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[BO Terry]

I have spent time recently organizing my rolling stock (aka what I keep in the car) as well as the office. I find myself replacing a few items that I like to keep on hand and thought I would ask for favorites.

1. 8 port switch: I just used my TP-Link TL-SG108E this morning at a client's office. They just needed a basic switch and it was what I had on hand. Is there any benefit to keeping E on hand vs just going with the TL-SG108? As I know it, the only difference is that the E can be broken out into VLAN's but I've never utilized that feature.

https://www.tp-link.com/us/home-networking/8-port-switch/tl-sg108e/
https://www.tp-link.com/us/home-networking/8-port-switch/tl-sg108/v4/

2. What is a solid USB Wi-Fi to keep on hand, with respectable speeds? I would only be using this for Windows machines (or maybe Chromebooks).

3. What is a good source for patch cables? I like to keep a few different lengths (1', 6', 10' for example) on hand for new system setups, tidying workspaces, and replacing failed/damaged cables.

4. SSD drives. I usually keep a few 7mm on hand since they will fit in the largest variety of devices. Nothing like needing to replace a laptop drive and figuring out you only have 9mm and the client has a slim laptop.

5. USB drives. I usually just order known/well-rated brands when I need some and go for whatever Amazon has at the time.

On a slightly different note, what do you do with the endless spare power & monitor cables you end up with? I've thought of putting together a "grab bag" and listing it on eBay.

 

[Porthos]

What is a solid USB Wi-Fi to keep on hand, with respectable speeds? I would only be using this for Windows machines (or maybe Chromebooks).

For desktops, I use this.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07P5PRK7J/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
For laptops,
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07PB1X4CN/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

[frase]

I use this

https://rfshop.com.au/product/alfa-awus036nh-long-range-wifi-adapter/

 

[BO Terry]

For desktops, I use this.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07P5PRK7J/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
For laptops,
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07PB1X4CN/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

@Porthos, I was actually looking at the mini as one of my options. Does your desktop recommendation give notably better performance (because of the external antenna) than the mini?

 

[Larry Sabo]

I would worry about leaving the mini plugged into a customer laptop when I or the laptop left. It's easy enough to forget my normal sized TP-Link USB adapter behind, or my USB drive with tools.

 

[BO Terry]

I would worry about leaving the mini plugged into a customer laptop when I or the laptop left. It's easy enough to forget my normal sized TP-Link USB adapter behind, or my USB drive with tools.

@Larry Sabo, that's a good point when using for testing systems. I have a USB with antenna that I keep in the car for testing. It's not the fastest and one of a few I actually got for free if I leave it behind. I've left my USB tool kit plugged into a client computer. Now I have transferred that to Kingston that fits my keyring. I don't get far without that!

For this list (The other items as well), I was thinking more in terms of having on hand for client purchase leaving them in long term in situations where the internal Wi-Fi may be failing or, for a desktop, one had never been installed for some reason. I am a one-person shop, working either in my home or at the client site so I want to make the most of any "stock" I have on hand.

 

[Porthos]

Does your desktop recommendation give notably better performance (because of the external antenna) than the mini?

I have sold only 4 since I first started using them. No issues. Of course, a clients bad network will not help.
For some folks, an antenna the size of a cell tower will not help.

 

[Tech Savvy]

Power strips, Ethernet cables (i use TruCable), and wireless keyboards/mice are easy add ons.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[BO Terry]

Power strips, Ethernet cables (i use TruCable), and wireless keyboards/mice are easy add ons.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Thanks. Good idea keeping a wireless keyboard/mouse on hand. I personally prefer wired but I know some people like the flexibility and lack of cables with the wireless. On the ethernet cable, it looks like Truecable.com just has bulk. I only use patch cords (updated the post to reflect that).

 

[Markverhyden]

Back when I was lucky enough to have a Microcenter and Youdoit Electronics where I bought pretty much everything there. I kept several of the sg108e's in my van. Great price/performance. Never had a problem with them. SSD's were Inland, their private label. Also worked really well. Network cabling stuff I bought at Youdoit. I stay with brand name stuff for that.

In this area there's a company called In Intrex. Limited inventory computer stuff, drives, etc but pricing looks good. I still need to find a cabling source. There's plenty electrical places but it would be really nice to have a electronics hobbyist place like Youdoit.

 

[BO Terry]

@Markverhyden, thanks. I actually ordered a sg108e from Amazon this afternoon to have on hand. I've never heard of Intrex but just looked them up. They are in NC but unfortunately not in my city. I will still check them out as shipping should be next day to me. Any particular brands you like for cable or just as long as it's not off brand? I wondered about the Amazon Basics. I've had good luck with their HDMI cables.

Are you in NC now? Used to be in MA?

 

[Markverhyden]

@Markverhyden, thanks. I actually ordered a sg108e from Amazon this afternoon to have on hand. I've never heard of Intrex but just looked them up. They are in NC but unfortunately not in my city. I will still check them out as shipping should be next day to me. Any particular brands you like for cable or just as long as it's not off brand? I wondered about the Amazon Basics. I've had good luck with their HDMI cables.

Are you in NC now? Used to be in MA?

Yes and yes. Moved down here a couple of months ago.

Network cables I like Intellinet. Others Cable 2 Go, Blackbox. A favorite online source for all kinds of stuff, including display cables, is startech.com.