wizzy Posted March 9, 2010 Posted March 9, 2010 (edited) I'm looking into getting a new laptop to use for security research. It will most likely be running Ubuntu or Ubuntu / BT4, and will be hosting multiple virtual machines for testing. Due to the VMs I need a pretty hefty CPU and Memory capacity, hopefully without sacrificing mobility & battery life. I want to get something that has a really well supported wireless chipset able to scan, go promiscuous, act as an access point etc. Acer Aspire 3810 Timeline looks ok, unsure about the wi-fi chipset though. There's also the HP Envy 15 (Intel i7 w/ 16GB Ram) but it may as well be a desktop with the heat and > 2 hr battery life. In a different direction I do have access to a network of XenServer Host machines at my work, so it would be possible to setup my testing VMs there as long as I had a decent connection to access them, however to access the network I'd have to connect over VPN, which could get back to wireless support I suppose. What suggestions do other people have? Edited March 9, 2010 by wizzy Quote
VaKo Posted March 9, 2010 Posted March 9, 2010 Buy a laptop based on your needs for VM's etc, and then get a Ubiquiti or Alfa adaptor for your wireless cracking needs. Your not going to be able to find a decent adaptor otherwise, as most firms will use either broadcom or intel wireless as standard. Quote
Junke1990 Posted March 10, 2010 Posted March 10, 2010 If an external adapter is an option. I'm the owner of an EEE 1000h, not suited for VM's but besides that, I was looking for an external WLAN adapter with a lot of power and it must be cheap. Check this one out http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.27963 It's based on a RTL8187L chipset, I don't have it, still on it's way but the reviews of other people are well promising. Here's a nice review of the product: http://www.dealextreme.com/forums/Default....threadid.537069 Quote
fsck Posted March 10, 2010 Posted March 10, 2010 (edited) Most laptops come with broadcom chipsets. When purchasing a new laptop, I usually look for the best specs based on what I am going to be doing and then just replace the wireless card if I need. Not to mention most external cards have the option of attaching external antennas for more range/versatility. WlanParts is great for new wireless equipment. Ebay is great for used equipment. :) Edited March 10, 2010 by fsck Quote
Seshan Posted March 11, 2010 Posted March 11, 2010 You can get Alfa's for like $40 or less, http://cgi.ebay.ca/Alfa-1000mW-USB-Wireles...=item588668fa02 Quote
Charles Posted March 11, 2010 Posted March 11, 2010 (edited) I got an Alfa from data-alliance.net. EDIT: They also have a mount for that card for 4 bucks. (don't know if it would beat velcro tho) Edited March 11, 2010 by Charles Quote
Seshan Posted March 11, 2010 Posted March 11, 2010 I got an Alfa from data-alliance.net. Yeah, I bought my first Alfa from them, but the Rokland is cheaper, and there shipping is cheaper too. Quote
Charles Posted March 11, 2010 Posted March 11, 2010 Yeah, I bought my first Alfa from them, but the Rokland is cheaper, and there shipping is cheaper too. Good feedback on them too. Quote
Seshan Posted March 11, 2010 Posted March 11, 2010 Good feedback on them too. Yeah, they are a official Alfa reseller too, not some china company where you might get a nock off. Quote
Charles Posted March 11, 2010 Posted March 11, 2010 Yeah, they are a official Alfa reseller too, not some china company where you might get a nock off. That's awesome too! Thanks for the link. Quote
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