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    what wireless option should I choose?

    Discussion in 'Hardware Components and Aftermarket Upgrades' started by Chananel, Dec 6, 2008.

  1. Chananel

    Chananel Notebook Consultant

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    I'm thinking of getting a Dell E5400, and the wireless options are baffling me.

    Dell lists 4 options:
    Dell Wireless™ 1397 802.11b/g Mini Card [Included in Price]
    Dell Wireless™ 1510 802.11a/g/n draft Mini Card [add $39]
    Intel® WiFi Link 5100 802.11a/g/n Draft Mini Card [add $20]
    Intel® WiFi Link 5300 802.11a/g/n Draft Mini Card [add $40]

    I have a regular Wireless B\G modem in my house. I don't think I'll be changing it anytime soon.

    Should I upgrade the default wireless card? To what card? Why?
     
    Chananel, Dec 6, 2008
    #1
  2. pixelot

    pixelot Notebook Acolyte

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    I'd recommend an Intel card, but the Dell 1397 would work fine, provided you only need b/g. :)
     
    pixelot, Dec 6, 2008
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  3. Chananel

    Chananel Notebook Consultant

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    Why is the Intel card better? I used the dell card on my inspiron 6400 for 3 years without any problems...
    (Just a thought - Isn't a wireless card upgradeable? If I ever get a N modem, Can I just upgrade my laptop's card?)
     
    Chananel, Dec 6, 2008
    #3
  4. pixelot

    pixelot Notebook Acolyte

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    Intel cards are superior in tenacity and versatility, or so I've been told. In other words, they hold onto a connection better, and work with a wider variety of operating systems, for example. :cool:
     
    pixelot, Dec 6, 2008
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  5. allan_huang

    allan_huang Notebook Deity

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    i wouldn't upgrade
    good as you are
     
    allan_huang, Dec 6, 2008
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  6. LaptopGun

    LaptopGun Notebook Evangelist

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    The upgrade may or may not be worth it.

    Intel cards sometimes have odd issues crop up with Linksys routers. Other than that, they would be better than the Dell cards (I believe Arethos makes them) because they draw less power and have better range. If you are going to upgrade, do not do not do not do not buy the 5100. Pay the extra for the 5300. The 5100 has fewer antenaes, shorter range, and I've read a lot of complaints about dropped connections. I recommend staying where you are or only upgrading to the 5300.
     
    LaptopGun, Dec 7, 2008
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  7. algram

    algram Notebook Enthusiast

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    do Atheros make wireless cards for Dell? (or I misunderstood something? )

    I've heard Atheros cards are one of the best in the market...
     
    algram, Dec 7, 2008
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  8. StealthTH

    StealthTH Notebook Evangelist

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    I like and recommend the 5300 card, I have it in my Thinkpad and I get really good performance and power consumption out of it.
     
    StealthTH, Dec 7, 2008
    #8