Hello again and thank you for your quick reply.
The broadband is indeed cable
Interesting you recommend Buffalo's G54 Wireless Router -- this, along with units from Linksys, SMC and D-link have been among the most commonly recommended to me... I will look into this further...
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I've continued to research this issue over the past few days, and thought I'd post an update on my current thoughts...
-- Wireless router + laptop PCMCIA card: Going from user opinions I have gauged so far, many seem to recommend wireless equipment from Linksys, D-Link, SMC and Buffalo...
-- Laptop: Still looking into desirable laptops @ circa £700 range -- will post update soon.
If anyone has any hardware recommendations to add, feel free to do so!