If you order the machine with the 2200 wireless adapter installed, you won't need a PC (PCMCIA) wireless card. The 2200 is installed in the internal mini-PCI slot. All current Dell laptops include built-in Ethernet support.

Jim

Jim,

Why then does Dell offer provider service PC card for wireless internet access such as At&T wireless, T-Mobile? 

Do I need to buy that now or can I wait until it is available where I'll be using the notebook?

Nora

Why then does Dell offer provider service PC card for wireless internet access such as At&T wireless, T-Mobile?

Nora,

I missed the distinction you were making! The 2200 is an 802.11b/g device for use on wireless LANs, and the TrueMobileâ„¢ 5100 GPRS PC Cards are based on a technology known as the "General Packet Radio Service". Here's a link that describes GPRS. So fundamentally, it's "cellular" service.

Whether you need one or the other or both will depend on how you'll be using your notebook.

Do I need to buy that now or can I wait until it is available where I'll be using the notebook?

According to Dell's description of the TM5100 devices, you need to specify the provider at the time you place the order. Are you really interested in equipping your new machine for cellular access, or did you (like I did!) become confused by the use of the term "wireless" to describe both these technologies?

The "Help me choose" link for Wireless WAN options contains some useful information about what those are and do.

(Incidentally, I've been looking at the Latitude D600 configurator while I was composing this note. Other Dell laptops offer similar features, but I wanted to be sure I understood your question, and could answer with an actual example.)

Jim

Jim,

I did understand that they were two different things.  I'm not ready to get the wireless service (cellular- which is used in "Hot Spots" such as airports) right now.  But I may want it in the near future.  I'm just wondering if it can be added by me at a later date.

Thanks.

Nora

It's certainly not clear from Dell's description that the GPRS cards can be added later. I suspect the issue is the same as cellular phones - they need to be "activated" for a specific provider before they can be used. Surely they're available from the cellular providers! I just don't know.

But I'm still not sure that "Wi-Fi" (802.11x) isn't what's commonly available in airports! See, for example,  this site, which allows Wi-Fi "hotspots" to be located.

Jim

It would appear that you are both unclear :).

The TruMobile 5100 card is based on cell phone technolgy, and requires that you acticate a subscription with T-Mobile or ATTWS for service, and you are changed by the MB. The technology used is called GPRS, and is NOT the same as 802.11x. With this card and service, you'd be able to get access to the internet (at about 56k modem speeds) anywher you have a cell phone signal. Similar cards are avilable for purcahse directly form your cell phone provider.

The other cards are 802.11b/g cards, and are commonly referred to as WiFi. These are the technologies that work in starbucks & airports, and provide much higher speeds.

Thanks, Jim.  I'll just have to call DELL before I actually order the notebook to claify it.

Nora

Matt,

I thought the 802.11b/g cards were the wireless network cards (to connect to a home or office computer) and if I wanted to use the "Hot Spots" as in Starbucks, I would need a provider?

My question was: can I put in the card in the notebook for internet access at a later date?

Nora

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@crimlin02 wrote:

Matt,

I thought the 802.11b/g cards were the wireless network cards (to connect to a home or office computer) and if I wanted to use the "Hot Spots" as in Starbucks, I would need a provider?

No, this 802.11b/g is a wireless card, to connect to a home or office wireless router (including those at "Hotspots") There is also a built in eithernet card for a "wired" connection in the home or office.

My question was: can I put in the card in the notebook for internet access at a later date?

Yes, simple as long as you get the one needed for your computer. 802.11b/g mini wireless card for the space under your HD (in most models) or the one for the cell phone capabilities for the PCMCIA slot. But the one for the PCMCIA slot will beed a Cell phone provider which you will pay a monthly access fee. The wireless card (80211b/g) will hook up to hotspots for a small charge at some places and for free at others.

 

Nora

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crimlin02 wrote:

Matt,

I thought the 802.11b/g cards were the wireless network cards (to connect to a home or office computer) and if I wanted to use the "Hot Spots" as in Starbucks, I would need a provider?

No, this 802.11b/g is a wireless card, to connect to a home or office wireless router (including those at "Hotspots") There is also a built in eithernet card for a "wired" connection in the home or office.

My question was: can I put in the card in the notebook for internet access at a later date?

Yes, simple as long as you get the one needed for your computer. 802.11b/g mini wireless card for the space under your HD (in most models) or the one for the cell phone capabilities for the PCMCIA slot. But the one for the PCMCIA slot will beed a Cell phone provider which you will pay a monthly access fee. The wireless card (80211b/g) will hook up to hotspots for a small charge at some places and for free at others.

 

Nora

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Rodney Ulanowicz

Thanks for your input, Rodney.