Wi-Fi cards question

Dell Wireless 1390 802.11b/g Mini Card (54Mbps) vs Intel PRO/Wireless 3945 Internal Wireless [add $29]

Any reason why I should get an Intel's over Dell's wireless card? Is the Dell wireless card dependable? (I don't want to end up getting something that will have problems with connection drops or whatever, my friend has a Dell E1505 and he has network problems, I never asked what wireless card he had).

 

Personally, what I did, is get the cheapest card then replaced it with an Atheros AR5006 wireless card. More power and better range.

 

Well I would suggest upgrading yourself to the Atheros card personally, however if you would rather not then get the Intel (A/B/G) Pro Wireless.

I believe but I could be wrong that the "Dell" card is made by Broadcom, while these cards are pretty good for the money, my experience with them has been somewhat problematic.

In my older laptops with Broadcom B/G the range was (alright) but nothing amazing, and I would have dropped connections on a day to day basis.

My new Intel ABG Pro Wireless card has been flawless, and there are a lot more drivers available espescially when considering running an OS other than XP/Vista.

You get what you pay for, espescially with *cough* Dell

Hope this helps.


-Aaron

 

I got the Intel on my E1505 and glad I did, the range is awesome. When I go home I can pick up my two of my neighbors wireless networks. This is in a fairly rural town and outside city limits so all lots are 1+ acres, which means that houses are pretty far apart. Its also very reliable, never had a dropped connection. Night and day compared to the Linksys PC Card that I used in my old laptop.

 

Intel here too...best wireless card I have used to date! Spend the extra money!

 

I would recommend the Intel. It may not matter to you, but Linux support for the Intel card is great. But if Dell cards are based on Broadcom, then they aren't going to be that great. They will probably be a hassle.

 

Thank you guys for the opinion. I'll definitely go ahead with the Intel Wireless card.

 

The intel card has a larger range and picks up more signals

 

I am glad I upgraded to the Intel Pro card. Unlike the $29 quoted in the original post though, my upgrade was only $15 Canadian. The range and reception is great!

 

Intel still works fine. I don't have a clue why my atheros didn't perform as well as expected. My intel usual have 4 bars when i put on my table. After I put the atheros in, it's still in 4 bar, not in full 5 bar.... I'm kinda suspect this thing. I got the chinese one with original Atheros name. You should try the Gigabyte one. I hope it's better.

 

My brother lives in a very rural area. He has a new laptop and is shopping fora wireless card. What's best, what else does he need, and does he have to sign a contract with a provider? Thanks in advance.