Ordered wireless AGN, system info shows AG?

I just received my new x61s. I was checking the system info. I ordered Intel 4965 AGN, but in System Info, Network adapter says Intel wireless wifi link 4965 AG, without "N"? Did they put the wrong card?

 

Try check the underside of the laptop, there is usually a sticker with the wireless card info, including abgn etc...

 

I just checked, the label says 802.11 AG MAC Addr 00... Guess I got the wrong one?

 

I think the 4965 is ALWAYS an ABGN card. N would have to be artificially disabled by the manufacturer (this has happened) for it not to work.

One thing you could check. Dis-associate from any wireless networks (but LEAVE THE RADIO ON), open task manager and the network tab. See if you can find the link speed for your wireless adapter. 11mbps=B, 54mbps=AG, 150 or 300mbps=AGN.

 

jonlumpkin, thanks. just followed your advice, the wireless connection is 150 (non operational). Nontheless, is there an explicit indication that says this is AGN? Or at least to confirm the above conclusion?

 

My AGN is 300Mbps in task manager

and look in device manager

 

Device manager says AG . So does the system information in system tools, so does the sticker on the bottom of the machine

On the other hand, just checked my T61, it has Thinkpad ABGN, but it shows only 54 mbps?

 

not always.   lenovo offers both versions.   i currently have a 4965AG_ card in my X61s and used to have a 4965AGN.   N is completely disabled on the AG_ cards.

if the device manager reports the card as a "4965AG" then it's the N-disabled version.   there is no way to enable N support on these cards.

 

I just called Lenovo (finally reached someone helpful after several others, one of whom asked me to explain the difference between AG and AGN ). They said I have only 2 options:

a. Return the laptop for good, as if I didn't purchase it.
b. Get $40 refund for the difference between AG and AGN.

I asked why not replace the card for me and return the computer to me, or send me the new card for replacement by myself, they said that's just not the way they do it!

I really mean to have AGN and not to get refund to keep AG, and of course after all these weeks of research on the product and prices, placing the order, anticipating the delivery, and finally excited to receive it today, who wants to return the product for good?

The rep said he'll try to convey my request for the replacement card to be sent to me but he can't guarantee. He sounded not hopeful. I am very upset about this: it is Lenovo's mistake not to install the correct card for me, why can't they replace it for me or to have myself replace it?

(Btw the rep said if I replace it by myself it would void warranty. But then why can't they replace it for me? I find it very unreasonable, given it's their mistake.)

Will appreciate if someone has advice on how to deal with them if they refuse to send me replacement.

p.s. I suppose the replacement by myself wouldn't be too hard?

 

Sorry to hear about this problem, I understand it must be very frustrated. I believe the best solution for you is to get the $40 refund and get yourself a 4965AGN on eBay for like $25, or better yet, get the newer 5300AGN for about $40. The card shouldn't be hard to replace. If you return the laptop, I'm pretty sure you will have to wait quite a long time to get another one.

EDIT: If you do decide to get a card yourself, make sure you get one that's for Lenovo. On eBay, I noticed some sellers are selling cards that will work with one brand but not another. If you search for "Intel 5300" on eBay, you will see what I mean, click on some of them and read the descriptions.

 

Thank you. In fact, if I return the laptop, I'll likely end up without anything because x61s is being discontinued

Will an Intel 4965 or 5300 AGN purchased anywhere be the same? Shouldn't they all work on Lenovo thinkpad since it is what comes with Thinkpad? Do you mean only when purchasing some other models or manufacturer's product will I need to make sure it's for Lenovo?

 

I'm actually waiting for some answers from a couple of sellers, because I'm also looking at those 5300 cards for myself.

For example, this is specifically stated for Lenovo and HP:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=370134938359

Then there is this one that stated specifically NOT for Lenovo and HP:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=220346808539

Also, check if your X61s uses a full or half size card, because it comes in two sizes.

 

Thanks for the caution. Btw, if Lenovo refuses to send me a replacement card, I think at least I am entitled to get one using my warranty, right?

jonlumpkin, I'm wondering about my T61 now. It has Thinkpad (Atheros) ABGN card, but how come the connection speed is only 54 mbps? I have had it for over a year now, the wireless connection has always been very very poor/slow; could there be something wrong with the card, e.g. something not turned on? Is there a way to check?

 

the 5300 won't work in an X61 without modifying the BIOS, regardless of it being a lenovo FRU or not.

the 4965 has to be a lenovo FRU or it won't work without a modified BIOS either.

42T0865 is the correct FRU for the 4965AGN compatible with your system.   this will not require a modified BIOS.

 

yes mine came wireless n disable on card no way enable

make sure if do get replacement card order lenvo card so it not blacklisted on bios i got oringaly intel card n model that was not ibm and it does,nt work