Are you using a laptop or a desktop?

[Raider Ronnie]

I'm not sure if I should be posting this question here or in Computers,
But I'de like to learn about using a laptop with a wireless router.

Do some here use a laptop and when needed plug in printers, cameres, or game controls (usb port)
How about speaker systems into a laptop?
What is the typical or max distance that you can take the laptop from the wireless router and still get an internet connection?

I basically want to take my desktop (a dell) and give it to my daughter to put in her bedroom and get myself a laptop and still use me all in 1 printer , fax ,copy maching and scanner, at my desk,
and keep my (kick ass) Harman/Kardon speaker system at my desk , and unplug those things quickly when I want to take the desktop with me.
I would think for the wireless connection, I would have to put the wireless router in my daughters room and the laptop would just have a wireless card.
but I wondering how far I would be able to take the laptop out of my house and get an internet connection.
Thanks!

If the tread belongs in computers, moderators please move it there!

[BigFish]

In computers ya clown....get back to studying! utin:

[ejk002]

I have a lap top and the kids use the desktop. I have a wireless router and my printer is hooked up to the desktop and set up to share the printer. I also have Tivo and that is on my network also, I can share pictures from my laptop to the Tivo in order to show friends and family pictures I have on my lap top. With the Tivo I can set up all my shows (On the Water, NE Angling and such) to record so I can watch them when they go to bed with out every turning off Nick on them

Just make sure you protect your wireless network, most of my neighbors don't even have a password on their system even after I have mentioned it to them many times . It is pretty easy to do and with out it someone in the area with a wireless pc can access your system.

[BigBo]

I'm running wireless on three 'puters. One is my daughters' in the house next door off of my router. No probs.

[BadBass]

If you're getting a new laptop get one with built in wireless antenna(no need for the card). It's sweet.

[Steve K]

I have a laptop with a wireless connection. When I want to use my printer, I just connect to it. When I want better sound, I attach external speakers. I second what ejk002 said about security. Make sure that you secure your network. I live in the city and it blows my mind that I can get onto my neighbors networks. There are several security protocols available, I only know about WPA and WEP. WPA is the better of the two. As far as how far you can walk away from your router, it depends a lot on which router you choose. I would check out the reviews on CNET or one of the other computer sites. Wireless is the way to go.

[Raider Ronnie]

Originally Posted by BigBo

I'm running wireless on three 'puters. One is my daughters' in the house next door off of my router. No probs.

Whats the distance from the houses, and have you tried to go farther?

[JohnR]

Ronnie - talk to me before getting the laptop. I'll steer you in the right direction for a new one...

Wireless routers are great but they MUST be setup securely. I had been fighting with my ISP that my lines sucked and they said they were fine, well on the slightly more than rare occassion when it went down, I'd "borrow" my neighbors wireless . I can see 4-5 wireless networks from my house and get on to 2-3 of them because the people do not secure them.


Typical wireless B/G range is 100-150 feet indoors. The amount and type of objects in the wat between one point and the other will determine signal quality and speed. The further you go and more obstructions you have, the lower your line speed will be.

Outside, with a decent system you can probably push out to 4000 feet with little tweaking.

For the speakers, if it is a surround system, you'll need to see if the laptop supports all of the features. Semi-common in desktops but not as much in laptops. What kind of jacks do the speakers have?

The laptop should be anel to support all of the equipment that the desktop did assuming it has all of the right interfaces, for example, not many new laptops still have a paralell port...

I'm going to move this to computers but leave a redirect in the main forum...

[Raider Ronnie]

Originally Posted by BigFish

In computers ya clown....get back to studying! utin:

Go back to turning wood sandboy!!!
And try using a resporator when painting those plugs you make because paint fumes cause permanent brain and nervous system damage,
as I imaging you have allready experienced!!!
most likely the reason you're a Pats fan!!!