360 Help Needed

[Mushroom]

I'm planning on getting an Xbox 360 soon, but I'm having problems with getting definite answers to these questions about setting it up online.

I want to set my 360 up wirelessly to the network that's already set up in my house. The normal method would be the official 360 hub/dongle thing that sticks on the back, right?
I've heard that any random usb wi-fi dongle will work just as well, is this true?
Also, does anyone know if there is any difference between the UK and US versions of the official dongle? Because if not, I may import one and save some money, but still have the reliability of the official one.

If anyone could help me with this, I'd be really grateful.

[Jixzer]

Your best bet is to look around and get one of the new 360s as these have built in wireless hubs. Then you don't have to worry about all the external equipment.

Source: http://www.xbox.com/en-US/hardware/x/xbox360wirelesscontroller/wirelessfreedom.htm

[Mushroom]

It's the network adapter I'm worried about. Sorry, I didn't know the proper name.

It lists it as an add on there. All the stuff I'm saying about Wi-fi dongles and such are about that.

EDIT:
http://www.xbox.com/NR/rdonlyres/7344E767-77F4-4F2B-A981-0555D11709C3/0/ilmxbox360wirelessnetworkadapter001.jpg
^This.

[Jixzer]

Ah, then I can't help, sorry. While I like wireless for laptops and the like, I don't bother with wireless on consoles or desktops. Even my PS3 is wired. I just prefer wired to wireless on stationary platforms.

[Mushroom]

Oh. Wired is just really inconvenient for me. Especially as the 360 won't even be stationary, I'm gonna end up moving it between TVs.

[Tego1in]

Your best bet is to look around and get one of the new 360s as these have built in wireless hubs. Then you don't have to worry about all the external equipment.

Source: http://www.xbox.com/en-US/hardware/x/xbox360wirelesscontroller/wirelessfreedom.htm
Actually the wireless hub inside is just for Controllers.
I did find a 3rd party network adapter at Best Buy for $60, while the official adapter is $100.

[Mushroom]

Was it...
This (http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=8648403&st=360+network+adaptor&lp=6&type=product&cp=3&id=1195599766962), by any chance?

Just found that while having a quick browse around the Best Buy site.

The problem with that one is because it has an external power source, I'd have to have 4 things plugged in just to play Rock Band Online(TV, 360, Controller Hub and that)

[FallenAce]

This will connect to a regular UTP cable RJ-45 head and transfer the signal via 2.4 GHz, akin to your old cordless telephone.

You will likely notice a drop in performance if you use this over a Microsoft-brand wifi dongle. This will work, but, as you will see, it really just takes your wired connection and turns it wireless until it gets to its receiver. It's not worth the money if you ask me.

Also, you cannot use any other "random" USB dongle in the 360. Don't forget: hardware requires drivers. The 360 does not have a series of drivers for wifi dongles.

As far as importing goes, USB and 802.11 are universal standards (for Earthlings, anyway). USB always runs from a 5-volt charge if it requires no external power supply. It's effectively the same thing as worrying about whether or not an imported controller will work.

Good luck.

[crivit]

I've heard several people say that the wirelsss adapter from the original xbox works on the 360 although I've never tried it myself. It might be a cheaper option if you can find one.

[x Kracka Jack X]

To be honest your best bet is to save cash, buy a long ethernet cable and plug it directly to the router. I bought the $120 wireless network adapter and thought it worked wonders, but during gameplay I was always last to load, laggy, and getting disconnected. So I grabbed $30, got a 50ft ethernet cable and since then it's been perfect connection.

Oh, and my 360 and router was only 1 room apart, so there wasn't much of a gap there ;)

[Blackbombs]

I'm planning on getting an Xbox 360 soon, but I'm having problems with getting definite answers to these questions about setting it up online.

I want to set my 360 up wirelessly to the network that's already set up in my house. The normal method would be the official 360 hub/dongle thing that sticks on the back, right?
I've heard that any random usb wi-fi dongle will work just as well, is this true?
Also, does anyone know if there is any difference between the UK and US versions of the official dongle? Because if not, I may import one and save some money, but still have the reliability of the official one.

If anyone could help me with this, I'd be really grateful.

1. The dongle works (is costly though)
2. No other dongle works
3. I don't think so
4. You are welcome
5. Good Choice! (even though the RRoD, check my sig)