Convert laptop to wi-fi

George&Ade

Hi.I own a Toshiba Satellite 5200(about 3 years old)and was wondering if it is possible to convert it to wi-fi without the need of having to go out and buy a brand new laptop.
Funds are very limited but need to be able to get "online" without the need for any cables.
Thanks.

Nile

Hello George&Ade

I'll move your thread to the 'Techie Stuff' board.

Hi, Martin’s asked me to post this in these circumstances: I’ve asked Board Guides to move threads if they’ll receive a better response elsewhere(please see this rule) so this post/thread has been moved to another board, where it should get more replies. If you have any questions about this policy please email [EMAIL="abuse@moneysavingexpert.com"]abuse@moneysavingexpert.com[/EMAIL].

Regards

Nile

superscaper

You need either a USB wireless adapter or a PCMCIA wireless card.

Eg http://www.amazon.co.uk/Belkin-802-11g-Wireless-Network-Adapter/dp/B0006374PK/ref=pd_bbs_sr_2/202-0636628-7476633?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1186941995&sr=8-2

or
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Wireless-Network-802-11g-PCMCIA-Laptop/dp/B000NOSCDU/ref=pd_bbs_sr_3/202-0636628-7476633?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1186942087&sr=8-3

respectively

Note: these aren't necessarily the best or cheapest, simply the first examples of each type I found for this post.

globalds

http://www.pixmania-pro.co.uk/uk/uk/88341/art/d-link/pcmcia-wifi-card-108-mb-d.html?srcid=867

I've stuck a link into a wifi card on pixmania .Stick this in the pcmia slot on the side of the lappy and load the driver ..Thats it ......Only if you haven't got wifi set up in the house you will not be able to get any where.
This would be something like this http://www.pixmania-pro.co.uk/wireless+router/ukukk1_1_9_0_0.html?txtSearch1=wireless+router&catid=9
You have to get the right type Depending on whether you are on a cable or phone line.
I'm sure someone will be along soon with more advice.

Browntoa

you want this type of thing

http://stores.channeladvisor.com/cablestar/items/item.aspx?itemid=3904579&source=googlebase

Aldi's had some for £11 ish the other day

Jonesya

Yes - you could get a usb wifi adaptor or if you've got a PCMCIA slot free then a PCMCIA wifi card - you should be able to get an adaptor for under £20.

A wifi adaptor would allow you to connect to a wifi network so you could use it access the net through, say, an ADSL wifi router at home.

superscaper

:rotfl:No joy in other board so you get moved to the techie board and [STRIKE]three[/STRIKE] four answers come along at once.

impy78

I wouldn't use any Belkin wireless products - I have had several and they've all broken.

Netgear are the best, they work like a dream.

Either the usb wireless adaptor or their pcmcia cards.

superscaper

impy78 wrote: »

I wouldn't use any Belkin wireless products - I have had several and they've all broken.

Netgear are the best, they work like a dream.

Either the usb wireless adaptor or their pcmcia cards.

Just to reemphasise that in my post I was only demonstrating what the different hardware was and looked like. I, like impy78, prefer Netgear products and pretty much only have them for my wireless networking. Although I've not had problems with wireless products from Linksys or Asus either.

George&Ade

Hi.Many thanks for your replies.
Not being very pc minded,im not sure which card i would need.
Not sure if i should have said in my original question that i wish to use my laptop away from home i.e.checking messages whilst on holiday in the UK.

espresso

George&Ade wrote: »

Hi.Many thanks for your replies.
Not being very pc minded,im not sure which card i would need.
Not sure if i should have said in my original question that i wish to use my laptop away from home i.e.checking messages whilst on holiday in the UK.

If your laptop has a PCMIA slot, get one of those adaptors. However to check your mail etc. you will have to pay to use most WiFi hotspots and security may be an issue.

:eek:

If you have a mobile that may be better for the odd weeks holiday e-mail use - much smaller and you would normally have it with you anyway.

:cool: