The Notebook Review forums were hosted by TechTarget, who shut down them down on January 31, 2022. This static read-only archive was pulled by NBR forum users between January 20 and January 31, 2022, in an effort to make sure that the valuable technical information that had been posted on the forums is preserved. For current discussions, many NBR forum users moved over to NotebookTalk.net after the shutdown.
Problems? See this thread at archive.org.

    Does internet speed depends on Wireless card used??

    Discussion in 'Networking and Wireless' started by ameetlaad, Mar 7, 2007.

  1. ameetlaad

    ameetlaad Newbie

    Reputations:
    0
    Messages:
    5
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    5
    Hi,

    I have below options to choose from, can someone please tell me that what difference it makes??

    Q1 Let's say if I choose Dell Wireless 1390 and I have a very high speed internet connection from my ISP, will I be able to get the max speed provided from the ISP??

    Q2 What is the difference between option 1 and 2 and is it worth the money??

    Q3 What are the upgrade options, with these selections, if any.

    Options -
    1. Dell Wireless 1390 802.11b/g Mini Card (54Mbps) [Included in Price]

    2. Intel PRO/Wireless 3945 Internal Wireless [add $29]

    3. Intel PRO/Wireless 3945 Internal Wireless, Netgear 802.11g wireless router [add $73]

    4. Dell Wireless 1500 Wireless-N [add $49]

    5. Intel Next-Gen Wireless-N [add $59]

    Thanks in advance !!

    ~ Ameet
     
  2. Gautam

    Gautam election 2008 NBR Reviewer

    Reputations:
    1,856
    Messages:
    3,564
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    105
    1) Actually, it's going to depend on your router's capabilities. If you have a router than can only send out 11Mbps (basically a 802.11b router) then you are bottlenecked there. The likelihood that your "high speed" connection is faster than, say, 8 Mbps is very slim. So even with the most primitive routers, you can "technically" get the full speed. The story doesn't end there, because the reality is that distance caused speed to drop, and connectivity to fall as well. Point is, the 3945 mini-PCI card is a good bet, unless you know you already have a draft-N router at home.
    2) Option two gives you a/b/g, whereas option one has only b/g.
    3) You just posted the upgrade options, didn't you? As far as my suggestions go, get the 3945. If you own a draft/pre-N router at home, get #5.
     
  3. acaurora

    acaurora Notebook Deity NBR Reviewer

    Reputations:
    259
    Messages:
    1,213
    Likes Received:
    6
    Trophy Points:
    56
    A word of advice is that the Atheros cards are generally better than the Intel chipsets.They generally have fewer dropped connections and stronger wireless signals with better speeds.
     
  4. ameetlaad

    ameetlaad Newbie

    Reputations:
    0
    Messages:
    5
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    5
    Thanks a lot guys !!
    Just for your information I 'll be using this in INDIA.

    Gautam, do you mean, if I choose the 2nd (Intel PRO/Wireless 3945 Internal Wireless ) option I have to have an draft-N router at home?? Can you please give me a cost estimate for that kind of Router??

    2. And if I choose option 1 with a Draft-N router will it be a mismatch or not proper utilization of Router capabilities or will be the best??

    Acaurora, thanks for the tip bro !!
     
  5. Gautam

    Gautam election 2008 NBR Reviewer

    Reputations:
    1,856
    Messages:
    3,564
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    105
    Yes, but ameet doesn't have that option for configuring his Dell!

    1) I didn't state that, now. All I am saying is that 3945 regardless of your situation, but if you own a draft/pre-N router at home (~$100USD - 4500RS) then getting the Wireless-N card (a/b/g/n) would be a good move.

    2) No mismatch. Any card will work with any router out there. Some cards offer better speed/range/features...
     
  6. ameetlaad

    ameetlaad Newbie

    Reputations:
    0
    Messages:
    5
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    5
    Hey Buddy.....I am really confused now #$%@%$&(_# I will tell you my requirements n you suggest one......the most economical one, but then I don't want to loose on something good for 30-40 (In this case option 2 if you say its worth paying $30 more for it.) bucks. You know what I mean.

    1. Chatting
    2. Downloading Movies/Songs/Softwares
    3. Surfing
    All of them simultaneously sometimes actually most of the times. And will be using it in INDIA.

    Please advice !!
     
  7. ameetlaad

    ameetlaad Newbie

    Reputations:
    0
    Messages:
    5
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    5
    ohh God !! just saw this as system requirement for Wireless Router.

    System Requirements Ethernet Broadband Internet service (DSL/CABLE) and modem with Ethernet connection, Windows 95/98/ME/NT/2000/XP, Mac OS, NetWare, Unix or Linux, Internet Explorer 5.0 or Netscape 6.0, 802.11b or 802.11g Wireless adapter and/or Ethernet adapter for attached computers

    Q1. So do I need to get the adapter as well?? If yes then which one


    Below is my (Dell) system details I plan to buy. Can anyone please suggest?


    Components
    Intel® Pentium® dual-core T2060(1MB Cache/1.6GHz/533MHz FSB)
    Genuine Windows Vista™ Home Basic
    15.4 inch UltraSharp™ Wide Screen WXGA+ Display with TrueLife™
    1GB Shared Dual Channel DDR2 SDRAM at 533MHz, 2 Dimm
    160GB 5400 RPM SATA Hard Drive
    8X CD/DVD Burner (DVD+/-RW) with double-layer DVD+R write capability
    256MB ATI MOBILITY™ RADEON® X1400 HyperMemory™
    Intel PRO/Wireless 3945 Internal Wireless
    Dell Wireless 355 Bluetooth Internal (2.0 + Enhanced Data Rate)
    Integrated Sound Blaster® Audigy™HD Software Edition
    Media Direct 3.0
    Accessories
    53 WHr 6-cell Lithium Ion Primary Battery
    Software
    No productivity suite- Includes Microsoft Works 8. DOES NOT INCLUDE MS WORD
    McAfee Security Center 30-day trial
    Service
    1 Year Mail-in Economy Plan
    6 Months of America Online Membership Included
    Purchase is not intended for resale.
    Also Includes
    Integrated 10/100 Network Card and Modem
    6400 dual
    Intel Centrino Core Duo Processor
    Windows Vista™ Basic
    Adobe® Acrobat® Reader 7.0
    Corel Snapfire Basic - Organize and Edit your photos

    Q2. 1 Year Mail-in Economy Plan, what does this means?? Do they expect a mail when I have problem :))
     
  8. desert dweller

    desert dweller Notebook Geek

    Reputations:
    1
    Messages:
    91
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    15
    Question 2:

    It means that if you have to send your laptop back to Dell for repair, you would send it through the mail. You can buy a plan that includes pickup at your door, but it costs more. Make sure it's available in your area.
     
  9. BaNZ

    BaNZ Notebook Consultant

    Reputations:
    13
    Messages:
    172
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    30
    errr... u do know that u need an isp to get online right? It seems like you really don't know much about computers.

    No you don't need to to purchase another adapter for the wireless router. Your computer comes with ethernet connection. I assume you have the option of choosing either Intel 3945g or Dell wireless card.

    1 year mail-in economy most probably means you would need to send the laptop back for repair. I don't deal with Dell that much so I don't know if you have to pay for the shipping cost but I assume you don't.

    Since you have mentioned that you live in India, I would suggest you speak with Dell first. We have some Dell computers bought in USA and they cannot be repaired in UK. Because warranty isn't international. I'm pretty sure Dell is in India too, might be even cheaper due to currency.
     
  10. RedSensiStar

    RedSensiStar Notebook Deity

    Reputations:
    178
    Messages:
    897
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    0
    Well from my experience I get the most dropped connections and crappy signal strength from any laptop I have with my WRT54G router:

    avoid Intel 3945ABG (if at the very least you are using WRT54G...I mean c'mon I have 3 lappies with it and its noticiably crappy).
     
  11. ameetlaad

    ameetlaad Newbie

    Reputations:
    0
    Messages:
    5
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    5
    Ok Friends, I 'm back :)

    you are right BaNZ, with slight correction, I donno much about Laptops :))

    I don't have a anything right now, no router no laptop, no ISP nothing at all.


    The adapter problem is solved. Thanks ZX and BaNZ !! Thanks a lot guys !!

    Now the last thing I need to make sure is the warranty, I have following options to chosse from and I assume that all of these are international warranty. Can some one please help me choose.

    a. 4 Year On-site Business Mobility Plan [add $537]

    b. Get $70 Dell Dollars with 3 Yr On-site Mobility Plan. [add $339]
    Mobility Plan includes on site and accidental damage service.

    c. Get $70 Dell Dollars coupon toward your next purchase. Discount Details

    d. 3 Year On-site Economy Plan [add $170]

    e. 2 Year On-site Economy Plan [add $85]

    f. 1 Year On-Site Business Mobility Plan [add $139]

    g. 1 Year On-site Economy Plan [add $40]

    h. 1 Year Mail-in Economy Plan [Included in Price]
     
  12. BaNZ

    BaNZ Notebook Consultant

    Reputations:
    13
    Messages:
    172
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    30
    No, I don't think they are international warranty. You better check with Dell first, we bought some Dell desktops in USA and they don't support it in UK.