Tom,
The unit you're describing is a FULL featured model, in that it supports
802.11b (max 11mbps) and 802.11g (max 54mbps) networks via 2.4GHz band, and
802.11a (54 mbps) networks via 5GHz band. Some models also support
"doubling" of these speeds when used in conjunction w/ the same make/model
of other wireless clients and routers. Most "public" places, for reasons of
maximum compatibility, support only 802.11b (at least as of today), and so
the added features of 802.11g or even 802.11a, and definitely the "doubling"
feature, are NOT going to be of much use (not for public places anyway). So
if money is a factor, a decent 802.11b wireless adapter can be had for
$20-30 (after rebate), and with some bargain hunting, even $10 or less. But
given the relatively low cost overall of any of these wireless adapters,
you're not going to go wrong or break the bank w/ any of them *if* you shop
around. I'll provide some links at the end showing how 802.11b/g models can
be had for $40-50 (after rebate), or less.
Most of the tri-band model 802.11a/b/g are more expensive, and rarely
rebated. So you may want to stick w/ the simpler 802.11b/g dual-band. The
802.11a spec was introduced before 802.11g, and so at the time was
considered an improvement over 802.11b. But then 802.11g got released not
long afterwaards, and in effect, it has (to a great degree) obsoleted
802.11a, 802.11a never really took off, 802.11g stalled it in the market
place. IOW, don't become enamored w/ 802.11a, it's not really necessary or
widely supported.
Here's a good example of a tri-band from D-Link:
http://www.dlink.com/products/?pid=305
But the following dual-band is really all most people need:
http://www.dlink.com/products/?pid=11
Netgear, D-Link, Linksys, SMC, all provide similar lines. What you want to
watch out for is "WiFi" compatibility! If this isn't specified, you're not
guaranteed interoperability. Given you intend to use this primarily, if not
exclusively, on networks of unknown configuration (e.g., brand/model), this
is particularly important. You might want to scour the Internet for product
reviews (perhaps visit
http://www.wi-fi.org itself, they may have
recommendations!), particularly of people using the model(s) that interest
you and see if they are reasonably compatible in public. I just ran across
a news article only a few days ago (
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tm...p/20040319/ap_on_hi_te/europe_tech_show_wi_fi )
where the WiFi group did a survey of "supposedly" WiFi compatible devices,
and the results were a little disappointing. So you may have to experiment
a little to find the best unit for your circumstances. That's why I
recommend buying from some place that will readily accept the unit for
return, even if opened (e.g., Circuit City, Best Buy), worth paying a little
more for this comfort.
Configuration is trivial. You typically just install the drivers, then
shutdown. Now install the card, reboot XP, it will auto-detect, and then
you merely right-click the new wireless network connection (in My Network
Places) to configure the wireless options (SSID, Adhoc vs. Infrastructure,
Channel #, etc.). Of course, in your case, these will change from location
to location. If you're in a public place, and the wireless network is
UNSECURE and truly open, the default configuration will probably get you
connected. If it's based on a purchase, such as a visit to McDonalds,
there's probaby some config info you'd have to adjust, like a WEP key. As
you visit different places and they have different SSIDs, you're network
configuration will REMEMBER the configuration information, so movement from
place to place gets easier with time as you accumulate configurations.
Here's an example of a $30 (AR) Netgear dual-band 802.11b/g cardbus adapter:
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00008I9K8/ref=nosim/bensbargaicenter/104-4222909-5616757
You can find other similar "deals" by visiting bargain sites, like:
http://www.techbargains.com/index.htm
http://www.bensbargains.net/
http://www.xpbargains.com/
You will, with a little hunting, find deals almost as good at Circuit City,
Best Buy, etc., if you're patient. Of course, a place like Amazon is sweet
since it doesn't charge shipping and tax (in most instances).
HTH
Jim
I have a laptop which I carry with me when travelling. I have heard
about WI-FI nodes in public places and would like to upgrade my laptop
to take advantage of this. I do not have a network at home or
business.
I am looking at adding a wireless cardbus, something like the SMC
Elite Connect Universal 2.4 GHz/5 GHz.
How do I configure it and the laptop for WI-FI ing?
Thanks, Tom.
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Human speech is like a cracked tin kettle, on which
we hammer out tunes to make bears dance when we long
to move the stars. Flaubert. Madame Bovary.
