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    Draft N for CF-52 or Other Toughbook

    Discussion in 'Panasonic' started by Cleaner05, Jun 16, 2008.

  1. Cleaner05

    Cleaner05 Notebook Guru

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    I was ready to buy a CF-52 which has the Intel 4965 AGN WiFi link, but then discovered that the notebook does not support Draft N, just A,B & G. Panasonic tech support confirmed that the CF-52 does not support Draft N. I really like this notebook but don't want to buy something that isn't current. Has anyone used Draft N on a Toughbook that doesn't support it? Someone mentioned that maybe I would just need to update a driver, but heck, this will be a new computer. I'm really puzzled as I see many other notebooks out there for far less money that support Draft N. I was thinking too that because this model was introduced around April/May of 2007, that maybe there is an update out soon.
     
    Cleaner05, Jun 16, 2008
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  2. Modly

    Modly Warranty Voider

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    I don't see any reason why it wouldn't support any N cards unless they BIOS locked non-Panasonic branded cards out (They did this on the 50, but later released a BIOS update to use other cards).

    But the 52 has a Mini-PCIe card slot which means it is capable of holding the card.
     
    Modly, Jun 16, 2008
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  3. Cleaner05

    Cleaner05 Notebook Guru

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    Ok, I called Panasonic again and they confirmed that they are coming out with a new MK which will support Draft N. The guy gave me a model number but the resellers don't have it yet. So I'll wait for the new MK, which BTW, has a new processor and is faster. Thanks for everyone's help.
     
    Cleaner05, Jun 16, 2008
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  4. mnementh

    mnementh Crusty Ol' TinkerDwagon

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    Ummm guys - Wireless N uses multiple channels all at once for more redundancy/better bandwidth; part of this design includes 3 antennas to "mesh" the signal plane. If the older Marks only have 2, I'm SURE you could put a wireless N card in it (provided they have the appropriate slot for the card you want to use), but you'll lose the advantage of Wireless N if you don't have all 3 antennas.

    I'd suggest that the inclusion of the 3rd antenna requires a bit of a redesign of some housing element; this would be why they are not supporting wireless N until this next model release.

    mnem
    Heh... EVERYTHING's better when it comes in threes...
     
    mnementh, Jun 18, 2008
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  5. Modly

    Modly Warranty Voider

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    Yes, what mnem said. I was thinking more of hardware limitations that would physically hinder an N card from installing, but he is right that you'll need a third antenna to get N to work.
     
    Modly, Jun 18, 2008
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