Wireless networking card recommendations?

[KnitChick]

Hi all!

I am looking to get a wireless networking card for my laptop that I have Kubuntu installed on. It's an HP Pavilion, with two PCMCIA slots free. It's already got a wired network card pre-installed but I'd like to add a wireless one so I can use it at the library. I'm currently running Feisty Fawn but I'm planning to put Gutsy Gibbon on tonight, if it'll download.

So I was wondering, rather than buy one and have it not work, does anyone have recommendations for a good inexpensive wireless card to get? It doesn't need to be top of the line, I'm only planning on using it at home (and my Nintendo DS can pick up the network from everywhere in the house so I think the signal is good) and at the local library (which has brand new equipment so it should be great there). The cheaper the better, as long as it will behave with Kubuntu.

Thanks in advance for any help!

[mchuskie]

Re: Wireless networking card recommendations?

Anything with the Atheros chipset is a fairly safe bet (assuming you have no objections to using "restricted"/non-free-as-in-freedom drivers).

[frednet]

Re: Wireless networking card recommendations?

I've just bought a COMTREND-PCMCIA RT2500 Wireless card from www.linuxemporium.co.uk as it is an open-source driver device so your system can remain 'clean' of closed source software.

[Smatt454]

Re: Wireless networking card recommendations?

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage....=1108125259842

this card works right of the box and has a GREAT signal (it's an Atheros chip, which runs great in Linux)

[SpikoPath]

Re: Wireless networking card recommendations?

I'm currently using a USB Wireless Dongle by a company called 'addon' and that uses the realtek chipset (Link), I am also using a Belkin PCMCIA card that also uses the realtek chipset (Link) I have in the past used a D-link DWL-G510 card that uses the atheros chipset (Link).

All this of these wireless network devices have had no issues with Kubuntu Feisty (7.04) or Gutsy (7.10) 'out of the box' so to speak.

I personally don't know where to find a list of manuacturers and what manufacturer components they use, but Realtek and Atheros chipsets work for me.

You can pick up a wireless card for less than £20 in the UK so it shouldn't break your wallet or purse.

[V!NCENT]

Re: Wireless networking card recommendations?

Buy an ASUS card. I got a Dell laptop and when I slam in my ASUS card (wether it is before, during or after Kubuntu is booted) it is instantly detected and works right out of the box. Plug-and-play. I am very happy with it

[SpikoPath]

Re: Wireless networking card recommendations?

I have managed to find a couple of web sites which may help you find out which wireless cards should work or not:

http://www.wlug.org.nz/WirelessChipsets
http://linux-wless.passys.nl/

In my last post the three wireless devices worked for me luckily enough as compatability was there 'out of the box'.

My advice would be, if you see a wireless card, check to see if it supported using the above web sites. Most of the time the compatability is based on the chipsets the wireless devices use, like Atheros, not solely based on the manufacturers of the devices like D-link, Asus, Belkin or Netgear.

I may have been wrong in my last post in saying my belkin card uses realtek chipsets, it could be ralink RT2**** something or other, not sure.

Anyway, I hope this helps.

[SlavaZotov]

Re: Wireless networking card recommendations?

Asus WL-167g USB