BEST WLAN adapter in the price range? (With Linux problem solving!)

But now first to the facts:

PACKAGE CONTENTS / SUBJECTS:

For packaging, there is not too much to say, the whole thing is Amazon typically in a very plain brown cardboard.
Being enclosed a little about A5-sized packets with the Alfa AWUS036H including holder with suction cup and clippers, plus a brief 1m long USB cable and the short 5dBi antenna.
In addition, it is the 9dBi antenna in foil was packed separately.

Processing:

For processing, there is not much to say, is a perfect finish to every area, both the housing and the antenna terminal and the antenna (s).
Where there is something to say in the 9-dBi antenna, namely smell this as easy verkockelte electronics, not really strong, but very slightly.
In terms of function for several weeks she does it but now their service super, so not too bad, but probably should be mentioned.

Function / performance:

And now to the function in Windows 7:

Once you have installed the appropriate drivers are ready to go already.
When configuring Windows, there are two ways to connect to this router to configure.
Both on the Windows 7 own assistant and with the Realtek utility (the chipset on the adapter is Realtek), which is much more extensive, and both get a detailed output of the available networks and the current connection quality.

And now to function in Ubuntu Linux:

The wireless adapter is recognized hereunder directly and connect to the router can be produced directly after entering the network password, if one has been assigned.
Then, however, show the first problems.
Although the connection is very good, the surf speed is virtually under all.
After I searched for several hours after a problem-solving in forums, I found this in the end.
Thereafter, the wireless adapter runs perfectly and the problem are blown away!

THIS LOOKS like this:

Was first to find out how the wireless network adapter named in the system!
If no one has been installed internally (eg laptop) it is usually "wlan0" otherwise "WLAN2"
If it has been determined as this is gives you the following command in the terminal window:

sudo iwconfig Fi * Auto rate 1M

(The star by the corresponding number replace)

REACH / RECEPTION:

And now we come to the point where the Alfa AWUS036H can score right, namely the reception / coverage.
In this area the AWUS036H makes an incredible figure, he finds several WLAN networks of which I have previously unaware, and then with unbelievably good connection quality.
Here you have to distinguish between the two antennas:

The 9dBi-Antennne place here although some WLAN networks more (24 with 9dBi; 20 with 5dBi) but comes Me
Overall connection quality worse before like the 5dBi antenna.
Thus, I would only see a possible use in additional 9dBi antenna, unless you want protokolieren networks on maps (wardriving; please note legal !!!).
For all other areas, I see no real benefit over the 5dBi antenna.

CONCLUSION / RECOMMENDATION:

In can recommend without any doubts the wireless adapter under certain circumstances.
Unless you absolutely on "N" networks must access and there wants to exploit the full power, I do not see no reason to ALFA AWUS036H resorting, as it has for domestic use by all ALFA adapters the most sensitive receiver and with its 54Mbps still fast enough for a good 98% of all households in DE.
If you urgently an Alfa with N-compatibility to resort, so I would strongly of the models NH / NHR dissuade these have a significant problem susceptibility after a short time, and come from the sensitivity not to AWUS036H despite N compatibility.

Here I would rather advise to the rather rarer to findenen ALFA Awus036NHA, this is the only true successor to the unique original (AWUS036H) has the similar good reception performance.
I would only suggest this not too much on "mW" to give -indications, and 2000mW NHR does not come to the NHA in terms of reception quality in spite of higher performance.

Hope I could be helpful in facilitating the other choice!