How does wireless internet work with a laptop computer and what are the average monthly costs for this?

Answer 1

Most new laptops have an integrated wireless card of 802.11G. There is also the older (slower) 802.11A and 802.11B standards. The 802.11N standard is being introduced, while touted to be faster than G but has yet to meet the hype.

For at home wireless, you will need to have a subscription for High Speed Internet (cable or ISDN). In the USA, a cable connection runs around $50 a month. The price of ISDN, a high speed connection from your local phone company, varies per your location. Prices for ISDN are going down, which is good for the consumer. A direct connection to the internet is much faster by cable than for ISDN, but ISDN still zips past a dial up modem. However, the wireless connection will be slower than a direct connection to a high speed modem. Unless you are using your computer for online gaming, you probably will not notice the difference.

For the connection, you will need a modem and a wireless router. If you are unsure about your modem, you can generally rent one from your provider. You can connect the wireless router directly to your modem.

Make sure that you set up WEP security for your wireless modem. This will require a password for other laptops to access your system. I like the modems and routers from Belkin, D-link, and Lincsys.

I have a few friends in college who do not buy internet access. They use their wireless cards in their laptop in order to access free hotspots or to piggyback on unsecured networks.

You can also purchase a card from T-Moble, AT&T, and other cell providers that will allow you to access the internet wirelessly. However, they have a limit on the amount of info you can download and upload in a month. There are also some new "high speed only" providers on the market. Richmond has a new company called Clearwire that's been advertising off the hook. I don't have too much experience with them, so I can not speak about it too much.

Most of the high speed providers offer a short term introductory offer, so take advantage of that to find the high speed internet wireless connection that you like.

Answer 2

If anything get clearwire! There is a little disk shaped connection that you can plug in to use it. Not very much actually only 19.99 per month and definately worth it. A perfect connection!!!