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    Wireless adapters

    Discussion in 'Lenovo' started by JiantBrane, Dec 3, 2005.

  1. JiantBrane

    JiantBrane Notebook Evangelist

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    Hi. Can anyone tell me, roughly, the difference between the following options:
    -11a/b/g Wireless LAN Mini-PCI Adapter II [add
    $34.00]
    -Intel PRO/Wireless 2915ABG Mini PCI Adapter
    [add $34.00]
    -Intel Pro/Wireless 2200BG Mini PCI Adapter [add
    $8.50]

    I'm guessing the only difference between the 2200 and 2915 is that the 2915 will pick up an A signal, which I probably don't care about.

    Thanks,
    Howie
     
    JiantBrane, Dec 3, 2005
    #1
  2. Jason986

    Jason986 Notebook Guru

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    You are correct in that the difference between the 2200 and 2915 is the "A" network compatibility in the later. The "11/a/b/g Wireless LAN Mini-PCI Adapter II" is an IBM card based off an Atheros chipset, making it compatible with so-called super-G networks that boast 108mbps thoroughput (over standard "G" networks at 54mbps). Some people have had driver/connection issues with the 2200; not sure if this is still/ever was a problem on a wide scale. I'd suggest getting the IBM card, but your system will not carry the "Centrino" sticker if you don't take one of the Intel cards.
     
    Jason986, Dec 3, 2005
    #2
  3. JiantBrane

    JiantBrane Notebook Evangelist

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    This might sound stupid, but, when you talk about it having a sticker, I assume you are referring to an actual sticker that has no affect on anything other than sticker-y-ness - right? If that's it, then I would get the Atheros-based adapter (I saw another discussion about that), since the price wasn't the concern.

    Thanks,
    Howie
     
    JiantBrane, Dec 3, 2005
    #3
  4. ZaZ

    ZaZ Super Model Super Moderator

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    The sticker is put on there if it is a Centrino machine meaning it has a Pentium M CPU, an Intel wireless card and chipset. If it is missing one of those you won't get the Centrino sticker. I haven't had any problems with my 2200bg, but I know others have. If given the option, I'd take the Atheros card.
     
    ZaZ, Dec 3, 2005
    #4
  5. Jason986

    Jason986 Notebook Guru

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    zazonz is correct. Centrino is only a sticker. Get the IBM/Atheros card.
     
    Jason986, Dec 3, 2005
    #5
  6. tsheer

    tsheer Notebook Enthusiast

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    We have over 1,000 Thinkpads at work. The ones with the Intel Pro/Wireless 2200BG cards are really erratic with wireless connections. All our wireless routers are the same (Avaya), yet there are many of them that just refuse to communicate with the 2200BG card. Atheros cards, and non-IBM notebooks (don't know the wireless cards in those) work just fine with all the routers.
     
    tsheer, Dec 4, 2005
    #6