Slow internet speeds with dv6000

Hi, this is my first post here..
I have bought an HP pavilion dv6000, the canadian version. I have noticed very slow download speeds with the wireless internet.. I compared it to my other notebook, and the dv6000 is very slow. It barely downloads at 30-40 KB/s while the other notebook goes 300KB/s easily. I tried it also just in front of my router, with an excellent signal reception and 54MB speed, but it's still slow.
My adapter is Broadcom 802.11 b/g. I tried updating the drivers in the windows device manager, but it didnt change the speed. I also tried disabling Norton Internet Security, but it didnt change anything..
I love this computer, but this slow download issue and very low battery life (not even 2hours.. does it need a few days before it gets to its maximum battery life?) makes me want to return it (i have 14 days with futureshop)..

Please, any help?

Thanks

 

So the Broadcom adapter is what you get if you don't do the upgrade to Intel Pro wireless? Or is that not even available in Canada? A good test would be to run an internet speed test (like http://www.speakeasy.net/speedtest/) first using a wireless connection close to the router, and then plugging right into the router and comparing.

 

So this means that models with intel's wireless chip are fast for downloads? I will return this one and get another model with an intel chip if its available.

 

My intel chip has been working well, so it should improve performance to what you have been seeing with your other notebook. I can't really explain why you have such poor performance with your broadcom chip though.

 

I have the same Broadcom Wifi chip and get very good speeds & range. Try reinstalling the drivers & updating them as well. Also try changing the channel on the router since if you have any other device(phone) in the same channel nearby then it can cause issues with some wireless radios. If any of these doesnt fix, then it is most likely a malfunctioning wireless card.

 

Does your other computer have Norton Internet Security? I get good speeds with my Broadcom chip even though Centrino Wifi is better (linux drivers and application). Norton Internet Security will linger even if you delete it. I heard of people having to use special programs to get rid of some antivirus apps completely. Run a speed test on the laptop to see what download you are getting. That would be more reliable than using the Window rate.