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    wireless N worth it?

    Discussion in 'Networking and Wireless' started by julian.c1, Aug 20, 2008.

  1. julian.c1

    julian.c1 Notebook Guru

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    does anybody know if it's worth the extra 25 bucks to get the latest Intel wireless card? Does it increase range? does it only kick in, in few and far between locations? what does it do??
    Thanks
     
    julian.c1, Aug 20, 2008
    #1
  2. Wirelessman

    Wirelessman Monkeymod

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    For $25 is worth it indeed. N gives you an increased "behind" the router speed and a better coverage as well.
     
    Wirelessman, Aug 20, 2008
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  3. Polarix

    Polarix Notebook Evangelist

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    It's worth it because you can 'futureproof' your laptop a little more, and if you're anywhere that has a wireless N network, you can take advantage of it.
     
    Polarix, Aug 20, 2008
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  4. stirfriedsushi

    stirfriedsushi Confuse a Cat LTD

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    since N is faster than ethernet, yes it is. unless yuo have gigabit ethernet, then i say whatever.

    for 25 bucks, get it.
     
    stirfriedsushi, Aug 20, 2008
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  5. julian.c1

    julian.c1 Notebook Guru

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    Thanks! it's cheap, I'll get it...
     
    julian.c1, Aug 20, 2008
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  6. Wirelessman

    Wirelessman Monkeymod

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    Good decision!
     
    Wirelessman, Aug 20, 2008
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  7. Clutch

    Clutch cute and cuddly boys

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    I like haveing N in my house because moving 120GB of stuff takes a while.
     
    Clutch, Aug 20, 2008
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  8. kegobeer

    kegobeer 1 hr late but moving fast

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    Perhaps in theory, but not in practice. A 100Mbps ethernet connection will always outperform a 300Mpbs wireless connection. There are quite a few comparisons available on the 'net, and you can see this yourself if you transfer a very large file (500meg or larger) using both protocols.
     
    kegobeer, Aug 20, 2008
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  9. SL2

    SL2 Notebook Deity

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    This is also a question of which parts you use.

    Edit: AFAIK, just make sure you have the same brand in both ends, then you will probably get the highest speed.

    What are the common brands except for Atheros, Broadcom and Intel?
     
    SL2, Aug 20, 2008
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  10. SL2

    SL2 Notebook Deity

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    You need three antennas in the laptop to get full speed, otherwise it's like 140 Mb/s max.
    Most laptops that are manufactured before the .n cards came doesn't have the third antenna.
     
    SL2, Aug 20, 2008
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  11. Wirelessman

    Wirelessman Monkeymod

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    Just install it ;)
     
    Wirelessman, Aug 20, 2008
    #11