Is it worth waiting for a final draft N card?

I'm about to order a 1720 inspiron dell and was wondering if I should get a draft N card or not since the N format hasn't been finalized yet. Is it worth waiting for the final N draft card? Also is switching out the mini wireless card fairly straight forward?

Thanks

 

If you take a little time and look around, you'll find at least one "should I wait" thread regarding 802.11n.

Unless Dell decides to ship a 1720 with a different wireless card, there would be no reason to try to swap one out. Most of the time, those cards are built for one manufacturer, and can't be interchanged with other laptops. You probably won't see a laptop wireless NIC sold separately.

 

Unless you want to wait until 2009, go on and get your laptop w/ draft N

Just remember, you're probably not going to get the fastest/best connection without using the same brand router and card. They are all using proprietary stuff for their routers and cards, until the final version comes out in 2009. So to get 300mbps, use netgear routers w/ netgear cards, or d-link with D-link. It's that easy.

 

Does it matter? As I understand it no connection has that much speed anyways.
Its not like the g standard is being constrained because networks can push 54mps anyways.

 

Yes, 802.11n can push 300Mbps. I'm always connected with at least 216Mbps, and my file transfers are anywhere from 200-300Mbps.

 

if you are concerned with internet speeds than no makes no difference at all. if you want to transfer large files between computers get the n. imo stay away from the intel cards though to many compatability issues with to many routers. imo look at atheros cards

 

Get n or get out!

 

That's right. This is for network traffic. And believe me, if you're a gamer, these speeds matter. I also push 300mbps continuously.

 

well if that is the case than yes 100% get draft n now. just make sure you know the intel cards require dual band operation to get 300mb out of them.. and there are VERY few dual band routers, i would get a atheros based card if possible

 

Thanks for the responses. Sounds like I should just go with the n card. I have another question; does the newer dell 1505 mini-N card have better g performance than the Dell 1390 g or about the same?

 

I would expect them to perform the same with G.

 

NOT ME. I will wait till my 11g AP gives up. Which may be many years.

As for G performance that is a big issue with the 11n right now. And if you have a DUAL Band, they are killing 11g and giving you 11b speeds if in dual mode. The main reason why is there is a loop hole in the spec that allows them not to play nice. Till that is closed and all major issues are cleared.

Those who elect to be BETA Tester, that is the garbage you must put up with. But most mfg are not treating you as beta tester. Most beta tester get all of the intermetiate releases. and you report back all bugs they find. You the general public just get all of the crap that goes with being a BETA tester, with none of the benefits.

 

the difference in those cards will depend on your router, but the dell cards are not known to be great performers id take the intel over the dell ones..

 

Would it be possible to swap in a Intel 4295ABGN myself? Would the inspiron 1720 recognize the new card? The vostro 1700 has the Intel 4295ABGN as build option so shouldn't that mean the card is compatible with the 1720?

From the factory my options are:

Dell Wireless 1390 802.11g Mini-Card [Included in Price]
Intel® 3945 802.11a/g Mini-card [add $25 or $1/month1]
Dell Wireless 1505 Wireless-N Mini-card

I'd probably go with the intel 3945 from the factory since dell's performance is sketchy.

 

yes you can its not hard at all.. trust me dont buy a dell card.. they are terrible.. or you can simply get one without it if possible and then get the atheros based n card from oxfordtec.com for about 50$.. the intel 3945 is not a n based card only g just fyi

 

I just bought a $4 crossover cable and use Gigabit ethernet transfers.

 

What game is that? If a game needs more speed than G, its multiplayer code is really bloated. Besides, i'd trust ethernet more than wifi if I were playing a fast action game.