(Numpty Warning!) Advice Needed Re: Wireless Web Connection etc.

loviatar

De-lurking, hoping for a spot of advice regarding wireless stuff!

I have a Sony Vaio (PCG-K195BP) laptop which I want to be able to use to connect to the web in my office or clients' offices without having to insert cables.

I have just installed in my office a (Linksys) wireless-g router which is connected via an ethernet cable to my laptop; however, in order to use the machine in a different part of the office, do I need to now get a card to insert into it instead of aforementioned cable?

I have a slot in the side of the laptop, which I assume is where a PCMIA card would go and I'm pretty sure that there isn't an internal card, as I have tried disconnecting the ethernet cable from the router and I cannot connect to the web!

In addition, I shall be purchasing another laptop, which I'll want to network. I assume I can do this using the router and the network wizard on my machine? Is it possible to get a decent priced laptop that already has the necessary inside it (for web plus network connection to other computers) or will I need to get a PCMIA card for that too?

**Note: I am saying PCMIA card as though I know what I am talking about!! I'm assuming the little cards with aerials are what I need! Or maybe they don't all have aerials!
This is why I need some advice...quickly!

Thank you all in advance!

Nicole

frak

aquick check on your laptop shows me it doesnt have inbuilt wireless networking.
Yes you will need a wireless pcmcia card. Have a look on dabs.co.uk or ebuyer for wireless cards. Netgear, buffalo or linksys all are very good. If you are getting another laptop just make sure it has inbuilt wireless. 99% og them come with a wired netowrk interface and most come with wireless built in. All centrino laptops are wireless but there are many others that are not centrino that will have a wireless interface.

frak

JimArnold

Not familiar with that Vaio but it may well have wireless built in but not set up. Most new decent spec laptops do
If not then yes you'll need a card for each or a usb wireless adapter - which does the same thing. They all have arials although like mobile phones they needn't stick out

You needn't buy the same make as your router but be aware that there are a number of different speed systems out there and they will only work with the lowest common denominator

Personally I always try and have one machine connected via a cable so if you have problems you can eliminate the wireless bit.

PCWorld are OK for that sort of thing if you have one local. Check the on line price first - if you order on line but collect then you pay the on line price. The big advantage is if you aren't happy with it they'll take it back.

loviatar

Thank you both for the swift replies. You've been a lot of help. I think I'll have a look around and see if I can get a Linksys (or compatible) card as I really can't be doing with slow connection speeds!

Thanks also for the tip re; PC World - not sure if there is one around here as I live and work in the @rse end of nowhere! Will check it out though, and the other places Frak mentioned.

Much appreciated chaps!