Wireless card for laptop..any knowledge??

[Pan]

After an hour onto bt, they tell me there isn't a wireless card detectable on my laptop - though I have been wireless on it for about 3 years. They say it has become faulty, and needs replacing. hey-ho. What IS one of these, where d oyo get them from best, what do they look like, is it a simple job that any old idiot can do , and what do they cost??

Priddy please anyone??

I also need the answer to this so shall watch with interest!

You can get a USB dongle for about 15 quid if you don't want to go playing around inside a laptop - which is pretty hardcore DIY anyway. I have a Netgear one which has been very good.

bruxeur - ah, I've seen these but I don't want a dongle hanging off the laptop - it'll get knocked - I know this!!

One thing to try if you haven't already, is to check that the internal wireless adapter is actually turned ON. May sound strange, but on my NEC laptop, I have a button above the keyboard which turns Wireless on and off.

You can still get Wireless adapters that slot into a PCMCIA slot. DABS: BT Voyager 1065 for example, or the ARGOS: Belkin

However, I agree with Bruxeur that a USB Dongle is probably the easiest thing. ARGOS: Airstation

nanny - had done this previously, but yes the little upside-down umbrella thingy ( techy bit of chat there) is on.

I use a USB extension that means it doesn't just stick out rigidly out of the back or side (fnarr). You could then use a velcro dot to stick it to the top of the case, or just have it lying next to you. Bit messy but so much easier.

just been a googling, and find that there are lots of different types. Fancy.
it seems some provide a better coverage than others, and this may explain why the wireless thing works from the router which is in the bedroom, down in the lounge, but not in the dining room. Which has been a bit of a pain.

All I need now is a wireless card that will hoover the hall and stairs and wash up.

I removed my netgear one once the wireless was set up....... Has also worked well for 3 years now without something sticking out the side!!!! Maybe try removing it.

Er...que?

If you have a PC Card slot (used to be known as PCMCIA) you could use something like this.