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Cheap Wireless Laptop Computers: How to Choose a Wireless Card

Cheap wireless laptop computers go for less than $500. If you're looking to choose the most basic laptop computer with wireless capability you will likely end up paying $350-$500. The cheapest price I have seen for a full-sized new wireless laptop is $349.99. The same goes for refurbished cheap wireless laptop computers. If you don't want wireless then you can get an old laptop for under $200 or even under $100. This site focuses on laptops with wireless capabilities. All new laptops come with wireless. In time the majority of refurbished laptops will also have wireless, but we're not there yet so be sure to read the technical specifications before you choose a cheap refurbished laptop.

There are four wireless network standards currently in use. An 802.11a network transfers data at a frequency of 5 Ghz and a rate up to 54 Mbps. An 802.11b network tranfers data at a frequency of 2.4 Ghz and a rate up to 11 Mbps. An 802.11g network tranfers data at a frequency of 2.4 Ghz and a rate up to 54 Mbps. 802.11g is compatible with
802.11b devices. The 802.11n wireless protocol is a new standard that allows for more speed and range than any of it's predecessors.

Most new cheap wireless laptop computers come with an internal 802.11b/g wireless card which works perfect if you want to surf wirelessly at home, at most coffee shops, at most airports, or virtually anywhere else there is a Wi-Fi network set up. In general all new laptop computers come with either 802.11b/g or 802.11a/b/g or 802.11a/b/g/n internal wireless cards. Most hot spots are set up to meet the 802.11g standard because that's what the majority of laptops are compatible with. If you're going to choose a new or refurbished laptop so that you can surf wirelessly at a particular destination, you might want to call the place of interest first to verify whether they are running an 802.11g or 802.11a network. 802.11g and 802.11a are not compatible with each other due to the frequencies used.

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