slurp said:
Most USB 2.0 devices are backward compatible. They might not be as fast but not that you'd notice for wireless LAN. If his laptop is 2-3 years old it should be 2.0. I have a lower end Acer (Aspire 3000) from that timeframe and it's 2.0.
Mine has built in wireless ..... is the original poster sure he doesn't have it too? Check the manual (and BIOS settings). I don't think they made a cheaper model at the time (2.5 yrs ago) so it may very well be ready to go. You may not need anything but to enable the device in the BIOS. Unless it's older than you think, then everything I just said is worthless (except USB 2.0 being backward compatible).
I have the same model! Now that I think about it, maybe I do already have wireless capability. I remember it sometimes seeking out a wireless network but failing to connect (since I don't have a wireless network at home).
Update...
My Device Manager shows the following two items:
1) Broadcom 802.11g Network Adapter
2) SiS 900-Based PCI Fast Ethernet Adaptor
Is this wireless? If so, how do I enable it or hook up to a wireless network when I'm in the field?