Noob internet questions

Hi all, please could you help me out im not to clear on things when it comes to wireless internet etc

I have just purchased the http://www.laptopsdirect.co.uk/Asus_F3Jp_Laptop_F3JP-AS113C/version-1.asp

What would i need now to get wireless internet access? and which is the best method/cheapest?

I know its kind of an open question but im not sure about the whole modem/router stuff.

I take it with the laptop iv just bought i will have an internal modem and wireless access, so what do i need now to surf the web (wireless) i have internet at home for my pc i believe i will be able to plug this into my laptop and surf through that (usb, ethernet etc) but what about wireless. Do i need a router and new internet provider?

I would like to be able to get access out and about to for example on train, friends house etc, iv seen those little plug in usb internet devices for laptops i.e the one from the company '3' are they any good?

Sorry about stupid questions but dont really know much about wireless internet (as you can probably tell) any help would be very appreciated.

thankyou

 

All you need is a wireless router.

You plug in the cable that comes from your modem into the wireless router. Then you plug in your old desktop into the router, and the laptop will connect wirelessly.

 

what kind of internet do you have at your house. is it dialup or is it dsl, cable?

 

The wireless router is the way to go. It's very easy. If you don't want to shell out for a wireless router, you could buy a cheap $20 wireless card for your PC and create an access point. My Advice is to find a computer geek to set it all up for ya. Looking at your post, you may or may not be all that confident setting this stuff up by yourself, although it usually is very very easy.

 

Budo, you can get your current internet access at home to be wireless by buying a wireless router, this will broadcast to the internal antenna and card in your laptop. The router will be wired to the internet you have now, you will not need to get new internet for that. BUT, in order to have internet always available when you are outside your house, what you will need is a subscription to a mobile provider. The router is like having a cordless phone instead of a corded handset, it still only works so far from the base. The mobile card is like having a cell phone. Does that make sense?

The mobile service plans I am seeing for you in the UK (assuming that's where you are since your comp is at a UK link) look like they run between £25-£44 per month depending on how much you use it, it's like cell phones and minutes that way--it will also be like cell phones in that it will have blind spots, and spots where the access is not that great due to interference. Do you really need it walking around? Because at friends' houses if they have wireless routers you can log onto their network too with no extra gear, just your builtin card, and also at wifi coffeeshops and libraries and such, you will just have to get a login from them--some are for pay, some are free, but unless you are planning to use your computer outside a LOT paying for it outside occasionally will be cheaper than having a subscription to mobile.

 

Thanks alot guys, especially to Seaice for putting it in terms that have finally sunk in Yes i live in the UK, currently using broadband on home pc. Think i will just get a router and use internet near to that at home then, as dont want to really be paying out more monthly subscriptions. Guess i dont really need mobile access, as long as i can connect at libraries etc I do use trains quite often though, do you know if some trains have wireless networks i can connect to or not?

thankyou

 

According to this article, looks like you can get pay-per-use on the train but seems kind of expensive.