[Uglybob]

my laptop has two things at the side which im told are slots for pci cards. what the hell are pci cards and what do they do?

[P.]

They are PCMCIA cards rather than PCI cards which go into desktop computers.

Basic definition
They allow you to expand your computer's hardware. For example you can add sound cards, modems, network cards and loads of other stuff.

Full definiton

PCMCIA - Aside from winning the award for being the longest and most-annoying-to-pronounce technology acronym, PCMCIA is a credit card-sized interface card standard. PCMCIA cards are most commonly found in notebook computers. You'll usually find two slots on newer models--two small slots can hold two Type I or II cards or one Type III card. Type III cards are usually mini hard drives; Type I or II cards are usually modems or network cards, but can also be sound cards, SCSI adapters, and any other interface you can imagine. It is possible to use PCMCIA cards on a desktop computer, but you need to purchase special hardware that's not usually worth it--unless you've got some really special use for your cards, such as secure authentication using a PCMCIA card.

Have a look here for some products

[iSeb]

one of the slots used on the laptop is for "teh sexeh" wireless card....

[img]http://img188.exs.cx/img188/916/card7rc.gif[/img]
Thanks to ImageShack for Free Image Hosting

[Betti911]

All double dutch to me

[DemonHorse]

MMmmmm wi-fi..... *drools a little* Does anyone know where I can get a wireless connector to fit an Ipaq PDA as I have one of those (v.cheap on ebay) instead of lappy to connect via my wireless PCI card in ye olde PC (well will be in there, not been arsed to install it yet).

[Uglybob]

but surely i cant use a wifi card if im 5 miles away from my broadband connection surely.

[Dickie]

but surely i cant use a wifi card if im 5 miles away from my broadband connection surely.

You mean your exchange?

You access the wireless connection with a wireless router which plugs into the microfilter in the phone lines.

[DemonHorse]

Nope, don't think any Wireless technology has that kind if range just yet, apart from cards for laptops with modem and direct connection to the ISP (won't be broadband though).

It's only really intended for people wanting to get a much shorter distance from their desks (i.e into the garden in household cases, or in the same building or premises in business/commercial cases).

Not sure of exact specs on max range but a mate I know who uses wireless had people down his street ( coupla hundred metres) stealing his net bandwidth before he secured it.

[Uglybob]

so how can people use laptops on a plane to go on the internet

[DemonHorse]

I think Planes use their comms equipment to carry signal, same on trains where you can plug laptop into internet as far as I know. Not 100% sure on this but it seems most probable.

[iSeb]

Yeah... alot of places have wireless connections from where you connect from... and being in the central london there is almost always a wireless network around.

[DemonHorse]

Seems even pubs in Notts have it now, me mate found a wireless connection using his (newer then mine) Ipaq in a place last week, but wudda had to pay hourly rate by credit card to actually use net.

[Mcqueen_]

I think most McDonalds have WiFi hotspots.

[Ickle Angel]

Starbucks do too and other coffee places

[jimmy g]

so how can people use laptops on a plane to go on the internet

You can use your mobile phone. It works, but it is damn slow (often at 9kbs). Okay for the odd email.

[Sidders]

Not sure of exact specs on max range but a mate I know who uses wireless had people down his street ( coupla hundred metres) stealing his net bandwidth before he secured it.

It's normally 100 metres, but you could probably get more outside.

[Minnie the Minx]

I think most McDonalds have WiFi hotspots.

That includes McDonalds car park.

[iSeb]

Ones i know of are McDonalds, Starbuck, Cafe Nerro, JD Wetherspoons, Cafe Latte, some Burger Kings and in london parks there are alot of BT Broadband Hotspots....

[Ickle Angel]

Yeah theres some in solihull too

[Dickie]

The only one i know of down south in my area is the local PC World, they're finally good for something!