HP 3765 wireless?

[blarg]

What would be the best way to get 802.11b wireless on my iPAQ? I have Pocket PC 2002. I've seen PCCard expansion cradles but for $200, then I would also have to buy a card too! Is there a cheaper/smarter option?

[Sooner Al]

What would be the best way to get 802.11b wireless on my iPAQ? I have Pocket PC 2002. I've seen PCCard expansion cradles but for $200, then I would also have to buy a card too! Is there a cheaper/smarter option?

I already had a 100 Mbps wired home LAN when I added wireless almost two years ago. In my case I simply added an access point and plugged that into my wired LAN. Since you probably already have a desktop connected to your ISP via a dial modem, then the absolute cheapest way is to add a wireless card to the desktop and connect to that from the PPC via an adhoc link. I have *NO* experience with adhoc networks however. You would still need to run some internet connection sharing software on the desktop to allow the PPC access to the internet via your dial link. Some folks also go this adhoc route using a USB based wireless device off of the desktop.

A more expensive alternative, but one that provides for more expandability, is to add a switch or hub, buy a wired ethernet NIC for the desktop and an access point. Plug the desktop ethernet and access point into the switch or hub. You still need to run ICS type software on the desktop.

Here is a diagram of my current home network. You may find it interesting. Also, note the references to two sites that have a lot of information about hardware, help, hints, tips, etc. They are the PracticallyNetworked site and the TimHiggins site.

http://www.oecadvantage.net/ajarvi/The_Illustrated_Network.html

This page has a lot of information concerning wireless networks...Its also a good place to start...

http://sdots.com/wireless/build.html

I use a D-Link DCF-650W in my iPAQ 3835. For compatible cards look at this page from Chris De Herrera...

http://www.cewindows.net/peripherals/cfwirelesslan.htm

[bdegroodt]

I poked around and I think you can do it for around $100.

Start by searching eBay (http://search.ebay.com/search/search.dll?MfcISAPICommand=GetResult&query=ipaq+pcmcia+expansion&cgiurl=http%3A%2F%2Fcgi.ebay.com%2Fws%2F&ht=1&from=R10&currdisp=2&itemtimedisp=1&st=2&SortProperty=MetaEndSort&BasicSearch=) for a PCMCIA jacket for the Ipaq. Not the most elegant addition, but consider the function against your budget. The prices are all over the place. But I see many of them for less than $50 (Some below $20.).

Then head over the Ben's Bargains and check out the link for this D-Link (http://www.bensbargains.net/ktalk/1043864418,81046,.shtml) card. Surely not the top of the line, but again, consider your budget against what it can do. Amazon has an SMC Wireless Router for $60 (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00006HMR5/ref%3Dnosim/bensbargaicenter/002-4662332-3706428) if you order by the end of the month. Free shipping.

PCMCIA Expansion pack-~$30
PCMCIA 802.11b card-~$18 (After rebate)
SMC WiFi router-~$60
Total for wireless freedom-~$108

I'd also stop through D-Link's (http://www.dlink.com) site to check on drivers for the 37xx Ipaq and this card BEFORE buying.

Enjoy!

[seanturner]

I use a PCMCIA sleeve and an Orinoco 802.11b card myself. I've been very happy with the performance of the Orinoco as it does is faster than the iPaq 5400 series' built in Wi-Fi, and, in my experience at least, gets better range than the Linkys and DLink cards, and infinately better range than their CF cards.