Laptop wireless speed much higher than wired

Hi there

Computers are different -- the 2 NAS boxes are totally separate from the Windows machines

Of course on same computer it's different - but these are all distinct physical machines.

Who knows how the file transfer is done --maybe hardware compression and buffering --I don't know--all that happens is that I'm satisfied I can move my files without it taking too long and the stuff plays on the remote TV's properly.

Cheers
jimbo

OK. Then be happy.
There are no Miracles in PC. Data that goes thru your Router will go to 12MB/s. 60MB/s is typically a HDD Speed.
To achieve that 60MB/s your Adapter should connect to Router at 2250Mbps and Router must support it, and it does not.
Post here a picture from Adapter Connection Speed.