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    OK. I found a T400s that is 95% what I want. Just need input on wireless card.

    Discussion in 'Lenovo' started by ewthompson, Jan 27, 2010.

  1. ewthompson

    ewthompson Notebook Guru

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    It's got an Intel WiFi Link 5100 (1x2 AGN). How much of a dud is this card?

    Here's the link to the unit I'm THIS close to buying. I just want to know if it will be easy for me to upgrade the wireless card, and if it's worth it, despite the additional cost.

    http://outlet.lenovo.com/catalog/product/view/id/11633/s/280r8abddm/

    Many thanks,
    Erin
     
    ewthompson, Jan 27, 2010
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  2. TinyRK

    TinyRK Notebook Evangelist

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    A WiFi card is $30 on ebay and easily swapped, so don't hesitate because of that.
    The 5100 is Intel's low-end single channel draft-n card.
     
    TinyRK, Jan 27, 2010
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  3. jonlumpkin

    jonlumpkin NBR Transmogrifier

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    Read the link on 802.11N performance in my Sig. The 5100 isn't a dud, but the 5300 is slightly better for transmit. My x200T came with the 5100, but I had occasion to swap it for a 5300 (cost about $25 from ebay and took five minutes).
     
    jonlumpkin, Jan 28, 2010
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  4. cn_habs

    cn_habs Notebook Deity

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    Pull the trigger already. The 128 GB SSD makes up for it.. Just keep in mind that it's a 32-bit OS.
     
    cn_habs, Jan 28, 2010
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  5. ZoinksS2k

    ZoinksS2k Notebook Virtuoso

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    I have the 5100 in my current Sony. Yep, it's a wireless card.

    Nothing to call home about, but it isn't bad either. Range and throughput is average.
     
    ZoinksS2k, Jan 28, 2010
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  6. hceuterpe

    hceuterpe Notebook Evangelist

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    The 5100 is limited to a single spatial stream (not channel) on the transmit (2 in the other direction, hence you still have 2 antennas), so you'll experience a lower speed, even with current APs out now that can do 2. That's 150 vs 300Mbps. In real world use, I doubt it's a 2x fold increase because I think the more streams the more potential inteference, but it's enough to merit the 5300, that has 3, and in both directions.
     
    hceuterpe, Jan 28, 2010
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  7. ewthompson

    ewthompson Notebook Guru

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    I just discovered the multiquote function. Much to everyone's relief, I'm sure!
    Thanks for the input TinyRK, much appreciated.

    If I do end up with a T400s with the 5100 card, this'll be my move.

    Thanks, ZoinksS2k. I want my next purchase to be screamer in all regards. I'll end up upgrading should my unit have the 5100 card.

    After all my talk, I ended up canceling the unit I purchased at the MS Store. Although it was a good deal for <$1100, I see where a coupon just ended a couple days ago that would've netted me the same machine for about $950. I'll take my chances on that sort of pricing returning before MS or Lenovo are out of stock. Gotta know when to hold 'em!
     
    ewthompson, Jan 28, 2010
    #7