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    Which integrated WiFi on Lenovo Customization page?

    Discussion in 'Lenovo' started by eXtraBulleT, Aug 10, 2010.

  1. eXtraBulleT

    eXtraBulleT Notebook Consultant

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    The default option is ThinkPad bgn Wireless.
    But there are many other options:
    Intel Centrino Wireless-N 1000 [$0.00]
    Intel Centrino Advanced-N 6200 (2x2 AGN) [add $20.00]
    Intel Centrino Ultimate-N 6300 (3x3 AGN) [add $40.00]
    Intel Centrino Advanced-N + WiMAX 6250 [add $55.00]

    Is there any noticeable difference in wifi range, signal and speed? Does more expensive card equal to better card in this case?
     
    eXtraBulleT, Aug 10, 2010
    #1
  2. WalkerTalker

    WalkerTalker Notebook Enthusiast

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    The Intel Centrino Ultimate-N 6300 should provide the best service if there are obstacles inbetween the computer and the router, such as people or walls, because it has the most antennas. The Intel Centrino Advanced-N + wiMAX 6250 is the same card as the Intel Centrino Advanced-N 6200 except that it's attached to a WiMAX card, which is a WAN internet service in some urban locations (Cisco runs one in San Jose). Note that if you choose this card, a built-in Gobi module will not fit, because the WiMAX antenna is taking its spot. IIRC, you can still get a Gobi module that uses the PCI express port.
    The Intel Centrino Wireless-N 1000 is the weakest of the Intel models, and may provide a noticeable difference in range even without obstacles, depending on broadcast frequency. And lastly, the ThinkPad bgn is almost certainly not proprietary, but rather a renamed wireless card, likely a D-Link or Intel N 1000. Selecting this option allows Lenovo to use whatever is in stock, so in the unlikely event that they only have the Ultimate N 6300 available at the time they're building your machine, you could wind up with a free $40 upgrade.

    There is no difference in speed, aside from signal strength relations, excluding WiMax.
     
    WalkerTalker, Aug 12, 2010
    #2
  3. wordsworth

    wordsworth Notebook Guru

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    Whats a Gobi module?
     
    wordsworth, Aug 12, 2010
    #3
  4. k2001

    k2001 Notebook Deity

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    Gobi is the 3g chip that Thinkpad come with.
     
    k2001, Aug 12, 2010
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  5. kobe_24

    kobe_24 Notebook Deity

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    So is there really any noticeable difference between the 5300 and 6300 wireless cards? If I can get a 5300 for $20, is it better than paying $40 for the 6300?
     
    kobe_24, Aug 12, 2010
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  6. FFT

    FFT Notebook Consultant

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    Intel Centrino Wireless-N 1000 [$0.00] - 2 Antennas/2.4Ghz
    Intel Centrino Advanced-N 6200 (2x2 AGN) - 2 Antennas/ Dual Band (2.4 and 5 Ghz)
    Intel Centrino Ultimate-N 6300 (3x3 AGN) - 3 Antennas/ Dual Band (2.4 and 5 Ghz)

    The main advantage of 802.11n is greater bandwidth using MIMO (2+ antennas). It uses either 2.4Ghz and/or 5Ghz and is backwards compatible with 802.11g. Looking purely at frequency, 5Ghz has a shorter range than 2.4Ghz. MIMO provides the greater range. "More" is better, as long as your router is good enough. Get the 6200 or better card if you can.
     
    FFT, Aug 14, 2010
    #6
  7. lead_org

    lead_org Purveyor of Truth

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    the intel 1000 card should also use the least amount of battery if that matters.

    As said the 3 antenna setup is superior in cases where the wireless signal is weak.
     
    lead_org, Aug 14, 2010
    #7
  8. garga

    garga Notebook Guru

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    garga, Aug 14, 2010
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