About Wireless Card for Laptop Computer
With wireless Internet so prevalent in today's world, there's no excuse not to be connected. If you've got a laptop, chances are it already has wireless capabilities built in. While this is common, it's not standard, so you may have to search for your own wireless network adapter, in which case there are many options available to those with laptops.
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Included in Laptop
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Nearly all laptops built in the 21st century feature built-in wireless network adapters. One of the biggest attractions laptops offer is mobility, which is cut right in half if you can't access the Internet wirelessly with your machine. The strength of your wireless card varies with factors such as laptop cost, age and quality. The documentation that came with your laptop should tell you whether or not it has a wireless network adapter.
USB Adapters
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USB wireless network adapters are easy to install. These adapters simply plug into a USB port on your computer, and they usually install drivers automatically with their plug-and-play capabilities. While these adapters offer somewhat lower signal qualities and speeds, the convenience can make up for it.
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ExpressCard
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Another common wireless network adapter for laptops is the kind that fits into an ExpressCard slot. These adapters offer the same high-quality connection as PCI Express and internal network adapters on desktop computers. ExpressCard is the successor to the CardBus standard and is included on many laptop models. To locate an ExpressCard slot, simply look at the sides and back of your laptop. You should see a hole that spans about 34 mm. The slot often has a plastic spot holder inserted to keep dust and other debris out.
PCI Adapters
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While laptops usually don't have PCI or PCI Express adapters built in, you can purchase an external one that either plugs in through a USB port or an ExpressCard slot. Of course, there really isn't much of a point, because USB and ExpressCard network adapters are available. Unless you already have a PCI/Express adapter card you're intent on using, you should go with either ExpressCard or USB, and save yourself the extra space, money and time it takes to set up and use a PCI network adapter on a laptop.
Mini PCI Adapters
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Mini PCI adapters are the equivalent to PCI network adapters in desktops. With Mini PCI, you can get a PCI Express-quality connection, without having to buy a bulky PCI expansion system. In most instances, a Mini PCI adapter is installed internally into a laptop with wireless network capabilities that has a missing or busted wireless card. To install the card, you need to open the bottom of the laptop at a certain spot, which varies by manufacturer and model. Because you have to open the case, this method may not be the best choice for computer beginners.
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