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?

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

 

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

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

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

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

Internet Explorer is the service I am planning to use.

 

Yves

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

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

 

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