laptop & wireless???

BG09

 

sorry, I am sure this is a pretty stupid question but I am technologically challenged...  anyway, I am looking into possibly getting a laptop or netbook but I am wondering how wireless would work with it.  If I were to get a wireless card with it (i think that's what it's called) would I be able to access the internet from anywhere? 

thanks for your help

 

MerRhosyn

Laptops and netbooks all come wireless-internet ready.  You don't have to buy cards anymore (and haven't had to for many years).  With this setup you would be able to access the internet anywhere with free wi-fi (Starbucks) or subscription wi-fi (airports, hotels, etc.).  You could install a wireless router at your house if you don't have one already - this would prevent you from having to connect with a wired LAN cable.

AmyRI

PP is right. Wireless (wifi) cards are built into everything now. If there's a wireless network to join, you can get online there. If you wanted to get access to the internet from literally anywhere, or while you're traveling on a train or in a car or something, then you would want to get a mobile broadband card. Those require subscriptions, basically like a cell phone data plan type thing. Those aren't standard, since a lot of places offer free wifi so you don't need it.

backinpgh

Agree with PPs. Your laptop will be able to access the internet already, anywhere there is an open available connection. If you use travel a lot or need the internet a ton for business, you might want to consider getting a broadband subscription through your cellphone provider, which would allow you to get access anywhere. But honestly, I've had very little trouble toting my laptop around and finding a coffee shop or other business that offers free WiFi whenever I need it.

BG09

Thanks for the help ladies.  The reason I asked is because I work nights in a home (residential area) and I was wanting to be able to take a lap-top with me.  It's kind of a bummer not knowing if I would be able to tap into a connection in this area (at work).  I also don't really feel like wasting an extra expense on a broadband subscription...oh well... might be worth it in the end.  Anyway, thanks again for the info!

MerRhosyn

BG09:

The reason I asked is because I work nights in a home (residential area) and I was wanting to be able to take a lap-top with me.  It's kind of a bummer not knowing if I would be able to tap into a connection in this area (at work).

A home as in someone else's home?  If yes and they have a wireless router, this would work fine as long as you have the network access info (if they encrypt their network, which they probably do).  Why don't you ask your work colleagues if your office/bldg has wireless?  This is fairly common.