Can someone recommend a wireless solution for me?

grex9101

Sorry in advance for being thick,

BUT

I'm looking to go wireless as have just upgraded to Bulldog Broadband and expect to get some decent speeds from it.
I wanna connect:
A desktop pc
A laptop
and my sony psp on occasion

My pc is a tiny pc and has a "802.11g pci wireless network adapter" in it (according to my pcs device manager).

The laptop is a dell, about 4 years old and pretty low-spec (don't think it has a pcmcia (spelling?) slot).

my psp is white!

I've looked at various posts in the forums, but i've not really been able to get a definitive answer-
I'm really just looking for the best all-in-one purchase that will be easy to set up and will let all three use the net at the same time.

thanks

albertross_2

What is the dell laptop model, what operating system? Most if not all laptops would have a slot for a pc-card, if not you could use a usb adapter (assuming that wireless isn't built-in)

grex9101

It's a dell Latitude C600 with 256mb RAM,

both the laptop and pc have windows xp home and the laptop definitely doesn't have wireless built in

thanks

albertross_2

I'm sure the C600 does have 2 PC-card slots..?

Don't know anything about PSP's maybe someone else can advise. But a adsl router, (Netgear DG834G GT etc series, and a wireless PC-CARD, or USB adapter should do the job for the PC's).

See ebuyer.com for prices.

grex9101

thanks, would i need two of the usb adapters, or would the wireless network adapter inside my pc suffice?

albertross_2

The adapter inside the pc will suffice. If the PC or laptop is near the phone point, you could also use a wired ethernet connection between the PC and router. (the routers mentioned also have four wired connections, as well as wireless).

If you use wireless, be sure to enable WPA encryption with a strong password (https://www.grc.com/passwords). Otherwise your neighbours may be able to use your internet connection, and get access to your files.

Also, if you haven't already done it, make sure XP is patched with the latest update from https://www.windowsupdate.com. If you don't have a security center icon in control panel, you should patch it asap. As well as upto date anti-virus and anti-spyware software. See the wireless and security sticky threads if you need any further advice on these issues..

albertross_2

A NETGEAR DG834G Netgear + WG511 Wireless 802.11g 54mbps PC Card... currently costs around £87 +P&P from ebuyer. You may be able to get them cheaper elsewhere, or get a different brand. linksys/belkin/dlink/ebuyer etc..

http://www.broadbandbuyer.co.uk/Shop/ShopDetail.asp?ProductID=2622

http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/tg/stores/detail/-/electronics/B00008DOYO/alternative-products/203-5851952-3785524

I'd go for the PC-CARD (pcmcia) option rather than a usb dongle, as the dongles are a bit more prone to accidental damage, if you are sat with the laptop on your knee. But you have to trade that off against the fact that the dongles are portable and can be used in desktops as well.

If you want the top of the range, get one of these:

http://www.broadbandbuyer.co.uk/Shop/ShopDetail.asp?ProductID=2702

It won't make your broadband any faster though!

grex9101

excellent. thanks for your comprehensive advice.

will be buying one as soon as. cheers.