[Ascendancy]

I just got a new laptop and I am wondering if anybody has any suggestions on a type of wireless card?

 

[johnwill]

Most new laptops already have wireless capability.

Start, Run, devmgmt.msc

Under Network adapters, please tell me all the devices listed. Also, are there any devices anywhere in the Device Manager display with yellow ? or ! displayed?

 

[Ascendancy]

Sorry it took so long. I have 2 things, neither of which has those symbols:

-Realtek RTL8101 Family PCI-E Fast Ethernet NIS (NDIS 6.0)
-Realtek TRL8187B Wireless 802.11g 54Mbps USB 2.0 Network Adapter

Any ideas?

 

[johnwill]

Could you share the make/model of the laptop with us? :smile:

 

[Ascendancy]

Of course, it's a Gateway running Windows Vista Home Premium.

 

[johnwill]

Gateway what? Exact model please.

 

[Ascendancy]

Uhm Gateway T-1620 with an AMD Turion processor. Does that help?

 

[johnwill]

As you can see from these specifications (http://support.gateway.com/s/Mobile/2007/Triton/1014881R/1014881Rsp2.shtml), that machine has wireless hardware. If it's not showing up in Device Manager, my guess is it's disabled in the BIOS. I'd check that first. You shouldn't need an add-on wireless card for any modern laptop.

 

[Ascendancy]

Well then that's definitely good news! I haven't messed around in the Device Manager too much, but the only things in there were the things I posted earlier:

-Realtek RTL8101 Family PCI-E Fast Ethernet NIS (NDIS 6.0)
-Realtek TRL8187B Wireless 802.11g 54Mbps USB 2.0 Network Adapter

I can mess with those right now, but what is the BIOS?

EDIT
I just checked it out, and it seems to be picking up some network but it is asking for some password key. My current DSL box doesn't have an antennae, would I need that or no?

 

[johnwill]

If you don't have wireless capability on your router, you're seeing someone else's network. Next step is to buy a wireless router so you have the ability to use that wireless laptop. :smile:

Of course, the exact make/model of the modem and/or router would help a bunch here.

 

[Ascendancy]

Well I have a Westell, not sure of the exact model. I asked my friend and he said to call up Verizon (that's who I have DSL with) and ask for a new wireless modem/router. Good idea, or is there another way to do this?

 

[tosh9i]

Does your westell look like this one:

http://www.netfaqs.com/windows/DSL/config/install/327w/index.asp

If so, then it is a dsl modem with a built in router that has wireless capabilities.

 

[Ascendancy]

No, it doesn't have an antennae. I was looking at some of the models earlier today on Westell's site, and I noticed that was the one that I need. I am just not sure if I can grab a new one free from Verizon or if it will cost money.

 

[tosh9i]

One of these:

http://business.verizon.net/Help/dsl/?case=c23511

 

[Ascendancy]

Yea I have the Westell 6100 Modem, but I can just call Verizon and request to order the Westell VersaLink Gateway?

 

[tosh9i]

You can try:

http://business.verizon.net/Help/DSL/HelpContactUs.aspx

 

[johnwill]

You can get your own wireless router for a lot less than from Verizon. :smile:

How about $5 after rebate? http://dealnews.com/TRENDnet-802-11...t-Router-for-5-after-rebates-more/200180.html

 

[tosh9i]

You can get your own wireless router for a lot less than from Verizon. :smile:

How about $5 after rebate? http://dealnews.com/TRENDnet-802-11...t-Router-for-5-after-rebates-more/200180.html

Well, if you're going to get that from CompUSA, you better act fast because after the holidays, there won't be any CompUSA left.

CompUSA To Close Up Shop

http://www.crn.com/it-channel/204703166

 

[johnwill]

Well, I assumed it was now. :smile: OTOH, you are right, one of those rebates is to CompUSA, so I suspect the real price is $20 now. :grin: