Intel 1000 BGN Wireless vs. Intel Centrino Ultimate-N 6300 (3x3 AGN)

I want this machine to last 6-8 years.

The 1000 will be in an Ideapad.

How much speed difference will there be?

It is my understanding that the 6300 supports 450 mbps. How much faster is that than 300
and when will it be more prevalent.

In 3-5 years will the 6300 be much better?

Can the WiFi card be upgraded to a 6300 if I do it myself?

 

Yes you can install it on your own.
Speed difference depends on your application. If ypu plan to stream video's then. You will see the difference.

 

The 6300 is exactly 150 mbps faster.

 

You will need three antennas as well as a three stream router to use that extra theoretical 150mbps. With the overhead, you will not get 150mbps more in actual throughput, but you'll still get more.

 

What about a WIFI hotspot (ie at McDonalds or Starbucks) in terms of connection speed and range.


Is 450 currently available with WIFI hotspots?

 

There is quite a lot more to this than some random numbers like 300 or 450.

First of all Intel 6300 supports both 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands while 1000 supports only 2.4GHz band which is already overcrowded. So 5GHz support is your future-proofing.
Secondly- Intel 1000 is 1T2R cards which means it transmits at up to150mbps and receives at up to 300mbps (6300 is 3T3R).

Third thing is pretty obvious- high grade equipment uses better hardware (i.e. amps) resulting in better range and reception.

 

You won't get 450mbps from wi-fi hotspots, if i had tot ake a guess i'd say you'll be lucky to get 150mbps. That being said, Downloads is right, in terms of quality and performance, even on 2 streams, the 6300 wins.