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Post by Spruance on Aug 21, 2009 14:28:05 GMT
No, this isn't a question about ITMA and Tommy Handley and Co, but about wireless home computer networks. i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd161/GWDAdmin1/Smilies/Default/grin.gif I just wondered if anyone uses this kind of set up as after my PC crashed last weekend I am now seriously considering a replacement and a wireless card seems like it might be a useful accessory. I already have a wireless router so I am half way there already but this is currently connected to the PC via an ethernet cable. I am thinking along the lines of wireless mouse/keyboard etc, as well as maybe looking at a portable internet radio at some future point. Who knows? I might even consider a laptop - although I doubt it as I don't really care for them. So, is wireless networking all it's cracked up to be? i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd161/GWDAdmin1/Smilies/Default/wink.gif |
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SteveC
Under Gardener
Posts: 43
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Post by SteveC on Aug 21, 2009 18:12:51 GMT
We've had a wireless network at home for at least 3 years now. Can't remember when MrsC got the laptop. Setting up is really easy (I've just had to do it again as we've changed router). Our system gives pretty rock solid connectivity. The router is up here in the spare bedroom, the laptop is downstairs. There's no real point having wireless if you don't move the computer and it's easy to connect it using a cable, but it probably wouldn't make things worse.
Personally I don't like wireless keyboards and mice. We have some at work, and unless you are totally religious about putting them back onto the charging cradle, or keeping the batteries up to date, they're always running out of power.
If we HAD to have just one computer here, I'd probably get a laptop and attach a keyboard and mouse to it for 'serious' work.
Hope that helps
Steve
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Post by Spruance on Aug 21, 2009 21:54:59 GMT
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Post by JennyWrenn on Aug 24, 2009 6:58:49 GMT
My laptop used to be "wireless" but it was so noisy (I have sensitive ears  ) and I couldnt stand the buzz it made even tho was very very light However my laptop didnt work in the garden so the range wasnt too good anyway But if I take my laptop to the office it "logs on" to our wireless connection there ;D |
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Post by Jasmine on Aug 24, 2009 7:49:16 GMT
We have wireless at home Spru although I know nothing about how it was done - OH did it. It came about because the boys needed to be able to get on with their homework at the same time and as so much of it depends on being able to get onto the internet OH got a laptop. What was great was going away and taking the laptop with us as there is usually some band width you can 'borrow' whereever you go so you can still get on line.
We have tried a wireless mouse but it only lasted a few days before it got replaced with the old one - OH got fed-up with it losing connection etc...
Should have said - the wireless connection has been great and completely reliable.
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Post by Spruance on Aug 25, 2009 11:35:06 GMT
I think wireless is getting to be one of those options that you would regret not taking up when the opportunity presented itself. After all the next PC will be only the third one I have had at home and will be expected to last at least four years so who knows what might be possible by then? i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd161/GWDAdmin1/Smilies/Default/wink.gif |
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Post by Chuckles on Aug 25, 2009 12:31:17 GMT
I'm wireless Spruance, have been since Jan 2006 when I bought this laptop which came with wireless as standard. I'm on my second wireless modem/router thingy though, only because I knocked the other one off the cupboard and it didn't want to play anymore after that. I've had a Netgear and currently have a Belkin. I agree that when the opportunity presents itself and there are newer options available, it pays to look at whats available before you jump in and just buy what you have always had. I don't particularly like using the laptop mouse pad but do occasionaly. I originaly used a wired mouse via the usb, one that followed me home from work  I've now got one that runs on batteries and works via a little thingymejig stick that fits into the usb. Not sure if it's called a Laser or Optical mouse, christ I'm not up on all the names for these things, sorry  If you buy rechargable batteries, 2700 NiMH they last for ages. I also use these for my camera so it's worth investing in a couple of sets and a recharge unit. Mmmm you say 4 years for PC, mine will be that in January  |
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Post by Spruance on Aug 26, 2009 20:57:47 GMT
Well I have now bitten the bullet and have just ordered a new PC from Dell complete with wireless card even though it would work just as well hard wired on an ethernet cable. It makes sense to order it pre-installed as it's not something I would want to faff about with down the line, and it just gives me a little more flexibility. The old PC died on me again yesterday although needless to say it was perfectly ok when I took it back in this morning. I'm told that the hard drive is probably on its way out so it's really not worth bothering with. Incredibly I am currently using my first ever PC, an Evesham Athlon on Windows Me which despite being eight and a half years old is still running reasonably well, as an emergency back up at least. They don't make them like that any more, which might also be why Evesham went out of business. i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd161/GWDAdmin1/Smilies/Default/grin.gif |
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Post by Ladygardener on Dec 3, 2009 19:01:35 GMT
I wonder how you've gotten on with your wireless connection Spruance. I'm thinking of going wireless after Christmas, hopefully there will be some good offers in the sales.
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Post by Spruance on Dec 3, 2009 23:11:49 GMT
I decided not to bother LG and went with a wired setup again. I still have a wireless router so could accommodate a laptop in the house if the need arose.
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Post by JennyWrenn on Dec 4, 2009 7:13:37 GMT
It takes a bit of getting used to not having a mouse but I find it is fine - my laptop that is  |
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Post by Ladygardener on Dec 4, 2009 7:21:51 GMT
I've used a laptop but find it strange not using the mouse but as you say JW I expect you can get used to it.
I must check and see if my pc would even be compatable with wireless or if I'd need a new one.
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Post by Jasmine on Dec 4, 2009 8:01:19 GMT
You can add a mouse to a lap top - I always do - can't be faffing around with that pad thing.
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Post by Spruance on Dec 4, 2009 15:38:03 GMT
You may be able to retrofit a wireless card to your PC if you have a spare slot LG.
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Post by Dr Bill on Dec 4, 2009 18:16:54 GMT
You may be able to retrofit a wireless card to your PC if you have a spare slot LG. Or you can get USB wireless cards - just plug into a USB port |
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Post by fozzie on Dec 4, 2009 18:31:26 GMT
Trust me I thought we were going to discuss John Le Carre on Radio 4, brilliant! Still need a notepad and pen to keep up!
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Post by Ladygardener on Dec 4, 2009 19:05:47 GMT
A USB card sounds very handy indeed. it may well not be as complicated as I thought. I think I might have to have a mouse too Jasmine. I have a lot to learn. ;D
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Post by Spruance on Dec 4, 2009 23:06:58 GMT
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Post by Ladygardener on Dec 5, 2009 14:52:48 GMT
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Post by Spruance on May 13, 2010 23:08:32 GMT
A few days ago my bog standard freebie Dell optical mouse that arrived with my new PC last September unexpectedly bit the dust. Fortunately I was able to track down my old Logitech wired mouse and so I wasn't left completely mouse-less. Anyway, I thought it would be as well to buy a new mouse and keep the old Logitech as first reserve. So coming back to the topic of my original post, I now find myself in possession of a Logitech M505 wireless mouse, even though my PC doesn't have a wireless card. Everything that you need for wireless connectivity comes with the mouse. There is the tiniest of USB transceivers (barely longer than 1cm) which plugs into a free USB port on the PC and this transmits a signal to the mouse, which gets its power from two AA batteries. The same transceiver can also operate up to a further five Logitech wireless devices so I could have a Logitech wireless keyboard as well if I wanted. The mouse is a little smaller than my old Logitech wired mouse and heavier because of the batteries. At first I wasn't sure if I liked it but having downloaded the software from the Logitech website it seems to be working very well now and of course that is one less wire to tangle with behind my computer desk. Isn't technology wonderful! i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd161/GWDAdmin1/Smilies/Default/wink.gif |
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Post by JennyWrenn on May 14, 2010 5:39:28 GMT
My laptop sits on my lap  so no room for a Mouse but I manage without one |
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) and I couldnt stand the buzz it made even tho was very very light
I've now got one that runs on batteries and works via a little thingymejig stick that fits into the usb. Not sure if it's called a Laser or Optical mouse, christ I'm not up on all the names for these things, sorry 
If you buy rechargable batteries, 2700 NiMH they last for ages. I also use these for my camera so it's worth investing in a couple of sets and a recharge unit.
