x200s Intel 5100 WiFi Problems

I'm running into some speed and connection problems with my WiFi connection. Connecting to a 150 Mbps Wireless N Netgear WNR1000v2 I'm getting at most 11Mbps, consistently dropping to 1 Mbps and "Limited Connectivity" (no connectivity) status about once every 30 minutes.

My signal shows 5 bars from my room, and it does get faster when I move closer to the router, getting up to 60+ Mbps. I still don't consider distance the problem because I used the laptop from the same location before with much faster speeds and on top of that my desktop gets 54 Mbps with its wireless card ~2 feet off the ground and backed up against the farthest wall in the house from where the router is.

I just sent in my Thinkpad to have the back LCD cover replaced and Thinklight repaired and I'm thinking the antennas could be seated incorrectly, but I'm not sure.

Also when I got the laptop back I reformatted and reinstalled Windows 7 with SP1 and did all the hotfix updates. Before the reinstall I was running stock Windows 7 with no updates at all. Used Lenovo System Update both times to install all my drivers.

Things I've tried:

• Tried multiple driver versions for both Vista and 7
• Disabled/Enabled features for the card (Wireless N disabled, Wireless G only, Power management, etc..)
• Ubuntu Live USB
• Different Router (Comcast Modem/Router combo)

Basically only things I can think of is to reinstall stock Windows 7 and try it out (really inconvienient if it ends up not being the problem and I have to do massive updates to get back to where I am now) or open up the LCD cover and check out the antennas (no idea what I would be looking for anyway). I have checked the connections to the WiFi card itself and they are solid.

Was wondering if anyone had any ideas as to what the problem could be or how to diagnose it better.

I'm also reluctant to send the thing back for warranty service because I'll be needing it for school.

 

Distance can be an issue, I have experienced issues with my DLINK DWA-125 when wifi waves have to travel btw several walls. But, your router also has a horrible history of how the it cuts your connection to the internet, read reviews on amazon ( here).

 

I decided to open up my front LCD bezel and check out the antenna situation and it looks like one of the soldered contact points for one of the antenna has broken off. It must have been poorly done when they replaced the back LCD cover when I sent it in to be repaired.

Does anyone know if Lenovo does some kind of temp replacement/rental program for when you send in your laptop? Can't exactly give up my laptop for 6 business days.