I have a cable modem and a linksys wireless network connecting 2 PC's. Now I want to get a laptop to enter data into a database. I need to access the internet and I need to be able to transfer the info from the laptop to the main PC.

Knowing nothing about laptops, what do I need to make sure is included, to be able to perform my tasks?

Thanks
Mark

You need a wireless card for your laptop...find out what kind of cards it'll accept (pcimia), and you should be set.

You already have 2 pc's networked, so you shouldn't have any problems setting up the laptop ;-)

I have a BEFW11S4 router, how do I know what the laptop would need? Do most cards with with most routers?

I don't have a laptop. I am looking to purchase one. I am trying to determine what the laptop options I need when I do buy it so that it will work with my router and cable modem.

Mark

The BEFW11S4 is a 802.11b router. So any 802.11b/g nic will work (802.11g runs in the 2.4 GHz band with 802.11b and is compatible. i.e. all g nics are downward compatible to b, that i've seen anyway)

That is really the main compatibility issue you have to worry about. Securing your shiny new wireless network is a different concern. you will have compatibility issues between equipment's encryption algorithms. (WPA - TKIP, MIC, AES)

but that's a different post all together.

Sorry to so slow but when a see a list of features (such as below) what exactly should I be looking for?

Does this meet the critereia? if not what is wrong and what SHOULD be listed?

Thanks
Mark

Brand IBM
Model ThinkPad T20
Key Features

Processor Type Intel® Mobile Pentium III
Processor Speed 700 Mhz Intel
System Bus Speed 100 Mhz
Display 14.1 in. TFT Active Matrix
Screen Resolution 1024x768
Hard Disk 12.0 GB
RAM Installed 128 MB SDRAM
Maximum RAM 512 MB SDRAM
DVD Rom 6x DVD 24x CD
3.5 in. 1.44 MB Floppy Drive Yes
Modem 56K
Network 10/100 RJ-45
Sound Support 16-bit Stereo Sound Blaster Pro Compatible, Built-In Speaker & Microphone
External Monitor Support Yes
PCMCIA Card Support Yes
Keyboard Port Type PS2
Parallel Port Yes
Serial Port Yes
USB 1.0 Port Yes - 1
AC Power Adapter Auto Sensing 100-240 V AC Adaptor
Battery Included - Guaranteed
Operating System Windows 98
Warranty Period 6 Months Full Parts and Labor




Pentium III 700 Mhz

14.1 in. TFT LCD

12.0 GB Hard Disk

128 MB Memory

6x DVD 24x CD Drive

Windows 98 Second Edition





Fully Refurbished and Tested

6 Month Parts and Labor Warranty

Toll Free Tech Support

6 Month Battery Charge Guarantee

Online Support

Users Guide
Drivers Download Page

External Mouse

Carrying Case

10/100 Ethernet NIC