How to Buy a Wireless Modem for Your Laptop Computer

By eHow Computers Editor

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Broadband wireless Internet connections are ideal for laptops, making them entirely mobile with a cable-free internet connection. Choosing the right wireless modem depends on compatibility with your your wireless Internet provider.You can also use your cell phone as a wireless modem, but a cell phone only offers only low speed dial up service. For high speed access, you can buy a broadband wireless modem.

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Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Step1

Ask your Internet Service Provider (ISP) whether purchasing a broadband wireless modem is possible. This option is a time-saver because compatibility of your wireless modem with your ISP can be easily verified. If your ISP does not sell a USB wireless modem, you'll need to research the compatibility of various modems with your ISP before purchasing the device elsewhere.

Step2

Compare prices in different stores both online and offline. Search for online vendors using Google or Yahoo! and browse through popular online stores like CompUSA, Best Buy and Circuit City (see links below). Ensure that you consider only wireless modems with a USB interface.

Step3

Learn more about the features and prices of various wireless modems by using online buyers’ guides. Browse through reviews and compare pricing. Some popular buyers’ guides are NexTag, Windows Marketplace, MySimon and Epinions (see links below).

Step4

Before purchasing, make sure your USB wireless modem has all the required features including USB or Serial cable connectivity (depending on how you want to connect the modem with your laptop), enhanced security and PC and Mac compatibility.

Step5

Check the type of network your ISP can access. The three types of wireless networks widely used are CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access), CDPD (Cellular Digital Packet Data) and GPRS (General Packet Radio Service). Choose a wireless modem for your laptop that is compatible with the network of your ISP.

Step6

Choose a wireless modem that gives you broad coverage, especially if you travel frequently. For example, if you have a GPRS wireless Internet service network that offers Internet access at international locations, you'll need to have a wireless modem with international coverage.

Step7

Assess the security features of the wireless modem. Most wireless networks are vulnerable to threats. Look for wireless modems that provide added security features such as 64-/128-bit WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy) and WPA (Wi-Fi Protected Access).

Step8

Select a wireless modem that has an interface compatible with your laptop. The three widely used types include PCMCIA, USB and Serial Port. PCMCIA and USB are most common, but USB is offers the greatest flexibility since laptops generally have multiple USB ports but only a single PCMCIA slot and serial port. A wireless modem with a USB interface is the best choice.

Tips & Warnings

If you don’t want to buy a USB wireless modem, you can lease one from your Internet Service Provider. This is a good option if you only need the service for a short period.