I'm getting a laptop. What's up with wireless internet.?

Question

Here are a few questions about getting a laptop with wireless internet:

I'm from Belgium and I'm getting a Dell Studio 15. It says to choose either Wireless 1397 (free) or Wireless 1510 (20 euros). What is the difference and what is a mini-card?

Plus, do I NEED to select a router? What is that and do they send a bill for that? And when it comes to Microsoft Software, I would like to get Word and Excel. Sould I get the Home and Student one for that?

Answer 1

The wireless 1510 card has something called 802.11n which is a faster way of transfering data wirelessly.  The other wireless card only supports 802.11b/g which is slower than the 802.11n.

In order to get 802.11n speeds you need a router that supports that transfer rate so make sure when you get a wireless router that you have that.  Dont worry if it doesnt though because the wireless 1510 will be compatible with 802.11b/g.  A wireless router will proberbly contain a ADSL modem built in it if you have broadband through the telephone system.  If you read the instruction guide that comes with your router all should be relative straight forward but if you are having difficulty either ring the tech support of your ISP(assuming you will be getting a router from them) or have another question on here.

Good luck!

Answer 2

1. You want to pick up the "N Wireless Card". Currently the industry standard is "G" but "N" has a much greater range, and a higher speed. I would say buy the better wireless card (wireless capabilities are only going to continue to grow in importance).

2. Your wireless card will work with any wireless router, so it is doubtful that your laptop manufacturer will have the best price or router for you.

3. MS Office "Home & Student" does have Word & Excel, and that should be just fine for you.

Answer 3

wireless is basicly like a cell phone connection,

your phone or laptop calls the server which is wired to the "inter-net,

this basicly makes it seem like your phone or laptop or computor has more space for memory

but now that same space is now at the server company instead of in the devices you might buy,

which allows for your device to be smaller becuz of less memory parts in the device and other bulky parts that are at the server company

Answer 4

The difference would be of how far out of range you need to be to get a signol, the one that cost more is the one with the longest range. And yes in order to get internet at home, you must have a router either connect it to a modem of an already existing network, or you'll have to create a whole new on.

In home wireless internet is not free, you still would pay your Internet Service Provider the same as you always have.

Also I would not get a Dell, they are one of the worst brands out there and have horrible tech support. You would be wise to go with an HP or Toshibia, as they are two of the top three brands, along with Sony.

Answer 5

Dell Wireless 1397 minikaart (802.11 b/g)

Dell Wireless 1510 halve minikaart (802.11n)

these are the 2 choices, the 1st choice is not free but the default

the 2nd choice offers the 802.11n, which is a much better choice

refers to your wi-fi or wireless lan, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wireless_LA...

& here's the 802.11n, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IEEE_802.11...

as far as router goes, makes no sense purchasing one from dell

local stores should be cheaper & offer a wider variety

Microsoft Office 2007 Home and Student > Includes Word, Excel, Power Point and OneNote