WLAN experience
During the past year i used a ALFA AWUS036H adapter with a one feet 9dbi vertical antenna. It is soooo much better than the built in Intel chipset that i can only highly recommend it. Most of the sailors i met are using the same. They come in different versions, mainly with more transmit power. be aware that in some countries (like Germany, the transmit (TX) power must not exceed a certain limit. Also when using the adapter with the driver that allows to adjust the power, try as low as possible first. To connect it to the Laptop (i used a DELL 6400ATG and an Asus EEPc) i used a simple 5m extension cable. Here i would recommend an expensive one with golden connectors since the others rot away quickly. If you plan to sail for one year take at least 3 adapters since they are only around 30 Euro each anyway. If you leave them in the rain over night just open the housing, dry it in the sun or with a hair dryer and use it again. After a few weeks it might stop working. Also if you let it han...