Dell E1705 no signal & IBM T40 strong signal

I am unable to get my new E1705 to connect via wireless while my 1.5 yr old IBM T40 has a strong signal in exactly the same spot. What can I do to the Dell to make it connect and keep a signal?

On a related note, is there some kind of signal repeater or booster that I can use to extend the wireless range?

 

You can get boosters, but start with a few usual suspecs first.

1) Update your router firmware.
2) Update your Intel wireless card driver.

 

Another usual suspect:

0) Make sure that the wireless on your laptop is turned on

 

You may also want to check the power state of your Dell's wireless card - if it's been set to to the highest power savings setting, that may explain why your reception is so much worse.

The case may simply be that your E1705 just doesn't have the reception that your T40 does, though. My experience with the Dells I've used is that they have rather poor reception compared to the Thinkpads that I've used.

 

I have now had the E1705 for a week. It connects with 'a' and 'g', while the T40 connects only with 'a'. E1705 will connect, then periodically drop the signal. Also it seems to be much more finicky as to where it will pick up a signal. The Dell wants to default to 'g'. Is 'a' more stable, and that is why the IBM has a more robust connection, or is the old big blue just a better unit?
To answer the questions: The wireless is turned on, and power saving is turned off.

You mentioned a booster may work. Do you have any details?

 

But you still didn't update drivers or router firmware?

 

Re drivers: Where do I get these, and how do I install them? I am a 'newbie' in the laptop and wireless space.

 

Drivers for your wifi card. For dell refer to dell support site.

For Intel if it's a 2200B/G card, refer here http://downloadfinder.intel.com/scripts-df-external/Product_Filter.aspx?ProductID=1637&lang=eng

 

Where do you check that at

 

I went to the Dell driver site. The latest drivers were installed on the unit. I guess my two options are:
1- to buy a new wifi card to put in my brand new laptop.
2 - Return the Dell and buy a laptop with functional wifi capabilities. Does anyone know the return policy for Dell?

 

Go to 'Network Connections,' right click on 'Wireless Network Connection,' select 'Properties,' and then click the 'Configure' button beside the text box that tells you which network adapter Windows is using. Then look for 'Power Management' in the little menu that you'll find.

I suspect (although I'm just guessing) that the poor wireless performance may be related to a poor antenna design on Dell's part, rather than the wireless card itself. I don't really think that a new card will help (but it may be that your card is simply defective).

AFAIK, Dell has a 21 day no-questions-asked return policy.

 

Dude somthings not cool with your card! I have the same setup and it hooks up great. I got "vary good" sig at a coney island about 60' away form a starbucks.. I was eating a chilly dog and using starbucks wifi....