PIC Express and USB dongle connection versus board integration

we are thinking of designing an embedded design which includes wireless technologies such as WiFi, 3G and Bluetooth. we are thinking to do new PCB board by integrating wireless modules in it. however, some ppl in the team believes that buying controller board (EBOX) and connect wireless modules in USB dongles and PIC Express cards will save cost and time.

i'm trying to explain in terms of RF e.g. radio collocation issue but they need solid explanation on why we have to design embedded board and not buy controller board (EBOX) and connect wireless dongles and PIC express card. any body have better explanation? all the replies after appreciated.

i have attached datasheet of controller board (EBOX) and usb dongle (WiFi) which they are looking at.

Questions to consider:

* Will customers need to make several trips to the store, to make your product work with their equipment? Suppose your product has your design? Suppose it has EBOX?

* Customers may want to use wifi one moment, 3G the next. Can EBOX provide this convenience? Can your design provide it?

* What similar product is the competition selling? Can you make your product better? Can you market your product at a lower price?

BradtheRad said:

Questions to consider:

* Will customers need to make several trips to the store, to make your product work with their equipment? Suppose your product has your design? Suppose it has EBOX?

Click to expand...

they planning to supply the product in one package meaning EBOX controller board + WiFi USB dongle so customer need not find their own dongle.

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BradtheRad said:

* Customers may want to use wifi one moment, 3G the next. Can EBOX provide this convenience? Can your design provide it?

Click to expand...

none of the design (ours or EBOX's) will provide this convenience.

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BradtheRad said:

* What similar product is the competition selling? Can you make your product better? Can you market your product at a lower price?

Click to expand...

good marketing questions. thanks

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what about field performance/range/signal level? can a USB dongle or PCI express 3G/WiFi/Bluetooth module perform as good as integrated module on the PCB?

I lack knowledge to advise about the technical, so I only can bring up general questions.

Another issue is security. Customers want ease of connectivity, but they also want immunity from malware and hackers. Which is better for this, EBOX or your design?

If the computer is stolen, can it be located by services like those which track down stolen smartphones? Is EBOX better for this, or your design?

I have a PCI-e card in my laptop. It is small as 3 postage stamps. Can your entire design fit onto such a small card? Can you make the correct size antenna for the card, to serve all wireless frequencies? Can you make the antenna operate properly in a computer?