> I did an AP reset - it did what the manual said but rebooted
> typed the IP at the web browser and typed the IP address .

typed what IP address? What IP address does it say it will default to
in the manual?

What IP address did you assign to your machine?

> It came back with a timeout after a while .
>
> Did I have to used a serial port cable for connection from AP to my
> Laptop?

That's probably one way of doing it.

> or was teh connection meant to be wireless?

No, do it wired.