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Thread ID: 67999 2006-04-13 08:16:00 Newbie to Wifi Nomad (952) Press F1
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446057 2006-04-13 08:16:00 Hi, I am getting a wifi device to travel with a ultraportable laptop, so I can use the HDD to store digi photos and to obtain free internet when avail...

1. Is there a difference between a PCMCIA or a USB device?

2. How is the 108MBPS one? I see some places only do 54 speed.

Can someone provide me some links or how you would search for free web links ... I will be using win2k on my laptop. Thanks.
Nomad (952)
446058 2006-04-13 09:03:00 Yup PCMCIA (en.wikipedia.org) and USB (en.wikipedia.org) use different interfaces.

BUT, you can use either USB or PCMCIA for wireless.

108 is called SuperG, BUT 54 is good enough for wireless. And fast enough.

You can still use 108. It'll just go down to 54 speed, if whatever you're connecting to only goes to 54mb.

Free web links for what?
Speedy Gonzales (78)
446059 2006-04-13 11:16:00 Thanks for the reply speedy.

Regarding if one bought a usb or a pcmcia type, is there going to be a difference in terms of reception or speed?

I am using win2k, how does one search for free wifi hotspot? Would software be provided with the card or builtin into windows? If one uses internet banking via a free hotspot is it safe to do so?

Thanks again.
Nomad (952)
446060 2006-04-13 11:32:00 Even USB 1.1 is 10 mb/s speed, well above the likely bandwidth you will encounter at any free wifi hotspots, which may be 5 mb/s if you are lucky, on the link back to the ISP used by the wifi supplier, and this is then shared by all users logged on.

Just how fast a connection do you need or expect??

Your laptop should indicate if a wireless connection is available, but using a hotspot for banking? Not recommended if you want security.
godfather (25)
446061 2006-04-15 02:45:00 ... using a hotspot for banking? Not recommended if you want security.Yes, for security you should use an ATM. :groan: :D Graham L (2)
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