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    Should I go for the N?

    Discussion in 'Dell' started by eL_eRiC, Jun 5, 2008.

  1. eL_eRiC

    eL_eRiC Notebook Evangelist

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    I'm wondering if it is worth it to get an N card? I guess I can afford it but I don't want it if it's not going to help. Maybe I'll call up and see If I can haggle the 60$ to get the card?
     
    eL_eRiC, Jun 5, 2008
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  2. jfdube

    jfdube Notebook Evangelist

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    Given the relative low cost, I would certainly not hesitate. It future proofs (as much as possible) your brand new notebook, and even if you don't use it right away, you may be glad you took it when you upgrade to an N network later on.

    Even on a G network, an N card has some advantages. It's typically more sensitive, has more antennas, should give a better range and should reject channel crosstalk better.
     
    jfdube, Jun 5, 2008
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  3. Hep!

    Hep! sees beauty in everything

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    I wouldn't, only because I think it is foolish to buy draft technology.
     
    Hep!, Jun 5, 2008
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  4. Fountainhead

    Fountainhead Notebook Deity

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    Just get the Intel N card. The worst thing that happens is that you never really take advantage of N. There are worse mistakes to make.

    For what it's worth, I speed-tested my Intel N card by connecting first the the "G" access point in my house and transferring a multi-gigabyte DVD image from my server to the laptop. Took 13 1/2 minutes to copy over G. Then I connected to my N router and copied the same image file. Took less than 7 1/2 minutes via the N connection. I had a 100% signal for each, as I was right next to both of them.

    None of that would probably matter for web browsing, but it you transfer a lot of files or (in my case) stream video files over wireless, N is pretty nice.
     
    Fountainhead, Jun 5, 2008
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  5. Forte

    Forte NBR's Supreme Angel

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    Get it, futureproof, and faster. Consider it as compensation for the non-gigabit ethernet cable.
     
    Forte, Jun 5, 2008
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  6. only

    only Notebook Evangelist

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    i've read that the Intel N actually works better than the plain & mini N Dells
     
    only, Jun 5, 2008
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  7. Forte

    Forte NBR's Supreme Angel

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    Dells have a higher tendency to have random drops and compatibilitywise, the Intels are better since Dells wireless cards are closed source made from ground up by Dell. Everyone that makes programs and hardware will make compatibility for Intel over Dell typically, so you will always be up to snuff with Intel N.
     
    Forte, Jun 5, 2008
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  8. eL_eRiC

    eL_eRiC Notebook Evangelist

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    I'm going to go for the Intel N card. Thanks guys. also what is the Wireless USB thing that you can get? Is it worth it?
     
    eL_eRiC, Jun 5, 2008
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  9. pne123

    pne123 Notebook Geek

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    yes, mine is faster than the wifes g card on the same d-link n router. when she is not on it really screams cuz it does not have to slow down for her g card
     
    pne123, Jun 5, 2008
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  10. jfdube

    jfdube Notebook Evangelist

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    Wireless USB is still in its infancy. Not that many peripherals which can make good use of it. As of this moment, I personally see no benefit.
     
    jfdube, Jun 5, 2008
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  11. eL_eRiC

    eL_eRiC Notebook Evangelist

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    Ok, I guess I won't opt for it then.
     
    eL_eRiC, Jun 5, 2008
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  12. sh1v

    sh1v Notebook Consultant

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    yes you should get the N card. It helps when you are trying to stream content or transfer files from a desktop to laptop or vice versa
     
    sh1v, Jun 5, 2008
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  13. atbnet

    atbnet Notebook Prophet

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    That's why I would get it.
     
    atbnet, Jun 5, 2008
    #13