Member Avatar for Croft .L

Hi all,

I was thinking of going wireless with an old Sharp laptop.

I can't give you a full system spec, because my uncle gave it to me as a backup when my desktop crashed!

Here's what i can give you:

Windows 98
Pentium 3 processor

............ and thats about all i know!

It would be a great help if you can give advise!

Thanks alot,
Chris (Croft .L)

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  • Latest Post Latest Post by hoobastank68

Dani AI

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As pointed out, the important choices are the laptop's card slot type and whether a usable driver exists for the OS. For 's older Sharp those two things determine which adapter will actually work, so identification and driver checks should come first.

Start by finding the exact model number (label under the laptop) and confirm whether the slot is a 16-bit PC Card or a 32-bit CardBus type. Check the service manual or the markings around the slot if available. Before buying any adapter, confirm the vendor still offers a driver for the exact OS build; many newer adapters never shipped Win98-era drivers and will not function even if they fit physically.

Encryption and driver support are the next constraints. Older cards and drivers often lack WPA2, so either pick an adapter with explicit legacy-OS WPA/WPA2 support or plan router-side workarounds (mixed-mode or a separate legacy SSID) and keep any weak-encryption client isolated from the main network. Avoid relying on WEP for normal network access because it is insecure.

If finding a compatible PC Card is difficult, two practical alternatives avoid driver headaches: a small travel router or an Ethernet-to-Wi-Fi bridge (the laptop uses its wired Ethernet, no wireless drivers needed), or try a lightweight Linux build that tends to have broader wireless driver and WPA2 support for older chipsets. Final practical tips: test an adapter before committing, buy from sellers with returns, disable aggressive PC Card power management if disconnections occur, and prioritize driver availability over sticker specs. was correct that there are inexpensive options—just confirm compatibility first.

Member Avatar for TechMonkey

Hi Chris,

If it has a PCMCIA slot then this card should work:

If it has a 32-bit CardBus slot then this network card should work for you:

Both are Win98 compatible.

Member Avatar for Croft .L

Thanks alot!
;)
I'll try an get one on order ASAP!
Chris

Member Avatar for hoobastank68

Yep, wide variety to choose from and very cheap as well :)

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