I just got an IBM thinkpad (from my job) with a Centrino Processor. What would I need to connect to my wireless network at home?

The computer has an

Intel PRO/100 VE Network Connection
and
1394 Net Adapter
and
Fast Infrared Port

Are you sure it has centrino? You didn't list a wireless network card in that setup.

To get it to connect to your home wireless network, we need more information.

Such as:

whether or not you have wep enabled
whether you have mac filtering on


If neither of these are on (very unsecure), you should be able to just scan for available wireless networks and hook up to yours.

First though, I would find out if you actually have a wireless network adapter installed.

Also, Centrino isn't a processor, it's a combination of Intel® Pentium® M processor
Mobile Intel® 915 Express chipset family or Intel® 855 chipset family and
Intel® PRO/Wireless Network Connection Family.

The computer has a Pentium M processor I just assumed it was a Centrino.

I dont believe it has a wireless network adaptor installed...sorry im such a noob when it comes to laptops, I set up my home network with two PCs and didnt have a problem.

Ive seen these USB thingies, is that what I need to get or is this going to involve me getting new hardware for the computer?

You could get a USB hub if you wanted. you might as well just get an ethernet hub and hook it through there.

Yes, you could get something like this:

Netgear WG111T

and plug it in to your laptop and hook up to your existing wireless network.

If your laptop is designated as Centrino, then it has to have an internal wireless card. If it was properly setup, it should be listed in the network connections. If it is not, then take it to your computer support to get the proper drivers installed for it. Once you have the drivers for the wireless card working, then it really is a matter of turning the wireless card on. Win XP will detect the home network and provide steps to connect to it. It's pretty slick.

Not necessarily, I work on that model here at work. As Chorpeac said, if it doenst show in device manager, then IBM didnt install it. It is considered an option when you order it. Its an internal pci card that goes under the keyboard. The intennas are integrated into the lcd and you connect them to the card when you install it. I would get an external pcmcia card if you dont fell comfortable taking off the keyboard and palm rest.