Wireless cards in new Dells

Does anyone know if there's really a practical difference between the Intel card and the Dell card?

Thanks!

Laura

 

The chipset it's based on. The Dell cards (Broadcom) haven't got the best track record when it comes to providing decent drivers.

Plus, the Broadcom doesn't work in Linux at all.

 

For Windows, no major difference. In Linux, the Intel card should have better support.

Here's an earlier thread about the two cards:
http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=127161&highlight=wireless+poll

 

I actually did get my (older) Broadcom card working in Linux... using ndiswrapper, which is a program that lets you run the Windows driver within Linux. However, I never did get encryption working with it in Linux, so I can only connect to routers that don't require a password. It works fine though otherwise. It may even be possible to get encryption working too, it's just that I didn't manage to do so.

Still, I'd recommend the Intel card for Linux; it'll make things easier.

In Windows, I haven't had any problems with my Dell/Broadcom card at all, and encryption works fine, and no driver issues at all.

 

It's just not something I ever considered--my M1210 has the Intel card, but for the 1520 I just ordered it's a $25 upgrade. Do you know if they could be swapped out later if I were so inclined? Thanks for the advice!

 

I would think that would work fine. You might have to download the driver from Dell or copy it from the other computer's Drivers disk. You might lose wireless N capability, if the other card doesn't have that and this one does, or something.

 

Psh, I'm not touching wireless N right now. Thanks again .

 

Actually, you know what? I think the 1520 might use MiniCard, while the M1210 probably uses mini-PCI? Anyway, check if they're the same interface; if not, it won't work.

 

Hmmm I wasn't even thinking about switching the M1210 and the 1520 card (I was thinking more along the lines of purchasing another Intel card later). HMMMMMM . . .

Order specs on 1520: Dell Wireless 1390 802.11g Mini Card
Order specs on M1210: Intel PRO/Wireless 3945 802.11a/g Mini Card (54Mbps) for XPS M1210

May as well try it--both systems have Complete Care .

 

CompleteCare does not cover swapping components

 

Actually one of the reps on the Dell forums said that if you accidentally harmed your laptop while trying to upgrade a component it would still be covered under the accidental care coverage since it would technically be an accident. Normally they wouldn't cover the part being upgraded, but in this case both parts are under warranty so I see no way they could NOT cover it.

 

I would upgrade to the Intel card.

The better Linux support is indicative of their general openness and willingness to work with other companies. Perhaps they are more willing to share info because wireless isn't their core business. Anyway, it results in better products.

As well, on WinXP (I haven't looked at Vista) the Intel wireless software is better then the Broadcom software.