Wireless reception question for my new sxps 1647...

This is probably not the ideal place to ask this question, but I'm not really sure where else to do so. I recently got an 1647 as a replacement for a dying m1330, and for the most part, all is good. I'm having one sorta problem with it, however: before, I was using my neighbor's network connection (she knows and approves ) on the m1330...it was spotty, because the walls of my building appear to be made of solid lead or something with similar electromagnetic shielding properties. Now, I can only get a signal sitting outside on my stoop. It's a bit frustrating, because I get a great signal literally 5 feet away from where I don't get any signal, but with winter coming, I won't be able to do all my internetting outside.

I've been brainstorming various solutions...an expresscard wireless card with an antenna that runs outside seems to be the best i can come up with. Broadband is unfortunately very pricey where I live, so even buying a couple hundred dollars' worth of network gear would be much cheaper in the long run. Any suggestions on how to get around this? There isn't any way to hook up an external antenna to the 1647, is there?

 

What wireless card is in your 1647? If you got one of the cheap Dell wireless cards, spending a few bucks on ebay to upgrade to a Intel 6300 will probably fix your problem.

 

It's a 6200.

 

Well, a 6300 has 3x antennas (6200 has 2x) and a longer range, so it may still help, but it won't be a huge difference. It may be enough to make the difference between a connection and nothing though. Also, try changing your settings. In Power Options in the control panel, go into your advanced options, and ensure you're Wireless Adapter Settings are at Maximum Performance. Also, go into the device manager, click on your wireless card, go into the properties, then to the advanced tab. Make sure 'Roaming Aggressiveness' is set to High.

If all those things don't work, then I don't know what to tell you. The 6200 is a very good card, only the 6300 is better. I can't imagine the card in your 1330 was any better. What card did you have in your 1330 BTW, do you remember?

 

I can't remember what the card in the m1330 was. It probably wasn't better...I wouldn't be surprised if it was just some weird quirk. After all, I could just *barely* get the signal with the m1330. Enough to do email and such.

Thanks for the suggestions. I'm thinking I might try getting that bargain 802.11n repeater for $27 on newegg and set it up right in the window and see if that helps...if not, I can probably unscrew one of the antennas on it and stick it outside.