Dell laptop and RJ45 port

[jon112981]

I have a guy that I live with that has a Dell Insperon Laptop. We're soon going to get cable in the house. However his laptop doesn't have a port for an RJ45 connection. I remember someone saying something about 2 different kinds of PCMCIA cards. I was just wondering if anyone could tell me the best thing I should get(best meaning easiest installation, cheap and reliable) or rather should tell him to get.

[muno]

3COM 575FE pcmcia adapter.
It's 10/100Mb, nice one.
-M

[osprey4]

For a laptop, I think it's well worth considering going wireless. Cable generally allows only one IP, meaning you'll need a router to share the connection. The incremental cost for wireless is low enough to justify the huge convenience of being able to use the laptop anywhere. A good site for equipment reviews (but not my favorite site for basic networking information) is:
http://www.practicallynetworked.com

Wireless is nice. If you can't pop for that though, 3Com and Xircom both make PCMCIA E-net adapters. We use both types at work with our laptops (which are 95% Inspirons). Plug and play for the newer Windows versions.

-Whir

if your wanting a cat 5 hook up you could always get something like this

http://www.techdepot.com/product.asp...9046&affid=673


usb to network

i have something of the sort and works great

[PresterJohn]

just be aware that there are still security issues w/wireless technology.

probably not that important in a home environment, but it is still something that needs to be said. esp if you do internet banking, money/financial transactions...

[pickel]

Wire are a little more of a Hassle, I've had to drill holes in the wall to connect my network, but using a router and proxy means TOTAL SECURITY !!! Wireless broadcasts and your info is open to anyone who wants. If you don't want wires, you can get the powerline kits that use your house wiring , at least it secure.

[superart]

just be aware that there are still security issues w/wireless technology.

When set up properly with encryption and restrictions, wireless is safe.

... esp if you do internet banking, money/ financial transactions...

Banking and financial transactions are probably the safest thing on wireless networks. As long as you are doing business on websites that support SSL, and are useing a secure browser (like mozzila or Opera NOT MICROSOFT IE) you will be just as safe as if you were useing wires. This is because browsers encrypt all the financial data, so even if someone does intercept it (doesnt matter if the get it from a wireless network, or packet sniff it from a wired network), all they see is gibberish.