Which wireless card should I get? DV1000

There are 3 options. What is the advantage of #2 (Broadcom) card over the intel card? Also, do you find bluetooth really worth it for #3? I do have a bluetooth phone, but if I want to transfer pictures and phone numbers, will I still need to purchase the software package for my phone? I was also somewhat considering getting a bluetooth printer, as its time for a new one anyways.


#1. Intel(R) PRO/Wireless 2200BG WLAN
#2. 54g(TM) 802.11b/g WLAN w/ 125HSM/SpeedBooster(TM)
#3. Intel(R) PRO/Wireless 2200BG & Bluetooth(TM)

 

I'd go with 1. That's all you really need. But if you really think you'll be using the bluetooth, then get that. If it's a significant price jump, then you can just get a small dongle from a local electronics store for about 20 bucks. Then use it when you need it. I did the same with my phone, but my laptop had infrared. I'm not too fond of bluetooth printers either, I rather have a direct connection and have more options when printing too.

 

#2, you should see the difficulties those with the Intel 2200 BG card have been having. Check out the wireless part of this forum...you'll see. I opted for broadcom and bluetooth.

 

The few comps I've had with Intel adapters have worked great. My L2000 is the first one with a Broadcom chipset, and I haven't had any problems with it either so far. But the only thing that gets me is in the L2000 vs. V2335 review, the Intel chipset picks up 10 more AP's than the Broadcom.

 

#2 is the way I'd go, there are way too many issues reported with the Intel 2200. The Bluetooth is a $19 option, go that route if you think you'll use it.

 

What sorts of common issues have their been?

 

fast speeds, but it consistently drops speed suddenly for no reason usually. I don't know if they've even found a viable solution that works for everyone yet. But that's pretty much it.

 

From my experience, Broadcom is a no-problem solution and a fast card. But Intel picks up a weaker signal more consistently (in side-by-side notebooks), that makes it a better choice. I'd go Intel.

 

Yeah, well I've got a DV1000 (1.7 Centrino), and my Intel(R) PRO/Wireless 2200BG WLAN works just fine. Never dropped a signal and I hook up in 5 different locations with no problems.

 

I'd go with #2. Even if intel works for SOME people, you're just playing russian roulette. Mine instead of dropping signals, it would randomly crash windows.

 

Just do a forums search to see all the people complaining about the 2200...I'm sure it works fine for 90% or more, but there are significant concerns.

 

I have had both.

I think Broadcom is slightly better.

That said, I'd go #3 to get BT as well.

On some latops you can get both Broadcom and BT, which to me, is the best combo.

 

If there are a lot of complaints about the Intel wireless, I'm sure its not the due to hardware. 99% of the time there is a problem, it's usually user error. Either not the right thing installed, the wrong settings, difficulties with the access point, conflicts, or whatever. I just know that they wouldnt put out a product that didnt work. Also, the phrase "you get what you pay for" doesn't apply to this. It's standard, option1, and then standard with option2. Also, these problems... were they from the DV1000 like the original post-er asked? I just know that I've got the DV1000, the experience with it, the current bios, the current drivers, and it works the way its should.

But if I was one asking this question and everyone bad mouth one of the selections, it would persuade me from getting it too. So if it's not a significant amount of money, I'd just opt for the majority selection. I'm sure it wouldnt hurt to have a different option. Does the same job doesnt it? It's like power supply 1 or power supply 2.