off topic - question on wireless laptop WI Fi connections

trytrytry · Sep 5, 2005

off topic - question on wireless laptop WI Fi connections

my new laptop im using at work and using at hime at nights has a button in front to turn on the wireless option, inside i have an Intel centrino mobile technology chip.

does that mean the chip itself has the Wi fi capability built in

my quesiton is what can you do to improv getting a strong Wi Fi signal?

can I buy a plug in card wihth an antenna to get a stronger signal if Im near a wireless connection but not on top of it. like grabbing the coffee shop from outside, or near a hotel that has it, or a neighbor, or outside in my backyard and still get my wireless signal (dont have that yet but will soon)

if so what do you buy?

thanks!

TTinCO · Sep 5, 2005

I've never dug into this too much, but I'm pretty sure that the signal strength is going to ONLY be a factor of the distance, and the material (concrete, brick, etc) between you & the signal base.

Even with an plug in card, I wouldn't expect much(if any) of a signal strength increase.

miaplus3 · Sep 5, 2005

Some have it built in, some can get you connected to a gateway from the usb port on the laptop, some require a card. Just open a browser & see. It should just open up if you have it built in. I've apple's have a slick system for connectivity. I'm thinking of getting a new apple laptop, even though my whole exsistence has been with microsoft. Never too old to change I guess

BAGIANT · Sep 5, 2005

I think that verizon has that new broadband service for 60 bucks a month that can be used anywhere.

Dubpoet · Sep 5, 2005

Your laptop is set up for a LAN (local access network) so you can set up one at home with a wireless router 100$ approx and if your work has one your in with a password when your there. You can jump on a neighbors if its not security enabled which most are. Also you can get pay sites like biongo who is in Starbucks and Barnes and Noble etc. You have to be within range and usually pay. Hotels often have wireless networks available in the lobby. I have a router at home and its great. I can take my Laptop just about anywhere on my property and get broadband. If you want true wireless you need a cellular company and thier card to get high speed anywhere there is cell phone service. I believe only the Sony T series comes with built in Cingular reception. Its at least 60 a month and the card from the phone company is expensive.

The kicker is that "high speed" cellular internet is really about as fast as dial up right now and the next generation network will not be compatable to your expensive cellular card. Wait a year for this.

TTinCO · Sep 5, 2005

Try, I actually didn't fully answer your question.

Your laptop has an integrated wireless modem that you can turn on & off.

If you have cable or dsl at home, just get a wireless router to tap into it & you're signal will be rock solid.