Difference between Dell Wireless 1390 and Intel PRO/Wireless 3945?

Hi, I'm currently customizing a Dell Inspiron 1405 and I was wondering if it was worth the $29 to upgrade to Intel Pro/Wireless 3945 card. I heard the standard Dell 1390 is solid; is there a noticeable difference with an Intel 3945?

Also, I was wondering how much heavier the 9-cell battery is than the 6-cell? I'm contemplating that upgrade too, any suggestions would be appreciated.

Thanks a lot

 

check this out:

http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=99104&highlight=Dell+1390+Intel+3945

I don't really know how the 1390 behaves, but I must say I'm pretty satisfied with the 3945. I have only had a minor problem with it, but it was immediately solved after downloading the latest driver.

 

I would definitely go for the Intel 3945 upgrade. I client of mine has the 1390 and had several problems staying connected to his home wireless network. I purchased the 3945 card off eBay, replaced the 1390 and he's been smoothing sailing ever since!

You also bet Centrino branding with the Intel chipset.

 

Thanks guys. Any experience on the 6cell vs 9cell battery, performance and weight-wise?

 

I would skip the upgrade and try the Dell Wireless. If it doesn't connect well enough for you, you can purchase the Intel card on Ebay for less than the cost of the upgrade.

 

I agree with nquach, you can buy the dell wireless which is not so bad but if you have any problems with it you can get it replaced with the intel using your warranty

 

I agree. I purchased a 3945 on ebay for 19.99 with shipping. You can also find the draft N Intel 4965 for around 70.00 on ebay too.

 

does the 9 cell battery fit nicely with the e1405? like nothing will protrude out?

i know with sony's, sometimes if you upgrade the battery, the back will protrude out a little.

 

About the 9-cell battery, it does protrude out a little.

http://arstechnica.com/reviews/hardware/e1405.ars

 

Just so you guys know. You can get the Intel 3945ABG card off of Amazon.com for about $30-40. Those units are new and even include the drivers. Can't say if the ones off of eBay will be. On that note I replaced my Dell Draft-N adapter with the Intel 3945ABG adapter and couldn't be happier. The software takes a while to connect to networks though so it may be advisable to do a driver only install by getting the files from the intel website if you get the adapter separately later on.

 

But if you buy the adapter from somewhere else, don't you lose the warranty from dell?

 

They will consider the replacement adapter an upgrade. Nothing more or less. If there is an issue though they may expect you to be able to restore the system back to the way you got it. This includes reversing any and all hardware changes. As such I made it a point to keep all the hardware that came with my laptop. I replaced my wireless adapter and dvd drive with 3rd party units but I kept the ones that came with my laptop as a just in case measure.

 

I've got a 1525 on order from dell and I also have a 3945 from my old laptop is it worth taking the 1395 wifi out and putting in my 3945?