Which HP laptops support 2.4 GHz & 5 GHz Wireless N?

Which of the current HP laptops support dual band Wireless N (2.4GHz & 5 GHz)? Maybe it's me, but I couldn't find any mention of dual band Wireless N or the make/model of the Wi-Fi card in the specs. I just bought a dual band router (Linksys E3000) and found to my surprise that my 1st gen DV5t with an Intel 5100 Wi-Fi card supports 5 GHz. I don't want to give that up when I buy a new laptop.

 

The only currently sold model that I know of that has a dual-band option is the 2nd gen refreshed dv5t. All the other models from what I can tell don't originally come with a WLAN option that supports the 5 GHz.

 

That's too bad. With all the new dual band routers coming on the market you would think that a dual band Wi-Fi card would at least be an option in the more expensive laptops. Interestingly, it's an option in the better desktops of all things!

 

HP is definitely going on the cheapo route when it comes to wireless options now. They used to be pretty generous when they provided the Intel WiFi Link 4965AGN, which steadily worsened with the 5100 AGN, and 6200 AGN. Now, they seem to just be providing the Intel WiFi Link 1000 BGN to many of their Intel lineups (they are assuming that most people don't use 802.11a and the 5 GHz band).

 

It seems the AMD models gets the dual band card. Try focus research on that, and avoid the Intel Wireless.

 

Do you have any information about the dual band Wi-Fi cards that HP offers in their desktop computers? I was just wondering how well a desktop does Wi-Fi vs. a laptop, even with a dual band card.

 

Has the OP taken the time to work through the HP on-line config pages to see which machines can be built with a dual-band wireless nic?

You could also d/l a service manual for your machine and see if a part number is listed for a dual band card.

If a part # for a dual band nic is listed in the service manual, even if there was no way to actually buy it at config time, you could probably find one on the used market and install it yourself.

Problem these days is that HP and other makers depend so much on white/black lists to manage system configurations that you can't just add hardware even if it appears to be plug-compatible. You need to be sure that the BIOS will let you use the stuff. This affects wireless nics mostly (based on mac address) but I've seen CPUs get locked out too.

 

I went through the configuration pages for Intel-based laptops and desktops. Only the desktops offered a dual-band Wi-Fi card as an option. I would be open to a desktop with a dual-band WiFi card. That's why I asked if desktop wireless performance is as good or better than a laptop. I have zero experience with desktops with built-in wireless.

 

wireless performance is probably driven more by the quality/capabilities of the AP and interference issues.

a wired connection will always outperform a wireless connection.

 

Modding your bios can get it to work, but doing so would void your warranty.

Then again HP Customer Support would say anything to void the warranty

 

I have two DV-7's, one with an Intel WiFi Link 5100 AGN, the other with a Intel Centrino Advanced N 6200 AGN, and they both support it. Even my old DV9500T's supports it (with an Intel 4965 AGN).

I do know that HP locks down the WiFi cards you can use with a "whitelist" in the BIOS (it can be hacked but I do not recommend this route), however, you can often purchase those cards on ebay for cheap (less than $10 or so), and replace the card in a unit (usually a pretty easy switchout).

Your best bet is to pick out your notebook, then check out what optional cards are available, then check the manufacturers site.

J

 

you guys who say that HP BIOS can be hacked, do you have any concrete examples, successes, documented howtos or????

if not, well........

 

My dv5t/5100 AGN supports 5GHz too. I'm connected at 5GHz as I type this. The problem is that I can't find a new Intel-based laptop that definitely supports 5GHz.

 

The Envy series uses Centrino Ultimate N 6200.

 

Well, it does help to read the service manual prior before purchase.

 

I have a DV7 3067CL, it's an AMD unit though with an Atheros AR5009 that supports dual band.

 

to the OP, yup the ist gen DV5T does support the 5Ghz spectrum, but i'd have to say the Belkin that i have paired it to..is 'orrible....i'd be glad to get a decent 120Mbps...so i was wondering if i could buy one of those 6200AGN chipsets.....so is it compatible..i know the 1st gen DV5T dont have the 6200AGN mentinoed in their partlist

can it be done.......
i am on the latest BIOS F.21

 

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