zv6000 networking...integrated vs PC card?

I almost posted this on the networking forum, but since I'll probably be purchasing the zv6000 this week (which has the same options as the 8000 and 5000), I thought I'd post it here instead.

My primary question is: Are the integrated components good enough as far as range and general connectivity issues (especially with other wireless networks other than my own) when compared to PC cards? How about other issues such as how far the card sticks out (if at all) and getting bumped, etc.?

Also, are there compatibility issues with the integrated brand (Broadcom/Linksys) and other routers (DLink, Belkin, NetGear)? I've been told to get a Linksys router to match the integrated option, specifically if the Speedbooster option is selected, but some Linksys reviews I've read have me a bit worried.

Speaking of Speedbooster, I read in the networking forum where this isn't 'all that'. Anyone care to disagree or offer any further insight?

This will be my first notebook/wireless network, and I just want to make the best first decision possible, even given all the variables that can affect performance.

Thanks in advance.

 

I think if all you doing is going onto the internet, you'll be fine.

http://officedepot.crossmediaservices.com/officedepot/listing_detail.asp?listingid=-2097080544&storeid=2279480&offerid=&L1CatID=5208&L2CatID=5209







I know things, things that could get me killed


Thinkpad T41:
* 1.6Ghz Pentium M * 768Mb Memory * 40Gb Hitachi 7200RPM * Panasonic UJ-845-B DVD+RW *

 

Apparently, buying it built-in gets you a larger antenna (wraps around the LCD, I believe). I almost didn't get it built-in but did at the last minute. However, I read good things about a Hawkings 802.11g card that had MIMO technology and according to PCWorld extended your range even if you didn't use the matching router. If I was going to buy a PC wifi card, that's the one I'd buy. Price is also nice (under $50).

http://www.pcworld.com/news/article/0,aid,119801,pg,3,00.asp

Here's the link to the article.

Russ

HP ZV5000z
Athlon 64 3000+
512mb RAM
60gb 4200rpm HD
nVidia G0 440 64mb
DVD-RW/CD-RW
1394, 5-in-1 card reader
15.4" wide screen
802.11 b/g w/Speedbooster

 

As far as the question of integrated vs PC Card wireless I would definitely go with the integrated wireless. I have found they generally give you a better range and signal strength when compared to pc cards.

I don't think you will have much trouble with the compatibility of the integrated brand and other routers, but other people might have had bad experiences.

I would only recommend speedbooster if you are in one of the following situations 1) you have a 100Mbit internet connection, in which case extra speed is always nice or 2) you transfer large files regularly to and from your desktop computer.

I also recommend the linksys router the wrt54g or wrt54gs depending on whether or not you want speedbooster. The wrt54g performs very well on just basic 802.11g, also if you're comfortable with it you can use a 3rd party firmware which can boost the range that you get.


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

 

Definitely get integrated wireless. The two antenna panels mounted behind the screen provide far better range than PC cards (with the possible exception of that Hawking card, and even then). I can see about 8 neighboring networks from my desk. Plus you don't have a card sticking out of the side of your notebook. Also, HP has locked out non-HP wireless miniPCI (internal) cards in their BIOS and doesn't include antenna panels in notebooks configured without wireless, so if you change your mind about internal wireless later you're out of luck.

As for APs... if you're sticking with standard 802.11g it doesn't matter too much (I have an Atheros-basde D-Link AP), but if you want to use Speedbooster (has anyone managed to get that working?) you'll want the Linksys router.

 

yeha, get it inside, it has so much better reception. I am proably the only one here that will need to get a network card. Why? because my college runs on a gigabit network (fibre) and i need a gigabit card to use its fullest potential.

 

Thanks for all the responses.

I just ordered mine this morning (thru HP) and hopefully I'll have it in time for my family vacation in early June. Here are my specs:

AMD Athlon 64 3200+ (2.0GHz/512KB L2 Cache)
15.4" WXGA BrightView Widescreen
128MB ATI RADEON(R) XPRESS 200M w/Hypermemory
512MB DDR SDRAM (1x512MB)
60 GB 5400 RPM Hard Drive
8X DVD +/- RW/R & CD-RW Combo Drive
54g(TM) Integrated Broadcom 802.11b/g WLAN & Bluetooth
12 Cell Lithium Ion Battery

 

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

 

<blockquote id='quote'> quote:<hr height='1' noshade id='quote'>Originally posted by bluedevils
Just curious why you ordered through HP, since it is several hundred dollars more expensive than ordering in-store or online from Office Depot or from www.costco.com?
<hr height='1' noshade id='quote'></font id='quote'></blockquote id='quote'>

For the extended/accidental warranty coverage. I thought about ordering it thru Costco (the CTO wasn't that much different in cost, not including the extended warranty), but with the environments/people that it will be exposed to, I just had to get some insurance against what might happen.

 

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

 

<blockquote id='quote'> quote:<hr height='1' noshade id='quote'>Originally posted by bluedevils
My assumption was you can buy the manufacturer extended and/or accidental coverage on the dv6000 regardless of whether the machine was ordered directly from HP Shopping or from another retailer. True or false?
<hr height='1' noshade id='quote'></font id='quote'></blockquote id='quote'>

True, it doesn't matter if you buy the notebook directly from HP, or from a retailer you can still purchase the manufacturer's extended or accidental coverage.

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

 

Sure, NOW you tell me. [ ] I had no idea HP (and other vendors?) would do that. [:I] Oh well. Maybe the 12-cell battery (about twice the life of the 8, according to HP) and one stick of 512 (more 'efficient' upgradability) will be worth the couple hundred extra. Yeah, that's it.

 

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