Wireless Notebook Kit

[flownosaj]

Okay, some of you may have seen that I needed to get a new 'puter in addition to the bike and all the other stuff that seemed so necessary the past few weeks (which limited my custom Mclux bid limit).
Now, the old 'puter is still around but is destined to a life of misery /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/dedhorse.gif

I bought a fairly inexpensive Compaq notebook. Unfortunately it didn't come with wireless access. I've got cable internet here at home, but now that I've got the notebook, I don't want to be tied down to the computer room anymore.

I stopped at Bestbuy and found that the Microsoft Wireless-G Notebook Kit sounds like a good option. Has the router and card in a bundle pack for $149. I'm thinking that I could go cheaper elsewhere if I look hard enough.

The question:
1)Does anybody currently run one of these Microsoft cards, and if you do, what's your honest opinion.
2)Any other reccomentdations for a good wireless bundle that would keep costs low and still work great?

Thanks guys, you've really been great resources /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif
-Jason

 

[6pOriginal]

I have a Micorsoft card on my mini laptop, it's a bit expensive compare to others, it's a 16bit card and still cost around $70. Besides that it actually seems to work better than my centrino laptop.

 

[was_jlh]

Jason, never used the microsoft stuff.

I would buy an Avaya / Agere / Orinoco based card and then keep an eye on the deals forums for a wireless router.
http://forums.anandtech.com/categories.cfm?catid=40
www.techbargains.com
www.jumpondeals.com
etc.

That's what I did, paid $50 for my compaq CP-2W wireless router and around $50 for my Agere based card.

Joe

 

[TOB9595]

One thought that I have is to get the usb wireless adapter.
That's what I'm on the lookout for now.
I'm always heading to dealnews.com for the best deals in routers. Missed the dlink wireless by a couple of hours. $15 after rebates w free shipping.....sigh. Sold out. But it was my fault for procrastinating.
The usb adapter will allow me the option of installing this in my laptop or a desktop.
Sorta increases the uses for it.
Tom

 

[BlindTiger]

Was? why are the Orinoco cards always recommended?
I bought the Silver one because it was cheaper. Found out that you can change the firmware so it could be the Gold version but don't know how to do it?
My Orinoco works great with a D-Link wireless router I bought, which some people said has problems.

 

[was_jlh]

BlindTiger, I assume people recommend them because they work well and they have an external antenna connector. I've always been happy with mine.

I'm using an agere ruby or sapphire card, so I've never messed with the firmware upgrade issue myself. If you search in the "Wireless Networking" forum on www.dslreports.com, you will see some threads about it.

Joe

 

[Stefan]

A little tip here, Jason. To keep costs down, stick with 802.11b protocol. If all you are using wireless for is internet access, there is no reason to get a kit that is over the 11 Mbps rating. It seems since companies are trying to push out faster and faster wireless protocols, the first protocol should come down in price.

Another thing to note though is you get what you paid for, so if you get the "el cheapo" brand, you most likely will get problems.

 

[flownosaj]

Thanks for all the advice guys. Right now I'm gonna keep an eye out for weekend sales and see what's cheapest of the good brands.

I'll let you know what comes of my shopping

/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif
-Jason

 

[Greta]

I just went wireless this afternoon. I'm using Netgear. For the router and WiFi card, it was a total of $140.00 at Staples. Took me about 5 minutes to get "wireless". Then I went out to my new pool and surfed CPF... /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grinser2.gif