Wireless Internet on Laptop

BigLance

Golden Member
Dec 20, 2000
1,206
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How does wireless internet on Laptops work ? Do you have to use your cell to connect ? What kind of speeds are average ? What about price ??

Thanks !
 

JackMDS

Elite Member
Super Moderator
Oct 25, 1999
29,516
408
126
Unfortunately, the term Wireless Internet is adopted for two different systems.

1. You have an Internet connection at home (or you are going to Starbucks), and you want to connect your laptop to the Internet.
Such a connection will use WIFI devices, i.e. you buy a PCMCIA WIFI Wireless card, you install it on the Laptop, and you can connect to any local Access Point or Wireless Cable/DSL Router.

Current price of Wireless Card $60-$100.

2. There is no Internet connection around, and you want to connect.
You have to Wireless Internet Services from one of the Wireless Telephone providers, and they will give (or sell you) Telephones and cards to connect you computer to the Internet. (via wireless telephone line).

For real price you will have to contact your Local Wireless Telco.

The first option connected at max speed to the Internet, but you need an already exist Internet service.

The second way can be extremely expensive, and painfully slow. However, it is a good option for people that need to be able to access email, and office information from anywhere in the country.
 

gsaldivar

Diamond Member
Apr 30, 2001
8,691
1
81
Unless you're willing to pay $50.00+ a month for sub-dialup speeds, don't waste your time on this.
 

skeletal29

Senior member
Oct 2, 2001
274
0
0
just get wifi and connect to you home lan if you got broadband or whatever...and now almost everywhere you go they are gonna have or stat having a public wan to acess throu wireless