Thinkpad wireless which one is better?

Among these two, which one is better?

ThinkPad 11a/b/g Wi-Fi wireless
Intel PRO/Wireless 3945ABG Wireless

And is ThinkPad 11a/b/g Wi-Fi wireless actually Atheros?

 

This is discussed in a post just a little further down...I asked the same question; you may want to check there. Cory

 

This is might be a stupid question....
Is that a card that you have to take notebook apart to install or does it go into the PCIe slot?
Thanks

 

yes it is, and it's beter than the intel for sure because it has significantly stronger reception.
You might also look for the thinkpad 11 b/g/n

 

Different users report contradicting results between the two.

The atheros card do run hotter than the intel card though.

 

I know that my Thinkpad A/B/G will pick up nearly twice as many networks as my room mate's 3945 equipped HP..

 

why is the Intel more expensive?

 

whats so special about atheros, so the thinkpad is actually better than the intel???

 

I can't say for sure which is better, but the Thinkpad Wifi does just fine for me.

 

I configured 2 Z61ts with the intel card. I would like to get the best card in a given price range. Is it worth it to change over to the thinkpad wireless from the intel one? I tried finding the thread previously mentioned, but could not. My rep has told me in the past that any change puts me in the back of the line. Is there any way to change w/o losing my place in line? I can't add anymore to my wait time.

 

I'm sure if you change your order you're going to the back of the line. How long ago did you order?

I ordered a preconfiguerd x60 and couldn't get the thinkpad wireless, but I tried. Depending on how you use it I wouldn't worry about it. I know that I'm only going to use a network at home and at school, I don't need that extra reception the thinkpad wireless gives.

But if I was always traveling needing to check email frequently for business then I would loose your place in line and get the thinkpad wireless.

 

From what I have heard, the Atheros (ThinkPad a/b/g) is the superior card, especially in the X60.

 

If I'm not satisfied with the intel how would I go about getting the atheros in there. Is there a way to buy one online?

 

You can usually buy FRU parts from various retailers online..search Google for the part number.

The support site has a manual that will tell you exactly what needs to be done to replace any part on the laptop, including the wireless. It's probably pretty easy, but probably not as easy as it was on the t30, which required the removal of only one screw.

 

Well to give my 2 cents: My Thinkpad a/b/g seems to get twice the reception than my friend's hp laptop with an intel chip.

 

what would I google search to get the part number?

 

Sorry, I presumed you knew the part number and needed a source. You can look up the various part numbers on the support site. That link takes you to the system service parts list for the T60 and T60p. I think you want 39T5578 for the US a/b/g adapter, or 42T0825 for an a/b/g/n adapter, again for the US.

Edited to add: There appears to be an a/b/g on ebay for $55, or you can get one from Lenovo for $49, but you'll have to figure out the ordering part number instead of the CRU part number to make sure that it's the right one.

 

The main rap against the intel 3945 wifi card is that it has had a lot of problems failures and poor performance with the X60. The atheros is indeed a stronger card but it uses more power. One perceive advantage of the intel card for some is for the "centrino" moniker.

 

Ok I figuerd out how to get the abg but what about the n. If I'm going to buy this right now, I'm gonna get the n version. Does anyone know that part number?

 

41U4780 is the ordering part number, according to a search on this site. I can't seem to find the FRU number to go with it, nor any sites that have it, but you might be able to order it directly from Lenovo over the phone.

Instructions on installation of the card.

 

now will this card be all set for wireless n? Or is it going to be deemed useless after the standard for n is announced?

 

If you want something that will work with the final n, you would be best off waiting until it is standardized. The cards aren't very expensive, so if I were you, I'd just get a/b/g now and wait to get n later.

Well, actually, if I were you, I wouldn't be the least bit concerned with n, as g works fine for me. I get over 10Mbps in my car about 300 feet away on the other side of the building, through 4 walls, including the exterior wall. My AP isn't particularly well positioned, either.

 

Alright so should I the 50 bucks and get the thinkpad a/b/g. I wanted it but my preconfiguerd x60 didn't have it. I havn't even got the machine yet so I don't know how the intel is. But I'm one of those got to have the best people.

 

As I mentioned before, I haven't used the Intel card, so all I can say is that the Atheros card works very well.