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    Choosing a wirless card, can't decide

    Discussion in 'Networking and Wireless' started by fd9_, Jun 28, 2007.

  1. fd9_

    fd9_ Notebook Guru

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    Basically, I can't decide between:

    Intel Wireless WiFi Link 4965AGN (free upgrade)
    ThinkPad 11a/b/g Wi-Fi wireless LAN Mini-PCIe US/EMEA/LA/ANZ (no charge)

    So both are the same price-wise, for a limited time only! I think originally the Intel one was more expensive.

    Advantages of Intel:

    - Supports draft N (a bit more future proof, granted it's only "draft")
    - Originally more expensive (I thought)
    - Better Linux drivers
    - Better Encryption?
    - Uses less battery?
    - Made by Intel, so complete "Centrino" package

    Advantages of Thinkpad/Atheros:

    - Better signal strength, supposedly
    - Better range, supposedly
    - Less dropouts, supposedly

    Questions:

    1) Anybody know what "LAN Mini-PCIe US/EMEA/LA/ANZ" means, in plain english?
    2) Why is the second named "Thinkpad" when it's made by Atheros?

    Note: I do not plan on getting an N router any time soon since they're too expensive. So I'll be using G for the time being.

    Thanks in advance.
     
    fd9_, Jun 28, 2007
    #1
  2. thegsrguy

    thegsrguy Notebook Deity

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    Based on what I read on the Dell support forums, the results for N is mixed. Some N wireless cards don't interact well with some non-N routers, whereas others work perfectly.

    It seems that if you stick with the same chipset in the card/AP you'll be fine.

    (Broadcom wireless card paired to Broadcom-chipset AP, for example)
     
    thegsrguy, Jun 28, 2007
    #2
  3. fd9_

    fd9_ Notebook Guru

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    Are you sure about this? Do you have a link? The card specifically says it supports a/g/n, so if I get a G router, I think I'll be fine.
     
    fd9_, Jun 29, 2007
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  4. blue68f100

    blue68f100 Notebook Virtuoso

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    From problems poster here on the forum, I would agree. Since the 11n is still in draft there are lots and lots of bugs to deal with. Till 11n is finallized and all hardware is running the final 11n spec, is the only time you can expect some compatibility. The 11n spec is trying to get all mfg on the same page, will have to wait and see.
     
    blue68f100, Jun 29, 2007
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  5. Hambone

    Hambone Notebook Consultant

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    Hambone, Jun 29, 2007
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  6. blue68f100

    blue68f100 Notebook Virtuoso

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    I would go for the 11n, just because they will wire the notebook for 3 antennas.
    You can always replace later on if you need to. but adding a 3rd antenna will be difficult.
     
    blue68f100, Jun 29, 2007
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