Noob wireless compatibility question.

So I recently purchased a Dell Inspiron 1720. I have a wired router that I use for all of my desktops, so I've never had a need for wireless until now. The card in my notebook is a Intel 3945 WLAN (802.11a/g) Mini Card. What does the 802.11a/g mean, and what is the best router that I can buy that is compatible with it? Sorry if this is covered somewhere else, I couldn't find it.

 

802.11a/g means that ur wireless card is compatible with the b and g band.
there are currently 4 consumer band. 801.11 a/b/g/n. the n is currently in draft 2.0 is still not ready yet IMO, they plan to release the final version late next year.

802.11 is the standard for wifi connection. the a is the older version one, followed by b, these two are usually just a relic, some businesses might still use them. what u need to consider right now is the 802.11g it is the current mainstream standard.

i'm not very sure what the best router is. but Netgear RANGEMAX is a known good one, though slightly more expensive. i use Netgear. you can try Netgear/Belkin/DLink/Linksys, in that order is my preference. perhaps someone can alight me on this info, i'm trying to update my router also (netgear 802.11a/b/g, silver). should i buy an extended antenna, get the RANGEMAX or plunge directly to 802.11n?

you can go to http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IEEE_802.11 for more info.

 

If your notebook is going to be doing alot of downloading or gameing and stuff you may want to invest in a high end router or ap.

But you sound alot like me that already has a desktop and a wired network and just wants some type of wireless in the house so that I can take my notebook anywhere in the house and be on the network and browse the web.

If thats the case something cheap will do you just fine.

There were 2 buffalo routers on sale for 25$ after rebate but I ended up going for this one since its abit better (MIMO) and has the ability to be a Access point rather than a router.

http://shop3.outpost.com/product/4557037?site=sr:SEARCH:MAIN_RSLT_PG

Wich means just plug it into one of your current routers ports and it will be on the same network as your desktops just it will have a wireless connection.

It also fully supports the advanced firmware known as WWRT but the reviews say it has great base firmware and is pretty much plug and play.

Look it up on newegg.com and you can read thru a ton of reviews.

its 50$ now with free shiping from that link so I think its a good deal.

 

i'm thinking about getting a Dell 1520 and was wondering if i should fork over the extra 25 bucks and get the Intel Next-Gen N card?

the school where i'll be going this fall uses b/g wi-fi in some areas, so the Intel 3945 802.11a/g card would be ok (from what i know about wi-fi). i'll be keeping this computer for probably 4 or 5 years, and with N coming in Sept. 2008, i wasn't sure if it might be a good idea to spend the extra 25.