Laptop wifi

[edog11]

Ok I have a stupid question. I have a laptop I want to use it on my vacation at free wifi sites when travelling. The laptop doesnt have built in wireless connection. What do I need to buy to get the wifi working. I went to to store and I saw a few USB devices with different prices but which one do I need ? My laptop is HP ze4500.

[high_revs]

try to get a pc-card type or a usb type card. I like the pc card type because it might be easier to leave in than a usb (like snapping that usb thing).

here is an example of a pc card wifi adapter

http://www.amazon.com/Netgear-MA401-802-11b-Wireless-Card/dp/B00005B8HO

versus a usb example below

http://www.amazon.com/150Mbps-WIFI-WIRELESS-ADAPTER-802-11/dp/B002XGDU9M/ref=sr_1_2?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1295305060&sr=1-2

as far as you need, it depends if you want to look forward to building your own network. 802.11N is the big thing these days. But most free wifi places are probably running 802.11a/b/g. you'll be fine with a 802.11g adapter.

most important thing is look at return policy. since you're not as familiar with the network stuff, you can try to stick to brand names like netgear, d-link, linksys, etc. you can probably find more info on those though there are "generic" brands that can work (less name brands). if it doesn't work, exchange it. sometimes, i'll try a different brand/mfr if the previous one is just not working. hardly happens though when it comes to my wifi stuff.

[hcbr]

Yeah G is what you should get for minimal stuff, but it might be wise to get an 802.11n since alot of people are replacing it with N routers and is faster. you can get a pcmcia card adaptor or usb for it.

[edog11]

Thanks guys, I just returned from the store and im going to give it a try.

[den888]

I have a Verizon USB card (not 4G LTE) and it works as long as you can get a cellular signal.

Speeds are pretty quick, up to 1.5 mbps download speed.

[brassburnz]

If you have a cell phone with a data plan, you may be able to use that to connect to the internet as well. I have a blackberry with a data plan. I connect the blackberry to the computer with a usb cable and downloaded a free program called pdanet Yahoo or Google it for the website for a download.

There's a thread about connecting to the internet in this forum.