Computer/laptop people, quick question.

[GarrettM]

My friend gave me a free Toshiba 8100 lap top. P3 with 12GB hard drive, this is the best money can buy!

Anywho, it doesn't have integrated Wi-fi and thats all I really want this for. Can I just get any PCMCIA card? According to what I read for specs it says this about the expansion slot "1 ( 1 ) x PC Card - Type III (2 x type I / II),". I tried taking it to Circuit City but they really had no idea.

Thanks!

[BDSax]

yes. you can get any pcmcia card. or if you have a mini pci slot you can have built in wifi. but you need to install antennas on the top of the screen in the lid

[GarrettM]

Also, I'm sure P3 chips are pretty cheap now, can I just throw in a faster one with out too much trouble besides taking it apart and putting it back together? Does it have to a "laptop" specific P3? It is a P3 Coppermine style chip because it is the only one that came in 700MHZ, so I think this means it must be a Coppermine that goes in. Right? The Coppermine-E models went up to a blazing 1100mhz and the EB models went up to 1133mhz. Thanks.
It also says under specs for RAM: Installed Size: (max)

Does this mean what is in there is all it will take?

[Jean]

Also, I'm sure P3 chips are pretty cheap now, can I just throw in a faster one with out too much trouble besides taking it apart and putting it back together? Does it have to a "laptop" specific P3? It is a P3 Coppermine style chip because it is the only one that came in 700MHZ, so I think this means it must be a Coppermine that goes in. Right? The Coppermine-E models went up to a blazing 1100mhz and the EB models went up to 1133mhz. Thanks.
It also says under specs for RAM: Installed Size: (max)

Does this mean what is in there is all it will take?

Usually cpu's aren't easily upgradable on laptops. Google the laptop model or check with manufacturer.

[schmidty]

U can also get a USB wifi card... much smaller than a pcmcia card

[BimmerTom]

^^^^ This is true, but depends on the OS.

Windows 98, it's a crap shoot with any WiFi, you'll need second edition at a minimum.

If you're Windoze 2000, you'll be safe either way.

Tom

[GarrettM]

Windows 2000 Pro it has

[Ryan Stewart]

Hey, I probably have a nearly unused Linksys PC Card that I know for certain works with win2k. I could sell it for $25 shipped.

When I retired my old thinkpad (i.e. gave it to my parents to use at home) the wifi shat out and so we went and got this Linksys PC card. They just bought a new laptop with integrated wifi so they no longer need it.

[Huff]

Buy a linksys or other name brand pcimcia card if your running win2k. Do not get a USB or off brand card. Wireless adapter drivers can be very sketchy with Win2k..

[1991 318is]

It's not worth spending much money on. They are selling for $100 with Win2000 up to $250 with XP, wireless, and a lot of software. An 8100 is a total loss if the hard drive crashes or the fan burns out. It's probably 5 or 6 years old.

[GarrettM]

Yea but it is free, so I really don't care.