Wi-fi

8 replies

nappyaddict · 14/09/2006 03:10

i am thinking of getting a laptop with wi-fi. how far away from home will i still be able to surf the net and come on MN of course

OP posts:

Alibaldi · 14/09/2006 03:40

Basically anywhere that is wifi enabled. Your card will mean that your laptop will identify wifi networks and if public you should be able to log and work accordingly. Here in the USA most cities are going wifi enabled and I could quite happily sit in Starbucks and type away. It's a good investment for the future. You can bet laptops with built-in wifi as mine is, sitting watching television and internetting as I do or those that use a pcmcia card slot with a card. Personally I like the built-in as it's less likely to get damaged by little fingers. I've Toshiba. Don't know how cheap they are where you are but there could be a Which report which ('scuse the pun) could give you a best buy recommendation.

Original poster

nappyaddict · 19/09/2006 00:25

does anyone know if most places are wi-fi enabled in the UK? if that's the case in america does that mean nobody bothers to pay for an internet subscription if it is just free from the city?

OP posts:

arfishymeau · 19/09/2006 03:03

To be certain of surfing using wi-fi at home you'll need your own internet connection plugged into a wireless router. This will transmit your internet connection wirelessly to your laptop. This should be enough to let you surf from any room in your house and your garden.

With a wireless card you will also be able to pick up private and public access wireless networks.

Some you will have to pay for - for example in pubs and airports. Others you may be able to connect to without the owners permission (because they haven't secured them). This is a bit naughty

There are interactive maps of the UK showing the wireless hotspots too. You can search on google maps and zdnet, but I'm not sure how helpful these are yet.

Original poster

nappyaddict · 21/09/2006 02:55

i havent got my wireless router yet, so will i be able to use the laptop plugged into a normal adsl modem in the meantime?and whilst i haven't got a router will i be able to connect wirelessly to public hotspots when out and about?

OP posts:

arfishymeau · 21/09/2006 04:24

Yes, as long as you have an ethernet card, which I'm sure you do.

I have a wireless card and a DSL link - I toggle between them.

CarlK · 21/09/2006 07:04

Wireless routers and cards are v cheap now if you know where to look. I recommend Misco.co.uk or maplin B grade from maplin.co.uk.
you should be able to pick up a bundle wireles G card and router for about £40.
set up is easy enought if you follow the instructions. you can also pick up reSONABLE WIRELESS LAPTOPS FTOM ABOUT £350 from misco (damn caps)

Original poster

nappyaddict · 09/10/2006 04:01

if a computer has an ethernet port does that mean it has an ethernet card?

OP posts:

throckenholt · 09/10/2006 07:47

yes ! - the port is part of the card - most new computers have them by default.

Flip