Wireless or Ethernet, Which is faster connection?

[Bernee]

About two weeks ago, I bought a Linksys router with ethernet and wireless capability. I am using this router at 512 kbps speed (we have 2 laptops with wireless capability) through its wireless function (approximate distance from the router is about 12 meters each) but it seems it is a little bit slow. My question is: which is better and faster connection, wireless or ethernet? Some friends are saying that ethernet connection is better and faster because it is directly connected to the router. Is this true? Please give technical advice. Thank you very much.

[Carbon Dudeoxide]

In short, yes.

If you're directly connected to the router/modem, it will be much faster and much stronger.

[killerb255]

Average broadband connections in the US: about 1-10 Mbps.
Wireless-G connection: 54 Mbps.
Ethernet connection: 100 Mbps to 1 Gbps.

For just connecting to the Internet, it doesn't matter much aside from latency.  For transferring files from one PC to another on your local network, Ethernet is MUCH faster.

[Aegis]

Some friends are saying that ethernet connection is better and faster because it is directly connected to the router.

See the post above. 

It's better and faster because the Ethernet connection supports a higher speed, not just because it's "directly" connected to the router.