[ChristopherASA]

Been using computers since 286s went out of style, but am *completely* new to this "wireless stuff." Have an HP ze5600 series (ze5607wm, actually, so its about 6 yrs. old) notebook and I need to go wireless. Running XP Home Edition, service pack 2, but updating to 3 I think.

Will be accessing a Ubiquiti Airmax (probably) wireless router about 120 feet distant, mounted about 10 feet off the ground.

Plan on installing a PCMCIA wireless adapter: shying away from USB because I've read they can be slow (?).

So ... my questions:

1. Are there any discernable advantages, one brand over the others? (TRENDNet, Cisco-Linksys, Belkin, NETGEAR)

1a. Any idea which of the above companies has the better customer service?

2. 120 feet away, am I going to need an external antenna?, and if so, I'd appreciate any suggestions as to brands, specs, or whatever.

3. The HP is about 6 years old: should I anticipate BIOS issues I may have to deal with? (This computer was given to me, so I may have trouble updating the BIOS if that is necessary.)

Thank you, folks. Off till Friday so will be unable to answer any questions or proffer any thanks till then.

Christopher
408thRRD

 

[JMPC]

Are you certain that your laptop doesn't have built in wireless? HP shows wireless drivers available for your model on their site.

 

[ChristopherASA]

JMPC:

Pretty certain, for the following reasons:
..............................................................
a. the Mini PCI slot on the bottom of the laptop has no card in it (meant for a Wifi card, et al, I guess), nor do I see any antenna connectors in said "slot";

b. there is no Wireless on/off button on the front of the unit (as shown in the users manual);

c. I've tried three or four methodologies -- found on the Web -- for determining if a wireless card is installed, and they all seem to be indicating there is none, including;

d. "Start > Control Panel > Network Connections (or whatever)" shows two monitor icons but says a connection is missing or that it is disconnected.
............................................................

A wireless card was an option on this model.

I have, however, discovered that the PCMCIA slot is CardBus (Device manager -> PCMCIA Adapters shows "OZMicro OZ6912 CardBus controller.

Tell me if I am wrong about this, please, because I am learning "as I surf." Assuming I'm not wacko, any comments about my other questions?

Thanks for responding, JMPC.

ChristopherASA
408thRRD

 

[JMPC]

This is the service manual:
http://h10032.www1.hp.com/ctg/Manual/c00246219.pdf

Sounds like the side slot is a cardbus slot. The mini-pci slot should also be able to accommodate a wifi card assuming all the connections are there.

 

[ChristopherASA]

Sorry for the delayed response, JMPC.

Yes, a CardBus slot: same conclusion I can to, and I guess that's the way to go. Thanks for taking the time.

ChristopherASA
408thRRD