I do not think I am going to get a resolution from this posting, but I have learned at least these things:
1)I have this kernel: Kernel: 6.11.0-17-generic
and this driver: driver=rtw_8821ce driverversion=6.11.0-17-generic.
So I believe this means I have the best driver for the kernel and there is nothing to upgrade or install for a driver.
2)Ubuntu wireless issues are quite common, especially with RealTek drivers. I am grateful this worked with 24.04.1, otherwise I may have suspected it was the hardware on the new laptop, as this is the first Ubuntu installation on this device.
3)Plugging in is not so bad. Maybe a future upgrade will accidentally fix what the dot 2 accidentally broke.
Thank you to everyone who read this.