[Cloud3270]

I have a wifi only Acer chromebook. I also wanted an option of a wired connection when I go visit my sister who doesn't have a wifi router. I bought the "Trendnet TU2-ET 100" USB to 10/100Mbps Adapter and it works, I am using it now as I type this message. It works right out of the box, you can ignore the included setup DVD. I got it from Amazon for $17.69.

Amazon.com: TRENDnet USB to 10/100Mbps Adapter TU2-ET100: Electronics

Google's help on this says a wired (USB) connection take priority over wireless and it seems to work that way. Instead of wifi bars in the upper right corner of the screen I have an icon that looks like an Ethernet port.

Cheers...
Russ

 

[kobe]

This is a pretty cool workaround.

 

[SilverLining]

That's pretty nice! It used to be only PCMCIA cards could offer internet to a computer without a built in ethernet port, so I'm glad to hear there are USB devices that offer that now.

 

[Waka]

That's good to know! I was testing my chromebook with the wired tethering app on my phone the other day and it works too. just plug it in and go, but always check with your carrier about their policies on tethering.

 

[jwf2.tao]

wifi

looking for a recomendation on a router too; there doesn't seem to be anything on Amazon with consistent reviews- they are my preferred vendor due to shipping to Hawaii. Any input....?

 

[kobe]

I wonder if broadband usb sticks work on Chrome OS as well because I have a virgin mobile 760.

 

[russcasey]

I wonder if broadband usb sticks work on Chrome OS as well because I have a virgin mobile 760.

I think that might be a 'suck it and see' thing. My HTC Desire has a tethering app that comes as part of the Sense Android add-ons, but this requires a special driver on Windows and doesn't work at all on the Chromebook.

I guess anything that announces itself as a generic USB network adapter should work, but anything that would require a driver to be installed won't. It would be interesting to hear about people's experiences.

 

[Malone]

That's neat! That'll be handy for when/if you're in a hotel that only gives out free wired internet instead of wifi (it happens, believe me).

 

[modder]

I haven't had any specific problems with USB devices yet, but I've read that things seem to be hit or miss for most a lot of them.

 

[Timmy]

Great find. I have been thinking about it for when I go on a holiday. It would be utterly pointless to carry my chromebook if I couldn't connect online.

 

[Cloud3270]

looking for a recomendation on a router too; there doesn't seem to be anything on Amazon with consistent reviews- they are my preferred vendor due to shipping to Hawaii. Any input....?

If you don't mind an older router that doesn't support the newer/faster N specs I can recommend the Linksys WRT54GL wireless router; it's $50 at amazon.

Amazon.com: Cisco-Linksys WRT54GL Wireless-G Broadband Router (Compatible with Linux): Electronics


I have 2 of them and they've given me good service.

Cheers...
Russ

 

[lucboucim]

Apple USB Ethernet adapter works perfectly

Plug and Play connect and it will detect it and connect to the network and will override the wifi.
Also connected on a Dynex 6 USB ports hub along with a IOGEAR wireless keyboard with trackball. All working perfectly... WOW

 

[jwf2.tao]

wifi

I prefer to be untethered, but wonder how speed compares, n wifi vs. wired with the usb adapter?

 

[James BlackHeron]

definitely works, and it's only $5. It worked on both the Cr-48 and the Acer Chromebook

 

[jwf2.tao]

thks for the info....I bought a mediabridge router for 50.00 and it worked wifi out of the box; have it connected to a road runner cable connection and getting 12 meg download, 1 meg up....it's superlative