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    Wireless compare: Broadcom 11b/g vs. Intel Pro/wireless (Ideapad vs. Thinkpad)?

    Discussion in 'Lenovo' started by kns, Dec 20, 2008.

  1. kns

    kns Notebook Evangelist

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    How is Broadcom 11b/g Wi-Fi compared to Intel PRO/Wireless 3945ABG ?
     
    kns, Dec 20, 2008
    #1
  2. ZaZ

    ZaZ Super Model Super Moderator

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    For what?
     
    ZaZ, Dec 20, 2008
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  3. kns

    kns Notebook Evangelist

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    For Internet connection? Did I ask a stupid question? :eek: I just saw the Ideapad has the Broadcom and Thinkpad has Intel. Just thought maybe Broadcom is worse?
     
    kns, Dec 20, 2008
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  4. ZaZ

    ZaZ Super Model Super Moderator

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    I don't know that it's stupid, but it's kind of hard to say without any other information.
     
    ZaZ, Dec 20, 2008
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  5. kns

    kns Notebook Evangelist

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    What other information is needed? What I'm interested to know is, which one has better reception or coverage, usually? Is there such a comparison between different manufacturers?
     
    kns, Dec 21, 2008
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  6. jimbob83

    jimbob83 Notebook Evangelist

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    Do you have any intention to use Linux? Broadcom support is pretty bad there.
     
    jimbob83, Dec 22, 2008
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  7. kns

    kns Notebook Evangelist

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    I don't think so. I'll use windows only. Thanks.
     
    kns, Dec 22, 2008
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  8. jonlumpkin

    jonlumpkin NBR Transmogrifier

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    The Intel Pro Wireless supports 802.11a (5GHz/rarely seen).

    I have heard reports of lower power usage (better battery life) on the Intel wireless, but this is unconfirmed.

    If you want the Centrino badge on your notebook you need to pick an Intel wireless card.

    Besides those things there should be little difference. Both support 802.11B/G (the most common types in home/hotspots) and should be perfectly adequate.
     
    jonlumpkin, Dec 22, 2008
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  9. jaredy

    jaredy Notebook Virtuoso

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    There are more antennas with the intel chipset (or some of them). How many are on the broadcom if more than one and if there is support for MIMO.
     
    jaredy, Dec 23, 2008
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  10. jonlumpkin

    jonlumpkin NBR Transmogrifier

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    Neither of these chipsets support 802.11n, so I doubt they support MIMO. Antennas is something to look into, but I would think these two are comparable.
     
    jonlumpkin, Dec 23, 2008
    #10