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Helping parents to go wireless with an Inspiron 1200

S

SkyBum

Senior member
My parents have asked me to help them get their Inspiron 1200 ready for wireless. Unfortunately, networking is an area in which I have very limited experience. The machine is probably at least 5 years old and I am worried that much of the new gear may not be compatible.

They only use the laptop occasionally, primarily for e-mail or to hit a website once in awhile. I would imagine even the most basic gear would do fine. If anything, the main consideration would be ease of use as they are not tech savvy at all.

Could anyone point me in the right direction for a compatible wireless card and equivalent router? I'm afraid this one is a bit over my head...

Thanks,
SB

Inspiron 1200
Service Tag 1KF4061
 
I don't believe that laptop can take a standard wireless expansion card (PCMCIA). You could use something like a Dlink USB wireless adapter and router for a simple setup.
 
Hi there,

I have just got an Inspiron 1200 from a neighbor that got a new laptop.

I can confirm that the laptop CAN take a PC card; it has a slot on the left side. The laptop we got came with a wireless PC Card (the card itself is Dell) installed in that slot. It is connected to our wireless network and works fine.

I do not think there is a problem of compatibility; any PC card should work.

I heard of compatibility issues with the INTERNAL wireless cards (the ones that fit in the laptop's PCI slot). But you should not worry about it; even if you were to have one of those internal cards you would not be able to use because the laptop does not come w/internal antennas

On a different topic, we upgraded the memory because the laptop's overall performance was poor. We got a 1GB SODIMM ($29.99 at FRYS.com) and it made a difference running XP.

Hope it helps

GLS

 
Welcome to AnandTech Network forum

Originally posted by: ecogabriel
I heard of compatibility issues with the INTERNAL wireless cards (the ones that fit in the laptop's PCI slot). But you should not worry about it; even if you were to have one of those internal cards you would not be able to use because the laptop does not come w/internal antennas.
Click to expand...
:thumbsup:


Indeed the best bet with an older Laptop is a PCMCIA Wireless card.

If you do not have a decent computer store close buy this one might be a good choice.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16833315047



 
Thanks for the replies, I have ordered the one from newegg suggested above. Great price and the reviews sounded very good overall.

As always the AT members come through with help when it is needed.

 
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