Purchasing new laptop, new to wireless networking

I’ll be buying my first laptop and setting up my first wireless network in the near future, and wireless networking is brand new to me. I’m comfortable with computers, so I don’t need total hand-holding, but I could use some advice to make sure I’m doing it properly and getting the most out of it.

I currently have a desktop PC that was custom-built five years ago; it runs well and I plan to keep using it. I am about to purchase an HP Pavillion dv9700t which will have Bluetooth. I also have a Canon MP830 all-in-one printer. I use the Internet heavily, but I’m not a gamer. I want a network that is fast and reliable, but I don’t want to pay for a ton of features I’ll never get around to using.

First, is it really just as easy as buying a router and connecting it to my cable modem? Do I need any other equipment? And what should I look for – for example, I’ve heard 802.11n thrown around – and do I have any compatibility issues to worry about?

Second, my Canon MP830 printer does not have the ability to do wireless network printing. But some quick research indicates that I could connect the printer to the desktop PC then share it through the network. For practical purposes, is this the same thing? Anything else I should be aware of? Or better yet, could it be modified for Bluetooth?

Third, for practical purposes, what exactly does Bluetooth get me? Can I adapt my USB devices so they are Bluetooth accessible? The only true Bluetooth device I currently own is my cell phone, and I’m currently not taking advantage of this option. I know Bluetooth mouses are available for laptops, but what advantage does that give me (or is there one, aside from eliminating a dongle)?

Fourth, how do people handle all their USB gadgets once they move to a laptop? Can those be connected wirelessly too?

Thanks in advance for the help. I’m happy to try to answer any follow-up questions if you have them.

 

First, is it really just as easy as buying a router and connecting it to my cable modem? Do I need any other equipment? And what should I look for – for example, I’ve heard 802.11n thrown around – and do I have any compatibility issues to worry about?

if your wireless card has an 'n' in its description, then you can use the 'n' technology. keep in mind that wireless n will not significantly increase you internet browsing over the g standard, it will, however, increase the speed of your local intranet (assuming you even have one).
all this being said- all you will need is a router. is it that easy? uh, no. you will have to configure the router and your computer to talk to each other, and you will likely want to have some security enabled on the router so you will not have your neighbors hogging your bandwidth...
ah! i see the 9700 is currently going with the 4965 card. you can get a router that has wireless n, or not, your choice here- either will work. i, for instance, have the same wireless card in my computer, and use a linksys router- no 'n' on it and it works just fine, thank you.

Second, my Canon MP830 printer does not have the ability to do wireless network printing. But some quick research indicates that I could connect the printer to the desktop PC then share it through the network. For practical purposes, is this the same thing? Anything else I should be aware of? Or better yet, could it be modified for Bluetooth?

it might be a bit of a pain to set up, but it should work through the desktop PC if you network your computers. note that if you have them networked, your wireless n will make sending huge files to your desktop faster if you get a wireless n enabled router... this may make wireless n worth it for you if you plan on backing up to your desktop, for instance.

Third, for practical purposes, what exactly does Bluetooth get me? Can I adapt my USB devices so they are Bluetooth accessible? The only true Bluetooth device I currently own is my cell phone, and I’m currently not taking advantage of this option. I know Bluetooth mouses are available for laptops, but what advantage does that give me (or is there one, aside from eliminating a dongle)?

it's cheap and could be useful, so why not? i would wait for bluetooth devices and buy them instead of attempting to adapt current devices...

Fourth, how do people handle all their USB gadgets once they move to a laptop? Can those be connected wirelessly too?

use bluetooth for some devices (mouse), and get a usb hub. that is probably the easiest solution...

 

000111 gave some good advise that i can't argue with

go with "n", but don't spend all ur money as it's not even the final draft yet.

yep, share the printer thru ur desktop, no problem. We have a WiFi "G" lexmark printer so we run g/n on our network of computers in the house and the shop. My advise to you, as to all, try to use the same chip manufaturer for the router, laptop cards and usb adapters to take full advantage of the "speed" of an N network

and i'll come set it up for you for a small price