Draft -N worth it?

For all of your with the 802.11n, was it worth the upgrade thru Dell? Its a $45 upgrade and I'm wondering whether it'd be worth the cost. I currently am using 802.11g and I do stream quite a bit. Thanks!

 

well, unless you have a draft-n router, you're just going to be using .11g speed.

 

I know I realize I'd have to buy a router too......

 

unless your internet connection exceeds your .11g router's capacity (which is unlikely) then you really don't NEED it. if you want to (possibly) future proof your comp, then great.

I did it because it was an inexpensive upgrade.

 

well if you're asking this question; it think that it is worth it to get the upgrade.

are you planning to have the computer for a while? 2-3years or more? if so, then it might be better to get the draft-n, just in case. the current draft-n is promised to have compatibility with the final-N specification with just a firmware update.

 

I dunno about that. You still are able to make use of higher dl speeds and MUCH further range w/ a .11g router, meaning there's more potential u can tap into...at least that's how it is from personal exp.

On the other hand, when you're really far from a coffee shop (couple of hundred feet) or simply want to abuse the coffee shop's bandwidth, the wireless-N is nice. Imma go for it as soon as Dell releases their Vostro coupon for this month...let's hope they do!

 

Technically, there isn't a connection for the average Joe that exceeds 802.11 or 108g. But for some reason, with my 108 mbps router, 108 card, and average DSL connection, I get phenomenal download speeds...even faster than my bro can get...and he's directly connected to the router. Really says a lot.

 

N is not just for your internet connection, it's a networking protocol, so if you are planning on doing any networking at your location, n is the way to go.

 

It is promised to be upgradable by a firmware update, but, to my knowledge at least, no company is commiting to that or even that they will offer a free firmware update in writing. There are also known compatibility issus with the latest N draft hardware; even "certified" stuff like the Intel Draft-N. IMHO it would make more sense, from a future proofing standpoint, to go with G unless N is absolutly needed. Then upgrade to N when it is final...

If your assertations that it will only need a driver update are true then it would be a cheap upgrade aftermarket and could still be added internally. If it turns out to need a newer card to ensure compatibility and speeds one would be able to buy it without "wasting" money in the interim...

My advice is to NEVER spend money on a "draft" or "beta" or whatever else they name stuff in testing

 

i agree completely too, but apart from the increase cost, there seems to be no downside in getting a/b/g plus the extra N compatibility. that depends on the card of course. some only support b/g/n as far as i know.

 

N gets 300MBPS, the others are about 50, 110 mbps.. I believe it's worth the upgrade.

Heres the catch, all the wireless hardware has to be N. If it ain't it'll run at, b,g or w.e you may have.

 

Decisons, decisions. I already placed the order without draft n, hopefully a can still change it since the order is still in pre-processing status.

 

I've only noticed the really high speeds with N while in direct line of sight of the router, or else it's only marginally faster than G. The one thing I am super impressed with is the range I'm getting with N - I have really strong signals in areas where previously I would get a weak / dropped signal.

 

I'm on tour and between us we have a dozen assorted laptops and Mac Books and I routinely get connected with a stronger signal using my Vostro with draft-N card. Go for it

 

I transfer files over my home network, so using .11g does cause a significant slowdown.

For normal web browsing/file downloading, you are absolutely right though.
I have FiOS and I still can't saturate my wireless connection when I am using all my bandwidth.

 

Yes, it is worth it. But buy Intel rather than Dell!

 

agreed if you can get the intel card then i say yes. one of the big advantages that i have seen is my n card is stable and holds a rock solid connection over the g one. i also had the intel g card and it was also very good but the way the n connects even to a g router is great. you will of course only see g speeds that way but they are always stable for me.

the only time you will see any other benefit imo from n is while transferring files between systems. you will not see any difference for online use unless you have one of the newest 50-100gb connections. fios in our area offers 50 nowand will be offering 100 soon. g cards are good up to around 20-25 of true throughput.