I'm just now at the point of buying a wireless network adapter for my laptop, but I have a few questions. I was hoping some more experienced users would share some advice.

I'm only interested in switching to wireless (curently use dial-up with a 56k modum card) so that I can use the web at a couple of local coffee shops or other similar places on the road, mostly for the sake if convenience and saving the cost of my dial-up service. Speed is not that important to me (did I mention I still use dial-up?), and weight is not a big deal since my laptop is petty bulky aready. What I do care about is 1) price, 2) compatibility with Windows 98 (not 98SE), and 3) range on the road.

My laptop is so old that it's a member of AARP. It is running Windows 98, and I have read that many of the wireless network adapters do not work well (or at all) with Windows 98 (some are okay with 98SE). Since I am trying to squeeze another year or two of use out of my laptop, and since I am tring to put as little money into it as possible before getting a new one, I have no interest whatsoever in "upgrading" to a more recent
edition of Windows (especially since I'll probably be switching to Mac or Linux for the next machine). I don't
want the hassle & dont want the expense. My question is, does anyone know of a wireless network adapter that works tolerably well with Windows 98? If the box says it's okay with 98SE, could I expect it to work with 98 too?

My other big question is about the choice between an insertable card or an external USB adapter. The card is, of course, small and convenient. However, I've read that some of them have a problem with limitted range. Since I'm always going to be using it away from home, that seems like a problem. On the other hand, the USB adapter is bulkier, but has much better range (or so I've read). I think they also tend to be just a little less expensive, which would be nice, and they can be used with a PC as well as a laptop, which could come in handy in the future if I network my desktops. Does all of this sound accurate? Does anyone have experience with the two different types of devices?

Finally, I am wondering if it would be better to get the "b" or "g" type adapter. I've read that "b" is on the way out, but will still be common enough for a couple more years. That's the time frame I'm looking at for use of this network adapter, and I'm leaning towards the less expensive "b" type. Will I be able to log on at most places using that type? Am I wrong in the impression that type "b" & "g" are compatible? Finally, if I invest in equipment for a home network in the future, would my "b" type work with "g" everything else?

So in summary, I'm thinking of getting an 802.11b wireless external USB network adapter. Can I find one to work with Windows 98? Will I regret the bulk of the external USB vs internal card? And will the adapter work well for me for the next couple of years until I change systems & until the standards change?

Finally, any specific recomendations? Linksys? D-link? What?

Thanks (a lot) in advance,

Gustavo