Laptop NIC question

[xZeusx]

Is it easy to install a NIC in my own Dell Inspiron 3800 if i have never done anything with laptops or would it be better to just pay someone to do it? Is it internal like a normal PC or is it external? Are they expensive? Thanks

 

[Zim Hosein]

xZeusx, there're not expensive. As for installation, adding a NIC to your lappy just reuires you to add a PCMCIA card to you lappy for an RJ-45 connection. Here's an example: Belkin NIC

 

[MSantiago]

I used to own an Inspiron 3800 and the only way to add a NIC is to buy a PC Card version of one. It's simple... you just plug it into a free PC Card and Windows 2K/XP will ask you for drivers (or it may already have them and install it automatically). They're pretty inexpensive too. You can take a look through the For Sale/For Trade forum, or you can browse around on eBay. You can easily find one for $10-$25. I'd recommend a 3Com PC Card with an xjack; the xjack is nice since it retracts into the card and you don't need to carry around a separate dongle to hook up to a network.

Most newer laptops have what's called a mini PCI slot. You can install a mini PCI network card in these laptops and just use the ports built-in to the laptop. You need to open the laptop to install one, but you won't have a PC Card taking up a slot. Unfortunately this can't be done with an Inspiron 3800.

 

[xZeusx]

So it would be a good idea to get one on ebay? it doesn't matter that it might be used or soemthing?

 

[xZeusx]

If anyone knows, would this NIC work?

 

[MSantiago]

That would work just fine. I used a similar model with my 3800.

The seller has 0 feedback, but he accepts PayPal and this is a pretty inexpensive item. I'd go ahead and bid on it.