Here's where I'm at:
The new computer is still humming along.
The old computer's internet is still crashing after roughly a minute.
SF_BHT: my understanding is that on laptops, the card is integrated into the motherboard. Thus to fix it would require a new motherboard. If that's the case, we'll pass.
Draco: old computer is 32 bit XP sp2(? I'm not near it to check.)
IrishSquid: Computers were/are both clean, and I'm with Charter. Understood about some support competancies.
Right now we are happy with what he have - just means that my wife and I need to share
Thanks for the help folks
Rumbly