Slightly OT: WIreless Networking

> Just a question for someone who may have tried it...
>
> Do I *need* a wireless access point to utilize 802.11b/a/g, or can I just use
> two laptops in the same room with PCMCIA cards? I realize the power output
> is much lower but could I do it if the two systems are never more than 10
> feet apart?

Without an Access Point, you would run the devices in Ad-Hoc mode (as opposed to
Infrastructure mode which is what you have when you use Access Points). Power
output is the same for an Access Point as for the cards themselves. Most places
find ways to either boost the strength or better aim the power (or both) with
amplifiers and antennas.