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    Wireless: Internal vs. PC Card

    Discussion in 'HP' started by djohnsen, May 11, 2005.

  1. djohnsen

    djohnsen Notebook Enthusiast

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    I'm thinking about ordering a zv6000. I already have a NetGear 108 Mbps wireless PC card (WG511T). HP offers a couple of built-in wireless options:

    54g(TM) 802.11b/g WLAN w/ 125HSM/SpeedBooster(TM)
    54g(TM) Integ. Broadcom 802.11b/g WLAN & Bluetooth

    From what I can tell, these are both 54 Mbps. Since I already have a faster card, is there any reason to go for one of the internal options? Will one likely have better range than the others? Are there other performance benefits I haven't considered? Btw, Bluetooth doesn't really matter to me.
     
  2. anomaly

    anomaly Notebook Enthusiast

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    My advice would be to get the 54g with 125hsm/speedbooster for two reasons the integrated wireless normally allows for better range because of the antenna behind the screen and it allows you to use the PC Card slot for something else, IMHO it's worth the $25.

    If the router that you have is also 108Mbps then you would see a good increase performance with the pc card when transferring large files, but nothing that noticeable when doing your basic web surfing.

    Bluetooth is nice and having it internal prevents you from having to add it on later if needed.



    "If you find yourself in a hole, it's time to stop digging."
     
  3. AMDemon

    AMDemon Notebook Evangelist

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    <blockquote id='quote'> quote:<hr height='1' noshade id='quote'>Originally posted by djohnsen

     
    Last edited by a moderator: May 8, 2015
  4. miner

    miner Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    But the "Speedboost" feature will only work with compatible routers.(Linksys is compatible,I think).

    Yes, since the antenna is larger in integrated wireless cards you will get better range than a PC card.

    ------------------------
    Compaq Presario R3340US AMD Athlon 64 3200+, 512MB, 80GB 5400rpm
    15.4" Brightview WXGA.
    ------------------------
     
  5. coolqf

    coolqf Notebook Consultant

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    <blockquote id='quote'> quote:<hr height='1' noshade id='quote'>Originally posted by miner

     
    Last edited by a moderator: May 8, 2015
  6. djohnsen

    djohnsen Notebook Enthusiast

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    Thanks for the feedback, everybody. I'll definitely get the integrated wireless. Maybe I'll rebox the PC card and give it to my brother for his birthday.