Changing from G wireless adapter to N

My sister who lives in another state asked for my help and I don't want to steer here wrong. She has a Dell Studio 15 (like mine) that came with a wireless G adapter but she wants to get an N router and wants to try a N wireless adapter also.

The Dell 1510 seems to be the cheapest but there are several listed, is this what she needs and are they the same?

http://accessories.us.dell.com/sna/...=04&sku=430-3133&mfgpid=197160&chassisid=8477

http://accessories.us.dell.com/sna/...=04&sku=430-3127&mfgpid=197160&chassisid=8477

Will it be a matter of removing a screw that holds down the card, disconnecting 2 small wires, reconnecting them and then installing software from a disc?

 

The 1510 should suffice if you just want basic N capabilities. The two you listed should indeed be the same, and it may be even cheaper to get it from eBay. Replacing the card is indeed just a matter of a couple screws and reinstalling the software.

http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/studio1535/en/SM/minicard.htm#wp1181360

 

Many thanks! Just curious what do you mean when you say if you just want basic N capabilities?

 

I mean that the most expensive Intel wireless cards are supposed to have a better range and signal, but the Dell wireless card will be fine for most people; if you're always at the fringe of some wireless network or something and losing signals, then you may consider the Intel cards.

 

Okay thanks for explaining it this must be the Intel card you are referring to: http://accessories.us.dell.com/sna/...=04&sku=430-3243&mfgpid=197160&chassisid=8477

 

Instead of Intel WiFi Link 5100, it's better to get WiFi Link 5300.

These days you can easily find half-height Intel WiFi Link 5300 from eBay and it'll cost a lot cheaper than from Dell.

 

Yes, that is one of the Intel cards I'm referring to. The other one is the 5300, as aidil mentioned.

 

So this is what she could use : http://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-Intel-WiFi-Link-5300-Half-Height-MiNi-Card-Draft-N_W0QQitemZ300317390826QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item45ec4fb7ea&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=65%3A12|66%3A2|39%3A1|72%3A1234|240%3A1318|301%3A1|293%3A1|294%3A50

What about the software? This installs just as easy as the 1510?

One last question could anyone recommend a inexpensive but good N router (brand/model)?

I don't think I've ever seen a particular electronic device such as a router in general G or N that gets more good or bad reviews, one person can love a particular brand/model and the next person thinks it sucks.

 

That 5300 you linked is exactly what you're looking for. As far as software installation, it's just a simple driver EXE file. You should be able to download it, install, reboot and be ready to go in minutes.

I replaced my Studio 1535's Dell 1397 wireless-G card with an Intel 5300 wireless-N myself not too long ago, if you need any more help.

 

Thanks Mastershroom to make sure I don't get the wrong driver is this it: http://downloadcenter.intel.com/fil...+32-bit+version&lang=eng&strOSs=153&submit=Go!

Do I want the "Software Application" or just the "Drivers"?

 

I got mine from the Studio 1537 download page:

http://support.dell.com/support/dow...-1&impid=-1&formatcnt=1&libid=5&fileid=281727

They also have a Vista 64-bit version, in case you have that installed.

 

Yes, you can use that Intel driver or just as mastershroom said you can download the driver also from Dell support website through this link: http://support.dell.com/support/dow...7&servicetag=&os=WLH&osl=en&catid=-1&impid=-1.

You don't have to download/install the "Software Application" Intel PROSet/Wireless WiFi Connection Utility, cause Windows could manage wireless connection just fine.

 

quite an old post but I am now just ready to upgrade myself to the intel 5300 half mini card, I was wondering when I install the card, where do I put those antenna? do I just try to tuck them in somewhere? Also all the ones I see on ebay doesn't seem like they even come with the 3 antenna, so are they really essential?

 

Your laptop already has the antennae inside. You just need to unplug them from your existing card and plug them into the new one.

 

i looked at my intel 5100, but it only has 2 where the intel 5300 offers 3, so should I try to buy an extra one? also I saw some pictures that the antenna looks somewhat different between the two cards

 

ahhh nevermind, I see that my intel 5100 is now using the white and black, there is a gray one that's on the side, I suppose that would be the third one that goes on to the 5300. Also there's another black and white antenna that's not being used, but it's position looks like they're designed for the WWAN card, if that's correct then I guess Im going to buy a new card! Thanks mastershroom

 

Sure thing. Yeah, the black and white cables on your 5100 are the exact same ones that the 5300 uses, and the grey cable to the side is the other one you need.