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October 6th, 2005 00:00
Installing a wireless card (Inspiron 1200)
I purchased an Inspiron 1200 recently, and by accident (my fault) it came with just a 56k modem. I have installed my own wireless cards in desktops before, but I am new to laptops. Will I be able to open up the laptop and install my own wireless card? Would I be able to use the same one currently in use in the desktop pc?
It's a present for my girlfriend, and she has a wireless router at home, so obviously a 56k modem isn't going to be any good!
Thanks,
blu3shirt
(This is also posted in the modem forum, but I believe that was the wrong place!)
It's a present for my girlfriend, and she has a wireless router at home, so obviously a 56k modem isn't going to be any good!
Thanks,
blu3shirt
(This is also posted in the modem forum, but I believe that was the wrong place!)
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volcano11
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October 6th, 2005 01:00
You can either purchase a MiniPCI wireless network card that goes in the MiniPCI slot on the laptop - See:
<ADMIN NOTE: Broken link has been removed from this post by Dell>
or a PCMCIA wireless network card that goes in the PC card slot on the side of the computer.
Neither of these devices are similar to a PCI card that you would use in a desktop computer, and such a desktop card would not work or even fit in a laptop.
Steve
blu3shirt
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October 6th, 2005 01:00
Assuming there are many different Mini or PCM cards out there...will any kind work? Or do I need something specific for the Inspiron 1200? Also, are they available at electronics stores?
blu3shirt
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October 6th, 2005 01:00
Thank you very much Volcano, you were a great help. :D
blu3shirt
5 Posts
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October 6th, 2005 01:00
Which option do you think would be the easiest and/or cheapest? I'd prefer not to monkey with the innards too much, but if I have to I guess I have to.
Thanks again,
blu3shirt
Message Edited by blu3shirt on 10-05-2005 09:21 PM
volcano11
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October 6th, 2005 01:00
The advantage to the MiniPCI card is that it is internal and attaches to an antena that is inside the case. The MinPCI card slot is under a door on the bottom of the computer and installation doesn't involve monkeying with the inards. The advantage to the PCMCIA card is that it simply plugs into the PC card slot on the side of the computer. The disadvatage is that it hangs out the side and has its own external antena. It is best to remove the PC Card wireless adapter if you transport the computer.
Steve
volcano11
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October 6th, 2005 03:00
You really don't need to order from Dell. Just about anything you can find at a computer/electronics store will work, as there is nothing in this regard that is special about a Dell.
Steve.
andypuk
6 Posts
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October 7th, 2005 17:00
On the link above it says
"The Inspiron 1200 offers an optional external wireless card to access wireless networks. It does not have have an antenna in the LCD panel assembly. The Inspiron 1200 offers an optional external wireless card to access wireless networks. It does not have have an antenna in the LCD panel assembly. "
I have bought an internal mini PCI card for my Inspiron 1200, does this mean I can't use it?
andypuk
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October 7th, 2005 19:00
volcano11
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October 7th, 2005 19:00
Yes, it means that you cannot use it in the Inspiron 1200.
Steve
volcano11
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October 7th, 2005 20:00
Now you have me confused. Which link were you referring to? I was going by the quote you you provided, and did not read the thread in which you posted the message. This is why it is always dangerous to post a message in an existing thread, rather than starting a new thread or posting a message in the the thread that you are quoting.
The Inspiron 1200, does have a Mini PIC slot. See the following:
Sorry to have confused you.
Steve
andypuk
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October 7th, 2005 21:00
Your link doesn't go to anywhere here.
The link I used was :
<ADMIN NOTE: Broken link has been removed from this post by Dell>
It was in first post.
andypuk
6 Posts
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October 7th, 2005 21:00
Its ok, you were only trying to help.
I bought one now but will just sell it on ebay. I have no ordered a PCMCIA wireless device.
volcano11
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October 7th, 2005 21:00
Perhaps if you could provide me the link to that message it would be helpful in evaluating this. But, if you look at the document I linked you to, it clearly shows that it has a MiniPCI card slot and it shows an antenna connector. Again, we can clear up the confusion if you post a link to the message that you quoted from.
Steve
andypuk
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October 7th, 2005 21:00
volcano11
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October 7th, 2005 21:00
Sorry, you are correct. I would beleive that document. I wasn't aware of the minor differences between the I 1200 and I 2200. Everything I said about the I -1200 being able to use a MiniPCI card is wrong since their is apparently no internal antenna in the I-1200. Your only option, and the only option for the original poster is to use an external PCMCIA wireless network card. Again, sorry that I messed this up.
Steve