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I'm looking for a new laptop, just a basic model for mobile use. I like my tower when at home.My preference is for a good used model, primarily out of environmental concerns. May as well make use of something that's already used up resources.
I found one that is an excellent value but doesn't have Wi-Fi built in. An external card can easily be added and the vendor has one for $25 bucks. The question is how well they work. I seems like I heard outboard cards work even better than built in Wi-Fi, but I've only used the built-in models on school laptops, which work fine.
Any thoughts? Has anyone used an external card? I got a USB wireless stick and it stunk. Didn't work worth dirt. Actually, not that well because it didn't work. Anyone have experience with both?
Follow Ups:
Hi Gary.I think you're right to steer clear of USB sticks. For a laptop I'd recommend a PCM/CIA card -- any notebook will have at least one PCM/CIA card slot and they're a tried and true solution for applications such as wireless adapters.
You might look for the following attributes in a wireless card:
- 802.11g compatible - the 'g' specification is about the fastest wireless connection available today. Many networks still use the 'b' spec. and a 'g' capable card will be compatible with both.
- WPA or WPA2 capable. If you set up a home network with wireless access you'll want to use WPA or WPA2 encryption technology. The old standby WEP can be cracked in a few minutes these days.
- And, depending on what operating system you use, you'll want something that is known to work with it. If Windows XP, I doubt there's a card made that WON'T work.
I've never had good luck with Netgear and would strongly encourage you to look to other manufacturers. Unreliable gear and TERRIBLE customer service. ZyXEL is my current favorite (see link for a good $25 option), although D-Link or Linksys will probably be okay too.
Regards.
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It's not I'm anti-social,
I'm only anti-work,
Glory Osky, that's why I'm a jerk!
Very helpful. I took a look a the card. Looks good. Thanks for the tip. I've had good luck with D-Link stuff too. This helps me know what options I have.
I've been using a linksys WPC54G for a couple of weeks here at home in my 5 year old Gateway notebook. The controller software wasn't the greatest so I let Mr. Softy take over and run things, but once I did that it connects easily and securely to the wireless network router in my small house. Signal strength is consistently "excellent" and speed is usually 54Mbps. I haven't tried it out in the world yet though so we'll see. I paid $49 for the card and the same for the router at Frys. I was having problems connecting earlier this week, but it turned out to be an ATT/Yahoo ISP problem, not a wireless issue. I'm now considering giving the wireless music bridge a try...
NT.
Sibelius has an excellent point -- Windows users are best advised to let Windows manage the wireless card, rather than the software the card manufacturer provides. Manufacturer-provided software usually creates all sorts of headaches. That said, you may have to install the software just to get the driver for the hardware, then uninstall the software to let Windows do its thing.Sibelius, what are you considering for your wireless music bridge? Roku or Squeezebox or ???
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It's not I'm anti-social,
I'm only anti-work,
Glory Osky, that's why I'm a jerk!
Exactly, use the mfg. software to install then let Microsoft do what it does best, take over your world. Resistance is futile, you will be assimilated. Next time though, I think I'll just get a Mac.I was looking at the Linksys music bridge for $99, I've seen some recs. for it in PC Asylum. If you have any recs. pass them along.
Robert
I've got no recommendations to make for music bridges. I haven't made the move yet, myself. Just curious.Cheers.
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It's not I'm anti-social,
I'm only anti-work,
Glory Osky, that's why I'm a jerk!
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