6224W: Zepto Zpro 300Mbit Wifi VS Intel Pro/Wireless?

I'm about to configure and buy a 6224W, but I'm still suck on one question:

What's the difference between Zepto Zpro 300Mbit Wifi and Intel Pro/Wireless?

And am I right in presuming there is no PCMCIA slot? Also, the ethernet included, is that a gigabit or 100mbit?

Thanks

 

its gigabit, dont know bout the cardplace, there isnt actually any diffrence between them, but the draft-n standard isnt really at it finishing point so for future compatibility the Intel will probably be on the stronger side

 

1. Ethernet is Gigabit (Broadcom Netlink).

2. The card slot is Express Card, not PCMCIA.

3. I went for the Intel wireless card because there's greater likelihood that Intel and the final wireless n standard will be compatible. The Intel card has worked fine with all the (non-n) hardware that I've tried connecting to. However, if you want draft-n performance now, you should get it using the Zepto card and their recommended router.

John

 

Hmm, i think i'll go fo rthe intel one then, as i probably need something compatible with netstumbler for future use...

Do you know the speed of the intel one? And the term expresscard is completely new for me! As the previous laptop i had only used pcmcia... Let me read up on this

 

The Intel wireless card is abgn (or more accurately, abg+draft n). Although Intel's name for it suggests that it lacks the "b" I've just checked the properties in Device Manager and b is there.

Express card is potentially faster than PCMCIA. I got an eSATA Express card adaptor which runs the HDD as fast as it would if connected internally.

John

 

Very nice, because i did look at the review of the notebook and on the review model it didn't have a pcmcia or an express card slot.

Good to know it's not lacking those features.

I think I'll go for it then - So John Ratsey; do you have any quirks with the laptop? Or now in retrospect, would you have gone for another laptop?

And do you use yours on the go? Or is it just a stationary computer? Also, what do you use for protection if you do take it out? As i'd like a 14" silicone case for it (as i always use my backpack)

Thanks

 

OK. After almost 4 months with my 6024W:

1. It still feels very solid overall and not likely to fall apart.
2. I've got used to the keyboard and the need to press the keys quite hard (I did a DIY fix reported elsewhere for the keyboard looseness).
3. One of the key factors in my purchasing decision was the 1440 x 900 display. This still limits the choice otherwise I would be tempted by the Samsung X22). While matte displays tend to lose a bit of quality compared to glossy displays because of the anti-glare coating, you also lose the reflection problem. However, you don't see this benefit unless you are alongside a glossy screen.
4. The 6x24W falls short of the battery life claims. I might be able to reach the claimed 3.5 hours if (a) I have the backlight on the unreadable minimum setting and (b) the battery held the full capacity. There is now a 12 cell battery option although I bought a (reasonably priced) space 6 cell battery.
5. It's taken Zepto some time to get a fully-functioning bug-free BIOS (there's another version around the corner).

I would expect that using a sleeve in a backpack would provide sufficient protection.

John

 

I had had the same question, and turned out i chose the Intel 4965 ABGN, i believe that there could be major com[atibilty issues if you go for the zepto card.

 

I would phrase it differently: I would say there is a bigger risk of incompatibility. Intel, as far as I know, only makes the computer end of the wireless hardware so it has more interest in achieving universal inter-operability than a company who makes both ends of the the wireless hardware.

John

 

I took the Zepto 300mbit one, works perfect with my older linksys router (wireless G) (It even manages to get a better connection with it than my mom & dad's laptop at the same distance) and it also works very very nicely with my D-link draft N router. Very fast connection, no need to use the ethernet cable no more! lovely