what kind of modem card do i need to get wifi access for my laptop?

Question

I have a dell inspiron 1100. it is about 3 years old. thanks! I dont have a wireless modem, but want to use the ones available in starbucks and dunkin donuts, etc.

Answer 1

You need a pcmia wireless adapter, you can pick them up cheap any number of places.

Answer 2

You do not need a 'wireless modem'. Your Dell Inspiron 1100 comes with a built in 10/100 Ethernet Card. All you really need to connect while at Starbucks or other places is a Wireless Adapter. Netgear has one available, RangeMax Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter that comes with a CAT 5 shielded cable. Plug the cable into your USB port and the other end into the Wireless Adapter and you are Good To Go. A web site you might be interested in:
http://pcworld.jiwire.com/
to find WiFi Hot Spots.

Answer 3

I would suggest either a Linksys WiFi Card or a Netgear WiFi Card. They usualy run in the market of $60 and you can pick one up at any place from Radio Shack to CompUSA. If your laptop support USB, you can also get a USB WiFi adapter. They can sometimes be a better solution as they are not cramming things into a little card. It depends on how much stuff you want seperate from your laptop. The cards fit nicely.

Now, many cell phones and cell providers offer a link cable or a wireless card. This would allow your laptop access to your cell's wireless internet. This can be a very good solution so that you don't have to pay for internet at Starbucks (thou I suggest getting the demo disc thatgives you a free hour of internet).

Answer 4

You need a wireless network card that will plug into one of the slots or a USB port. It is not a modem card. Some Dell laptops have built-in wireless network cards, so check your owner's manual before buying one.

At Starbucks or DD ask for their network's name and establish a connection to it. Then you just surf and sip for the rest of the day.

Answer 5

Get a USB wifi plugin adapter from Bestbuy or any other electronic store. They are usually pretty cheap. I think your Inspiron has the USB connection. So all you got to do it to plug in the adapter install the software CD and sign up with what ever service that is available in your area. In most Starbucks they have Tmobile hotspot. When you turn on you computer with the wifi adapter you will automatically see their homepage when you open you explorer browser. Just follow the direction and you we get connected.

Good luck.

Answer 6

http://search.ebay.com/wifi-cards-laptops_W0QQfkrZ1QQfnuZ1
but none will work unless you are near a router for wireless connections ;if you are not radio shack has one for 50 buckbut for what your asking, its called a wireless card, also verizon offers a good one with great flexability, but those on ebay will work for what you desire
upon more research here one just for you : http://cgi.ebay.com/DELL-inspiron-1100-1150-5100-5150-wireless-card-WIFI_W0QQitemZ230020135298QQihZ013QQcategoryZ44996QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Answer 7

i would contact dell. If your laptop is too old it might not even have a spot for the wireless card.

Answer 8

buy a wireless pc card, they sell them at radio shack or any electronic store. They cost about 40 dollars

Answer 9

All the major hotspots have the IEEE 802.11b, 802.11g or wi-max 802.11n.

My recommendation is to use IEEE 802.11b/g. It will give you the connectivity of both the networks.

By the way IEEE802.11g is fast.

*Brand name doesnt matter. use cheapest

Answer 10

You don't need a modem card, you need a WI-FI card.