T400 wireless & warranty options

Yes, it's yet another pre-purchase questions thread.

I'm about to bite the bullet and buy a T400, but I would like a couple of questions answered beforehand.

Firstly, the wireless options. There's the Thinkpad ABGN, the Intel 5100 and the 5300. I know that the Intel options are basically the same, save a small increase when using multiple antennas, but is the 5100 worth the very small $16 AUD increase? And, perhaps a stupid question, but are all these cards installed internally, i.e. don't take up an Expresscard slot?

Also, if I want 3 years onsite warranty with accident coverage, do I need to select both the "Upgrade to 3 yrs onsite warranty (Additional 2 years coverage to onsite technician next business day)" AND the "Upgrade to 3 yrs Onsite warranty (additional 2 yrs) with 3 yrs ThinkPad Protection (protection from accidental damages)" options, or just the second one?

And, finally, since the T400 has international warranty (right? I did check the type, the 2764, in the international warranty checker thingy) will that cover me if I cause accidental damage overseas too?

 

I would say get the 5300 rather than the 5100. More antennas = longer range and better connection. No question is a stupid question, The wireless cards are installed internally. As for the warranty I couldn't help you there...

 

Doesn't Lenovo use Broadcom chips for their WiFi, like how Dell does it? If so, certainly go for the Intel WiFi. I find broadcom has really poor support for their chips. Forcing a consumer into an OEM-exclusive driver support situation in my opinion is a total cop out. The Intel Proset feature is pretty nice even within Windows 7 as it provides more options to control Wi-fi. Plus, if you go for Intel, you'll get the Centrino 2 sticker and that logo on boot

I'd also stick with the 5300. You won't see a big benefit now with 802.11n, but the 5300 is actually ahead of it's time. I've read the documentation and in every way it is a FULL 3x3 card. There aren't 3x3:3 access points on the market yet, which is why you are limited to 300Mbps. But if you upgrade to a higher end access point, your card would be able to utilize the added technology.
I suspect since 802.11n was just recently ratified (like a few months ago), we should FINALLY see something beyond the Draft 2.0 products and a 3x3:3 AP is in the pipeline.

As for the warranty vs damage protection: The warranty is in fact a true warranty. It protects you from manfacturer defects and premature failure that's a fault of the hardware itself. The damage protection is actually a truer form of insurance. Lenovo treats claims seperately and hence offer it for purchase seperately. However if you want a longer accidental damage period, you need a longer warranty, too. In my opinion, I've never thought the accidental damage was worthwhile. As long as you play it safe (never leaving it on the floor, not drinking or eating near it, keeping it in a GOOD case when not in use), you don't really need it. Also the one thing that may be nice that it doesn't cover is theft.

Also, I would be surprised if Lenovo's highest profit margin on their Thinkpads comes in the form of warranties and the accidental damage. They seem quite expensive. You may try to check with your credit card company, and even your homeowner's/renters insurance policy if they cover that. Oh, and unless you HAVE to, you should definitely buy your laptop with a credit card as almost all halfway decent cards offer some form of short-term accidental coverage and extended warranties (most people know nothing about these card benefits)