limbo Posted June 28, 2006 Report Share Posted June 28, 2006 Trying to make my laptop Wifi friendly, tried already to download some software, which didn't work. My laptop is about 2 years old and when I bought it, Wifi was unheard of. Any advice what course to follow? Thank you gents. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bangkoktraveler Posted June 28, 2006 Report Share Posted June 28, 2006 I don't think you can make it work with only software. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
keekwai Posted June 28, 2006 Report Share Posted June 28, 2006 What kind of software did you download? The only way I can think of to have wireless capability is via a pc card (slot) or USB unless it's integrated with the motherboard. I use a wireless card with my nearly 5 year old laptop. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
carlton68 Posted June 28, 2006 Report Share Posted June 28, 2006 Hi, as keekwai said, for laptops without integrated Wlan you need either a Wlan-PCMCIA card or a Wlan-USB-stick. Not expensive. They bring their own software. Besides, two years ago Wlan wasn't anything exotic. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
limbo Posted June 28, 2006 Author Report Share Posted June 28, 2006 Thanks Carlton, For me and my laptop it was! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
limbo Posted July 7, 2006 Author Report Share Posted July 7, 2006 If I buy a Wlan-USB-Stick, it should just work like that? I don't need to install anything else? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cavanami Posted July 7, 2006 Report Share Posted July 7, 2006 You may have to load drivers. Depends on the operating system (OS) you have (XP?), if the drivers are already exisitng in the OS, etc. The device that you buy should come with a CD with the necessary drivers. My last PC, I bought a PCMCIA card. The USB stick hangs out of the PC whhile the PCMCIA card slides into the PC, keeping the PC more compact. One advantage of the USB stick, as a friend of mine found out, you can use a USB extension cabe and position the stick for the best speed/reception of the WiFi. He had the stick hanging out of a hotel window to pick up some free WiFi. Cost should be about the same for both devices. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
carlton68 Posted July 7, 2006 Report Share Posted July 7, 2006 Yep, that's about it. Want to add one thing. If Wlan-PCMCIA card or Wlan-USB-stick, they will bring drivers and their own application for Wlan configuration. Using this application you'll scan for available Wlan networks and enter SSID and encryption keys, if neccesary. Win XP also brings a configuration tool which ain't that bad. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
limbo Posted July 8, 2006 Author Report Share Posted July 8, 2006 Got a laptop, so probably a USB stick is best for my set up. Any ideas about costs in Thailand? Possibly an idea where to pick one up in Phuket? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
carlton68 Posted July 8, 2006 Report Share Posted July 8, 2006 PCMCIA cards are for laptops, too. Depends if your Laptop has as slot to slide it in. PCI cards, that's for desktops. USB stick, works on both. No idea about prices and availability at your place. Here between 15 and 30 euros. As you have a laptop, maybe take it to the shop and let them help installing the wlan, give you a brief tour of wlan configuration / scanning for available networks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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