Wifi adapter vs access point using ethernet cable

[dvdbustam]

I'm sorry in advance if someone finds my question stupid or ignorant... I haven't been able to find any info that can guide me. I'm getting a second hand pc with no wifi connectivity and it will be placed where I can't use ethernet cable directly from the router. I'm faced with 2 options: to get a wireless adapter (either pci or usb... The signal in the room is decent but not perfect; about 3-4 bars in the wifi icon when using my laptop), or to get an access point/range extender which I could connect to the pc via an ethernet cable. Which option would give me a stronger and more stable connection? That's what I'm mostly concerned about. I would appreciate any help you could give me. 😉

 

[ronintexas]

Are you just surfing the web - or will you be gaming on the web?

While the best connection is wired ethernet, if that is not possible (you can pay an electrician about $200 to install a cable for you), there are several options: (in order best to worst)
1) Powerline adapter - this works great for some people - you plug in two adapters - one by the router, the other by the computer, and the house wiring is used to connect the ethernet cables.
2) MOCA adapters - similar to powerline, except it uses the cable TV wiring to connect the devices.
3) Wireless - suggested installation would be a card/USB device that has a cable that runs from the computer to the antenna (you can place it about 6-12 feet from the computer).

Wireless of any kind is an inexact science - as any obstruction (walls, floors, furniture, electrical wiring, heating/air conditioning vents, plumbing, etc) will diminish the signal. You may get better results with a PC adapter, you may get better results with the range extender....(the access point is to add a wireless connection point to a wired hub that doesn't have wireless).

I have known people that spend a lot more than $200 to get a usable connection - and other paid $40 for cheap powerline adapters that worked great. Gaming on the web or streaming video (i.e. Netflix or other HD source) is going to need the best connection possible, while reading the news on the web may not need that much of a connection.

 

[dvdbustam]

Are you just surfing the web - or will you be gaming on the web?

Thanks for your quick reply. I'm not planning to do any serious gaming, buy I connect on Skype often and for long periods of time, which makes signal stability a must. I live in a rented apartment and I really don't want to set up any serious wiring.

 

[ronintexas]

I would suggest trying the powerline adapters - you can find them virtually in any computer store/website - even BestBuy carries them. Give it a try before you decide on wi-fi adapters - you may decide that is the way to go.

 

[dvdbustam]

I would suggest trying the powerline adapters - you can find them virtually in any computer store/website - even BestBuy carries them. Give it a try before you decide on wi-fi adapters - you may decide that is the way to go.

I live in Colombia and here powerline adapters seem to be a bit out of my budget. A friend of mine lent me a USB adapter and it worked well with Windows 7, but once I installed Windows 8 I got some incompatibility issues and the booting froze when the adapter was plugged in. I ended up buying a US$15 PCI adapter and although it's getting an OK signal, the connection seems to be pretty stable so far. Thank you guys for all your help.