Non-Windows/MS wireless controller

[QC]

Reference this thread . . .

The laptop I was working on is working flawlessly and I gave it to my middle son as a Xmas present. I have been personalizing this thing and it has an Intel wireless controller installed. This is the second time I have fought non-Windows controllers while working on Xmas day to get xBox Live to connect I have already switched over to the Windows standard wireless controller and got it connected, so here's my question:

Other than marketing issues that mean nothing to me, are there any reasons to run one of these other controllers? I can't think of any benefits other than possible look and feel things. I have been using the Windows controller on multiple machines, so the look/feel stuff favors the Windows controller for me.

 

[jay_merrill]

Re: Non-Windows/MS wireless controller

If you are comfortable with the MS setup and can make it work, I would go with that. MIcrosoft can be a major pain in the behind at times, but so can other vendors. In the end, unless you a total geek who gets a thrill out of fighting with a computer on a perpetual basis, I say make it easy & stick with what you know.



???

 

[QC]

Re: Non-Windows/MS wireless controller

Well, that is generally my approach, but what would the geek want with these other controllers? I guess I am mostly just curious . . .

 

[i386]

Re: Non-Windows/MS wireless controller

I'm confused. Talking about the wireless networking card? (WiFi)

 

[QC]

Re: Non-Windows/MS wireless controller

Yes, I guess it is associated with a card. I have an Intel Wireless Pro card and software to control it with this Dell. I have also had a Buffalo card, and Buffalo software. Both times I have disabled the dedicated software and been more successful using the Standard Windows wireless software. Ultimately my question is what good is the other stuff? Or what more could I do with it?

 

[BoatBuoy]

Re: Non-Windows/MS wireless controller

If that Dell is as you say, only a year old, I'm surprised it uses wireless cards rather than on-board wireless.

 

[i386]

Re: Non-Windows/MS wireless controller

OK I'm on the same page with QC now. No matter the brand of card I will always tend to use the Windows software. It's called the Windows Wireless Zero service IIRC. The card vendor's software might offer some added tweakability but it's usually too clunky to use. The Windows wireless interface is actually pretty good IMHO.

If that Dell is as you say, only a year old, I'm surprised it uses wireless cards rather than on-board wireless.

I know I'm guilty of calling something a card even if it isn't a card. On-board sound card, on-board video card, etc... But, many "on-board" wireless cards are in fact cards (though not PCMCIA cards). You will often find an access panel on the bottom of the laptop for the wireless card.

 

[QC]

Re: Non-Windows/MS wireless controller

OK, I guess the answer is that my experience is semi-typical.

It's an '06 I think, not sure where the ne year old thing came from. I'm sure something I said. Still onboard "card" though.