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    Longest Range Wireless Card?

    Discussion in 'Networking and Wireless' started by Sleepy_Sentry, Dec 1, 2006.

  1. Sleepy_Sentry

    Sleepy_Sentry Notebook Enthusiast

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    I just got a new Dell Inspiron 1501 laptop and love it. Unfortunately, I wish the wireless card had better range. It's not that the card itself is bad, it's just the places where I use my laptop have poor wireless coverage. I can usually get on networks, but I always get poor reception.

    What wireless card has the best range? I don't care whether or not it has an external antenna.
     
    Sleepy_Sentry, Dec 1, 2006
    #1
  2. usapatriot

    usapatriot Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    I hear Atheros wireless cards are good.
     
    usapatriot, Dec 1, 2006
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  3. Miller

    Miller Notebook Consultant NBR Reviewer

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    If you don't care about an external antenna, then get a PCMCIA wireless card that supports a real external antenna. Like the Orinoco Gold cards, if you can still find them. Then attach a small directional Cantenna via a pigtail and you're set to go with great range.
     
    Miller, Dec 1, 2006
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  4. stamar

    stamar Notebook Prophet

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    in the mini pci e format all of the cards made have better range than the intel 3945

    even the lower intel 1490. atheros is a good one but actually i have a feeling the dell pre n card is goin to give you the best range on a g router.

    in a nutshell there are actually quite a few intel cards that are dell only that are good but you want one of those two the atheros or the dell pre n.

    you can also purchase a wifi extender or a wireless focuser to put in a car.
     
    stamar, Dec 1, 2006
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  5. digital8doug

    digital8doug Notebook Consultant

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    Have heard Senao cards in this kit are the best, but card ant is weak, thus the new ant.
    http://www.radiolabs.com/products/wireless/networking/long-range-notebook-wifi-kit.php
    Not familar w/ Orinoco, but my Skype contacts have returned many Cantenna (Including Super!) that did NOT improve their range. Cantenna Super does get a signal in the garden from your own house when aimed @ the AP inside
     
    digital8doug, Dec 1, 2006
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