wireless internet

[darkkiss]

hiya id just like to say i havent a clue when it comes to this! however id like wireless internet for my laptop upstairs. i already have an internet connection upstairs. what would i need to buy to set it up? my laptop has wireless LAN and bluetooth if that helps. also where would you suggest i buy it? maplins? i did just have a look at a few and they have different Mbps. i looked it up nd know what it means however does it mean that if i buy one, 54 mbps for example that the connectioon will be slow?
thank you for youre help!

[Ethel]

54mbps is perfectly fast enough. :)

Who is your ISP? Any chance of a free combined wireless router/modem from them?

[ACtheTROLL]

first choice - ethel's suggestion see if you can get a freebie

if not - decide on a router either by price (linksys or netgear are pretty sound) - or better look in a few pc mags - see what's recommended

hit google, kelkoo amazon and just get the bet price you can (remember the postage)

if it's just one machine - and they are both upstairs - I'd still say use wire (I just don't like wireless!)

54 is the optimum (for now) - your broadband max is 8Mb - and unlikely to get above 24Mb/s anytime soon - so no problem.

however if you ever get another machine and want to share files - you will realise how bad wireless actually is

[darkkiss]

ACtheTROLL - i do already share files with my dads computer downstairs
and im with virgin. how do i go about geting a freebie, if they do do them?

[ACtheTROLL]

what do you have now?
also - is it cable or landline - and which package are you on?
the 2Mb package doesn't include the wireless - so you'll need to rethink if that's the one

there are two tactics - report whatever you have as faulty - having borrowed a friend's - you can of course be certain that's the trouble - oh and by-the-way seeing that there is soon to be one on it's way - what's the chance of making it a wireless one?

alternatively
somebody or other have a far better deal at the moment (are talk talk still offering free service? - or tell them you prefer sky) - my router/modem/whatever is faulty - so it seems like a good time to change to them - unless they can come up with a reason to stay.

they might upgrade you - they might mot - worth a try though - but don't talk yourself into a corner - there is always - right ... well be changing - I'll get my dad to ring when he gets back from australia .... ;-)

failing that - insert hand in pocket - try to find a bargain - just be certain it's compatible with your connection