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    Networking help for my new (used) TP T23

    Discussion in 'Networking and Wireless' started by d_jedi, Oct 23, 2005.

  1. d_jedi

    d_jedi Notebook Geek

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    So I just bought an IBM Thinkpad T23 :buyIBM: .. now, I need to add a wireless card of some sort to connect it to my home and school's network.

    Wireless card
    I believe I have three choices here: Wireless USB adaptor, PCMCIA wireless card, or internal PCI card (I'll explain this further).

    Is there any difference between using a PC card vs a USB adaptor (ie. signal strength, battery useage, etc)?

    Another option (the seller told me this might be possible) is swapping out the modem card internal to the notebook (which I'll never use) and replacing it with a wifi card (ex. Atheros). Is this possible? Are there any advantages/disadvantages to this approach? Where would the antenna go?

    Connecting to my home network
    Currently, my network is setup as follows:
    - 4 port wired 10/100 Ethernet Netgear router (model RT314), which connects to a cable modem and the 4 machines (not including the laptop) in my home.

    So the problem is there isn't an extra ethernet port for, say, an access point. Any recommendations? I would like to do this as cheaply (err.. inexpensively, actually) as possible.
     
    d_jedi, Oct 23, 2005
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  2. ZaZ

    ZaZ Super Model Super Moderator

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    The least hassle option would be the PCMCIA card.
     
    ZaZ, Oct 23, 2005
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  3. d_jedi

    d_jedi Notebook Geek

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    Is there any difference between the three options? In use, I'd think integrated > PC card > USB, just because of things sticking out of the laptop (and where they stick out)
     
    d_jedi, Oct 23, 2005
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  4. ZaZ

    ZaZ Super Model Super Moderator

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    Personally I would go for the PCMCIA card. I'm not sure if the T23 has or need the antenna. Might want to look into that.
     
    ZaZ, Oct 24, 2005
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