Unsolved

This post is more than 5 years old

20 Posts

19341

July 2nd, 2006 13:00

Wireless G Router

Hi everyone,
 
My question is this, do I need to purchase a Wireless Router with the purchase of a Dell laptop that I am about to purchase? I will be doing some traveling with it.
I await for your response anyone....
 
Thanks, Yves

2 Intern

 • 

28K Posts

July 2nd, 2006 13:00

A router is used to construct a wireless network in your home or office.  It connects to a cable or dsl modem and allows you to share that internet connection among several computers both wired and wireless.  It has little do with connecting to the internet while traveling.  You don't need to purchase a router with the computer, as they are available from just about any computer store and online stores, ususally at a better price than you could get at Dell.
 
Steve

20 Posts

July 2nd, 2006 14:00

Thanks Steve for the quick response, that was my main concern, so I should have no problem connecting to the internet when I'm away from home right?

20 Posts

July 2nd, 2006 14:00

Steve,

Will this card work for wireless universal: Intel PRO/Wireless 3945 802.11a/g Mini Card (54Mbps)?

or how about this one? Dell Wireless 350 Bluetooth Internal (2.0 + Enhance Data Rate) 

Yves

 

2 Intern

 • 

28K Posts

July 2nd, 2006 14:00

No, neither of these cards will work on the Cingular or Verizon systems.   You would have to contact Cingular or Verizon to see what properietary cards will work on their systems.  Note also that current Dell Notebook computers, with a few exceptions, come with the new Technology Express Card Slots and do not have the older technology PC Card slots.   Cingular and Verizon do not yet support the Express Card slots.  So, be careful in your purchase. 

Steve

2 Intern

 • 

28K Posts

July 2nd, 2006 14:00

While away from home, if you just have the standard WiFi wireless network adapter, you will have to rely on free hotspots that are available at many coffee houses, bars, hotels, libraries, and airports, or fee based networks at some of these same localites.  Note that the range of these networks is less than 300 feet.  For more universal wireless networks, you need to subscribe to the service and purchase a dfferent kind of wireless card than the standard WiFi cards sold with most computers.  Such network services are available from companies like Verizon and Cingular and still only have coverage in major cities.

Steve

20 Posts

July 2nd, 2006 15:00

Steve,

The Dell 640 that I am purchasing has this card included with the system, would this take care of my concern for universal wireless?

Hope you don't mind all these questions... it's well appreciated.

Yves

20 Posts

July 2nd, 2006 15:00

Sorry, I forgot to include this: Integrated 10/100 Network Card and Modem

Internet Explorer is the service I am planning to use.

 

Yves


2 Intern

 • 

28K Posts

July 2nd, 2006 15:00

The integrated 10/100 Network card is an ethernet card, used for a wired connection to a router or broadband modem.  It has nothing to do with wireless.  

Steve

2 Intern

 • 

28K Posts

July 2nd, 2006 15:00

Please be more specific about which card is included in that system.  You might also want to state which service you are planning to use. 

Steve

 

651 Posts

July 2nd, 2006 18:00

I purchased a "wi fi ready" Dell inspiron. It requires no card for wireless as it used a wlan wireless utility built in. I also travel a lot. My computer, like yours also has a network card and a dial up modem. When I go to a motel, I ask if they have wireless, wired or dial up. Lately I encounter more wireless than wired. The motel owns the router for wired or wireless,so you don't need a router while traveling. If I am unlucky to get a motel that only has a telephone, I have to ask about a local toll free number and use that to get to the Internet. Of course, I have to use my ISP account to do this.

So, if you can get a wifi ready Dell you don't have to fool with a card. I have always been able to connect to wireless while on the road. I have never paid for a wireless connection, but some have a fee so ask.

Internet Explorer is a browser,not a service.

A wireless or cable connection in a motel, can be used by someone who does not have an Internet account. the account is paid for by the motel. However, you must have an Internet account if you use dial up.

John

Message Edited by jocase on 07-02-200602:14 PM

Message Edited by jocase on 07-02-200603:49 PM

651 Posts

July 2nd, 2006 19:00

From what I know, the Intel PRO/Wireless 3945 802.11a/g Mini Card (54Mbps)should do the job.
If the motel doesn't have wireless, but they have cable, you plug a cable into your network port (do not force it)...there maybe a port that looks like a network port but is slightly smaller...that is for a phone cable that you would have to supply to plug into the lame dial up connection.

Holiday Inn's, Best Western, and other major chains seem to have wireless. Small Mom and Pops are "iffy".

It took me a while to get used to all this when traveling and the people at the desk usually are not trained in any of this.

Happy Trails!

20 Posts

July 2nd, 2006 19:00

Say, Thanks John,

I am new to this, so your information is very appreciated.

My laptop Dell 640m will come with Intel PRO/Wireless 3945 802.11a/g Mini Card (54Mbps) and I will also have Dell Wireless 350 Bluetooth Internal (2.0 + Enhance Data Rate) will this help to connect at motels with access to wireless?

Yves

2 Intern

 • 

2.5K Posts

July 2nd, 2006 23:00


@proven wrote:

Steve,

The Dell 640 that I am purchasing has this card included with the system, would this take care of my concern for universal wireless?

Hope you don't mind all these questions... it's well appreciated.

Yves



Depends on what you mean by "universal wireless".  There are many types of wireless - even a TV remote is wireless :smileyvery-happy:

If you want to be truly wireless (almost) anywhere, say, when travelling on a subway train, Wi-Fi is not the solution.  You need to subscribe data service with your mobile phone operator and add a GPRS or 3G modem to the notebook or connect the notebook to your mobile phone to access the service.


 

Message Edited by esquire on 07-03-200609:47 AM

No Events found!

Top