Inspiron B130-which wireless network card?

Question

I am trying to hook up my notebook to a router on my main desktop (Westell 327W) for wireless capibilities such as printer sharing and DSL online sharing. I purchased a Dell Wireless 1350 WLAN PC card. Is this the correct thing? It does not seem to fit into my PC slot the whole way (half of it sticks out) and my computer does not detect it. When I try to install the software first it says "No compatible hardware found. The software you are attempting to install is not supported on this system" Did I order the wrong part? I saw the ones that said "Network adapter card"... is that the part I needeed? What is the part that I need??

volcano11 · Answer

Your B-130 does not have a PC card slot. It is the technologically newer Express Card slot, for which, no manufacturer has yet released a card (but they say they are coming soon). Your options are to either wait for the release of an Express Card wireless adapter or use a USB wireless network adapter which will work on any computer that has a USB port.

Steve

volcano11 · Answer

A USB 802.11b/g wireless adapter will work with any computer and any 802.11b/g router! The disadvantage is that it sits on the desktop outside of the computer. The advantage is that you can move it around to find the best signal.

Steve

volcano11 · Answer

My understanding from reading these forums, is that the low end laptops like the B-130 and B-120 do not come with an internal antenna if you do not order them with an internal wireless card. Thus, if you can find someone in sales who knows anything (apparently most don't know much about these models), you can order the internal antenna and the internal wireless card and install them yourself. Installing the card itself is easy, but installing the antenna is a royal pain.

As for USB adapters, the ones that connect with a cable would be better because you can move them around more to get a better signal. You can probably find better prices on USB adapters if you get them on sale at places like CompUSA, BestBuy, OfficeMax, etc.

Steve

DrSunflower · Answer

So with a notebook, is there any that you would suggest is best ? I'm looking at what Dell sells and there are a few different kinds to choose from. Some are little that just extend from the USB port, but some are bigger. Any specs that you would look for if you were buying it for yourself?   Is there also the possibility of buying in internal wireless card (that I should have got when I purchased the laptop!) and installing it myself? Or is that way to difficult/expensive for your average user? If not too hard, what would you look for in purchasing an internal one?   Thanks!

DrSunflower · Answer

So all I would need to purchase would be the usb wireless adapter for the laptop? It will work with the Westell DSL modem thingy at my desktop? Is the range still good with these adapters?

Thanks for your quick reply. I just have to figure out how to return the PC card I bought that Dell Online said would work with my B130!

DrSunflower · Answer

Steve,

Thank you so very much for all of your help! You have no idea the countless hours I have spent already researching what the heck I am supposed to have & be doing for this home networking! The few replies you have given me have helped tremendously!

Thank you so very much for your time!

Donna

Networking, Internet, & Bluetooth

Inspiron B130-which wireless network card?

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