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    Dell E1505 wireless upgrade

    Discussion in 'Dell' started by maximus_pr, Dec 1, 2008.

  1. maximus_pr

    maximus_pr Newbie

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    hello i'm new to this forum and just wanted to know what are my options for upgrading my W1390 wireless card on my E1505, i want a wireless N but i notice those have 3 wires and mine only have 2, does the laptop comes prewired and maybe the 3rd wires is hidden somewhere or i have to install another antenna,also if is possible to swap what would be my best option
     
    maximus_pr, Dec 1, 2008
    #1
  2. namaiki

    namaiki "basically rocks" Super Moderator

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    You could use the Intel® WiFi Link 5100. That one needs only 2 wires..
    Or you could install the Intel® WiFi Link 5300 that has 3 wires but then only attach 2.
     
    namaiki, Dec 1, 2008
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  3. maximus_pr

    maximus_pr Newbie

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    is the 5100 better than the w1390?
    any drawback by using 5300?
     
    maximus_pr, Dec 1, 2008
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  4. namaiki

    namaiki "basically rocks" Super Moderator

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    The 5300 is supposed to perform better than the 5100, but with only 2 antenna.. it could be the same or worse.

    Both support N.


    edit: The 5300 will probably still perform better than the 5100, even with only two antenna.
     
    namaiki, Dec 1, 2008
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  5. K-TRON

    K-TRON Hi, I'm Jimmy Diesel ^_^

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    I have the 3945ABG intel card in my E1505.
    The E1505 has a dual antenna system, so the 5100/5300 should work, as long as they can be recognized by the system.

    K-TRON
     
    K-TRON, Dec 1, 2008
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  6. maximus_pr

    maximus_pr Newbie

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    any write up on how to? also how good is this 5100 card and specially when using linux
     
    maximus_pr, Dec 1, 2008
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  7. K-TRON

    K-TRON Hi, I'm Jimmy Diesel ^_^

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    I have never used the 5100 card, so i have no clue on drivers or how good it is.
    Getting to the wireless card is a snap.
    Open the laptop lid.
    You will see a plastic piece which says "inspiron | E1505" on it.
    On the far right of that piece of plastic is a small indent.
    Use a small flat head screwdriver to pry that piece up.
    To fully remove that piece of plastic, requires you to bend the lcd screen back 180 degrees so that the screen is parallel to the keyboard.
    Once the plastic piece is removed You will have to remove 2 small screws at the top of the keyboard.
    When removed you can slip the keyboard out, and you can gain access to the wireless card.
    The wireless card in on the upper right of the notebook, under the page up, page down keys on the keyboard.
    To remove the wireless card simply unhook the 2 cables and push the two small clips and voila the wireless card is removed.
    Than simply install the new card and put everything back together.

    Please note, that before doing any upgrades, the system should be completely powered off, and the main battery should be removed as well.

    K-TRON
     
    K-TRON, Dec 1, 2008
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  8. maximus_pr

    maximus_pr Newbie

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    thanks a lot i guess my best choice would be the 5100 since it has 2 wires like the w1390
     
    maximus_pr, Dec 1, 2008
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  9. maximus_pr

    maximus_pr Newbie

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    for those who wanted to upgrade their laptop wireless card but only have 2 wires(antennas) now some sellers on ebay have either the most popular upgrade cards(5100,5300,4965) with the extra antenna or just the antenna, and is no big task to install either it just goes between the lid and the screen.
     
    maximus_pr, Dec 2, 2008
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  10. maximus_pr

    maximus_pr Newbie

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    just to share my experience i upgraded my card with one similar to this one and it works great range is a lot much better and no a single drop connections after 2 weeks ,i installed the 3rd antenna behind the lcd but most probably will use a external antenna using a mini pci to rp-sma adapter
     
    maximus_pr, Dec 22, 2008
    #10