instructions for doing so?
Click to expand...

Open it up - could be it has 2 x 64MB modules but I expect
it has a single 128MB, so you can start out adding one 256MB
module. Keep in mind that more memory uses (slightly) more
power consumption, if you don't "need" 512MB then 384MB may
be as good an option as maxing out a now aging & slower
laptop.
 
Poped the cover and pulled the dimm. It was a 64mb chip. Therefore
there's another 64mb hiding in the unit. It might be another dimm
"non-user accessible" because on the socket I could get to easily was
imprinted "DIMM B".

Now I need the manual on how to disassemble to the motherboard level.
Anyone have a copy??? Or at worst, get a 256mb chip to have a total
of 320mb.

I'd rather get the manual and bump it up to 512mb.

tt
 
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