Please help. Trying to replace my Intel 5100 on my Sony Vaio VGN-Z.

Hi. This is my fist time ever posting, but I really need help, so please be kind to share your expertise.

I have a Sony Vaio VGN-Z690 running Windows 7. I dropped my laptop and my wireless internet stopped working. I'm currently using a D-Link N nano USB adapter but the connection is very inconsistent and while I see other people connecting to the internet on their laptops at school and other public places, I simply can't with this adapter.

This laptop has the Intel 5100 AGN and from reading all the different threads, I've decided to just change my wireless card. I'm reading that the 6300 is pointless right now and I don't need the uber fastest speed nor will I ever have the ISP or router for that. I'm getting close to 11 mps on my desktop. I'm leaning toward getting the Intel 6200 then. A Sony rep told me that any wireless card with expresscard /34 slot will work. Is that true?

Can the 6200 perfectly replacement fit in my old 5100 spot? Or do I have to make slight modifications? Anyone actually replace a 5100 with a 6200 on a Sony Z?

Will the Sony or Intel drivers make it work on my Z with Windows 7? What are the wireless card upgrade options with my Sony Z690? I'm preferring to go with Intel. Please let me know your opinion. Thank you.

 

Your other post in the networking section was deleted because it is against this forum rules to cross post.

A 6200 is a perfect replacement for the 5100 and no other mods are needed.
Some things to keep in mind, the 6200 most likely won't work with the smart wi for your model.
You can though control your wifi with W7 inbuilt networking tools.
Some people have reported freezing issues with the 6200 and i myself experienced this a while ago and i see that this is still a current issue for some people.
http://forum.notebookreview.com/ali...i-fi-card-intel-wifi-6200-system-freezes.html

You need a half mini wifi card. I'm not sure what the rep was trying to say.
You can download the drivers from the Intel website or try the wifi drivers for a vpc-z model.

 

Thanks for that help. I apologize for double posting.

Hmm. I'm now thinking of getting the Intel 6300. So this will fit perfectly on my Sony Z? I won't be installing a third antenna, but I hear the 6300 still has more consistent speed over the 6200. And I don't want the freezing problem with the 6200. Does the 6300 have any common issue like the 6200?

 

Yes, if it's a half mini card it will fit. You could also consider a Intel 5300.
The vast majority of people seem to be ok with the 6200, and i'm just pointing everything out.
I haven't found anything about the 6300 freezing.

 

If spark3535 manages to source a GENUINE Intel 5300 Half-Height, then I'd be keen on finding out where myself.

The 6300 is the latest gen wireless card out, but despite that I see a few shady sellers selling them already (with questionable prices).

Though the 5300 has been confirmed working on the VGN-Z (CTOs in Japan came with them). You could probably use the 6300 in the VGN-Z but as Rachel said with the 6200, the Sony Smart Network app probably won't be able to control it on a software level. Meaning, you'd have to use the hard-switch on the lower right to turn your radio off.

And in regards to not adding the extra antenna. The benefit of a 3x antennae card is that it allows for a wider reception radius. And I recall (don't quote me on this) the 5100 had a speed capability of 370mbps whereas the 5300 had a 450mbps? The extra antenna might help with the speed boost. Heck, they don't cost much. At most US$10 and you could route it internally without too much issue. Just make sure you secure it down with some electrical tape or something.