What is wireless wan & wireless usb(uwb)?

I am looking at purchasing a Lenovo R61 (15.4"). When I compare it to the T61 it shows wireless wan & wireless usb(uwb) is only available on the T61. I am buying this laptop for my daughter for college and she will need wi-fi. Does this have anything to do with her wi-fi?

The R61 configuration for wi-fi is: 11a/b/g wi-fi wireless LAN mini-PCIe us/EmEA/LA/ANZ.


Thanks a bunch!

 

The WAN and WUSB are 2 types of wireless technology. WAN(Wide Area network) is used to connect to your cell phone and use it's network to get to the internet. It can be useful if you want to get to the internet while in the car or some place that doesn't have hotspots or wired ethernet connections. WUSB(wireless USB) is a new technology that is just hitting the market. It is supposed to allow you to send data back and forth between USB devices wirelessly. Not sure if this technology will take off, still too new and there are complications.

The Wifi a/b/g you mentioned is the standard wireless Wifi card that new machines all have that allows you to connect to the internet wirelessly. It can be used in public hotspots and with your home wireless network, if you set one up. Definitely get this and get the best one offered. Not sure if you want WUSB or WAN, it's up to you and your needs(or who you are buying for).

 

I think you're referring to WAP, which is Wireless Access Protocol and is what Mobile Phones use to connect to the internet. WAN is the internet from a Computer perspective. If you've ever looked at the back of a router, there's usually 2 ports labelled WAN and LAN. WAN goes to the modem which goes to the internet. LAN goes back to your computer(s).

 

Thanks for your help. For $36 I can upgrade to Intel Wireless WiFi Link 4965AGN (supporting Centrino Pro). Would this give her a larger area of coverage or something?

Thanks again.

 

Different people have differing opinions, some say that card is not worth it others the opposite. I went for that card and have no problems so far. The N protocol cards are able to interface with wireless N routers(new technology with faster speeds and more range), but are also backwards compatible with G routers. I got the card for the possibility of using an N Wifi router in the future and the fact that it comes with 3 antennas which can help with detecting signals. If your kid is using Linux(not sure if you can ask) Intel cards have good support as well. If you are not worried about these things then a Wifi card that can only use G is fine.

Why don't you create a thread in the Lenovo forum and post your whole configuration and ask for suggestions? I am sure you will get very good responses there and can get good advice on every part of your config.

 

Thanks for your help. I didn't realize Lenovo had a forum, but I will check it out.

 

Hey Gentmark,

I posted some info in this thread before, check out both of my posts.