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It's not difficult. You need to be a little careful so you don't transmit any static electricity to the card or motherboard. (Generally I turn the computer off but leave it plugged in, and then ground myself to the case before I handle any components. You handle the card by the edge, but not the edge with the contacts on it.) There is a blank metal strip that you'll have to remove to make room for the card - it's either held on by a screw or you'll have to break and pry it out. When you put the card in, you have to make sure it's lined up. Then you push it in - it might take a little force.
I've never put a wireless card into a desktop computer - is there usually an external antenna? The antenna is pre-attached, right?
your guess is as good as mine. I have no idea. maybe this is a bad idea?
OK, i googled - there's a tiny antenna on the back of the card (already attached) - when the card is put in the antenna is outside the computer.
Here's an example: [link]
A super-efficient insulating material has a conductivity of 5 mW/mK.
Does anyone know how to translate that into R value per inch?
le nub, if you were anywhere near downtown LA, I'd happily come over and install it for you for free.
Sean, you kick ass. Unfortunately, I'm in the Eastern timezone - probably for the next 2 years at least. I need the card installation before then! :-)
There are small computer fix-it shops around here (Boston) who probably install wireless cards for people all the time and for a very reasonable price, I'm sure!
Might there be such a thing as a wireless "pod" that attaches to a desktop computer via USB or suchlike?
LeNube - If you took apart your TiVo, installing a wireless card in a computer will probably be less tricky.
Might there be such a thing as a wireless "pod" that attaches to a desktop computer via USB or suchlike?
Absolutely. I picked up one of these [link] cheap at Best Buy over a year ago. I could only afford the one, and I wanted something that I could swap between my desktop (W98) and my laptop (WinMe) when necessary. It's worked out pretty well.
