Linksys, a leader in network technology, has a network card available for laptop computers that uses state-of-the-art 802.11g standards and fits in the notebook computer's Type II CardBus Slot. This is available from PriceGrabber for between $47.95 and $87.00 ("Linksys" 2005a). The Linksys USB 802.11G network adapter works with either laptops or desktop computers using an available USB port and sells for between $44.99 and $69.99, also from PriceGrabber ("Linksys" 2005b).
Although there is a slight price differential between the price of the laptop and notebook options, the availability of the USB-equipped network card renders these differences insignificant. Some analysts recommend against plugging USB wireless cards into USB hubs, but hubs can be used for other peripherals and the network USB device can be connected directly to the laptop or desktop computer (Webb, 2003).
Increasingly, computer manufacturers are building networking capabilities into their laptops and desktops, with wireless networking being the typically add-on feature at this point. Internal network connectivity is available from Hewlett-Packard, Dell, and Apple, for example ("Intel," 2005). This means that only those users interested in the advantages that wireless networks offer·including the ease of installation and the availability of "hot spots" in remote locations·need to add network adapters to their computer resources.
Intel announces record quarterly and annual revenue. (2005, January 11). Business Wire, n.p.
Linksys Wireless G Notebook Adapter with Speedbooster. (2005a). PriceGrabber.com. Retrieved 21 Jan 2005 from < Linksys Wireless-G USB 802.11G Network Adapter. (2005b). PriceGrabber.com. Retrieved 21 Jan 2005 from < ...