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    Intel Wireless Pro 801.2b/g Upgrade?

    Discussion in 'Hardware Components and Aftermarket Upgrades' started by Feng, Jan 8, 2006.

  1. Feng

    Feng Notebook Enthusiast

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    Hi.

    I have averatec 4200 series, with build in Intel Pro 801.2b/g.

    I was wondering if I can upgrade this chip. The reason for upgrade because I want to extend the range and get rid of the dead spot.

    What do you recommand? What should I buy?
     
    Feng, Jan 8, 2006
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  2. miner

    miner Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    The Wifi is generally upgradable component on most laptops as they are fitted in mini PCI slots. I am not quite well informed about the Averatec but other than a BIOS lockout, I cant see any other reason why you cannot upgrade the wireless card.
    I would suggest the Atheros 5006XS widely regarded as the best wifi card available in the market today.
     
    miner, Jan 9, 2006
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  3. Jenson

    Jenson Notebook Evangelist NBR Reviewer

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    Agreed, Atheros does have a reputation for carrying wireless signals very well and not losing reception as much as Intel or other manufactures. I'm not sure on your Averatec, but on my M60, my wireless card is under the same cover as my RAM. It's only a little over an inch or so long. So if you do have the Intel card I would also recommend the Atheros card.

    Matt
     
    Jenson, Jan 9, 2006
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  4. Feng

    Feng Notebook Enthusiast

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    Thanks. I Will check out the Atheros 5006XS.
    What do you think about the

    Hawking HWU54D Wireless NIC?

    What im looking for is something that really extend the range of my wireless network connection.
     
    Feng, Jan 12, 2006
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  5. miner

    miner Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    Never heard of Hawking. So dont know anything about them.

    If you want to extend the range then looking at the wireless NIC might not be the best idea. The range usually depends on the antenna in the laptop. Better the antenna better the range. But replacing these antenna is a pain since they are located(in most cases) beside the LCD.

    In such a scenario I would suggest getting a better router, antenna(for the router) or you can also get something like a range extender like this...
    http://www.linksys.com/servlet/Sate...578138&pagename=Linksys/Common/VisitorWrapper
     
    miner, Jan 12, 2006
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