What You Need for Laptop Connectivity

Laptops need at least a wireless card or Ethernet port.

If you own a laptop, a wireless network is almost a must to take advantage of the portability of your unit. To connect to the Internet, you will need a wireless card or an Ethernet port.

Bare Minimum

At the bare minimum, you need a wireless PCMCIA card to connect to any wireless network. If you do not have a wireless card, an Ethernet port and internal dial-up modem are standard on laptops, according to CNet. Modern laptops almost always come with a wireless card, too.

ISP

Although you can often find free wireless at public places like airports and libraries, you will likely need to purchase an Internet service, according to Microsoft.

Considerations

If you want a full-time wireless network, you must purchase a wireless router.

References

• Microsoft: Setting Up a Wireless Network
• Cnet: Laptop Buying Guide