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    Is it worth the money?

    Discussion in 'Networking and Wireless' started by KansasWriter, Nov 26, 2007.

  1. KansasWriter

    KansasWriter Notebook Enthusiast

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    Hi folks,

    Hoping you can help me out with some technical stuff?

    Looking over the sticky, it seems that upgrading the wireless card in my notebook is often a good deal. I'm just picking up a Dell Vostro 1500 now and have these choices:

    Dell Wireless 1390 802.11g Wi-Fi Mini Card (COMES WITH COMPUTER)
    Intel® PRO/Wireless 3945 802.11a/g Wi-Fi Mini Card [add $29]
    Dell Wireless 1490 802.11a/g Wi-Fi Mini Card [add $10]
    Intel 4965AGN Wireless-N Mini-card [add $79]
    Dell Wireless 1505 Wireless-N Mini-card [add $49] Dell Recommended


    Am I right in thinking that the last option will give me the most range and power for the money? Is it worth the upgrade?

    Thanks!
    KW
     
    KansasWriter, Nov 26, 2007
    #1
  2. booboo12

    booboo12 Notebook Prophet

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    You'll only get the highest speed for the last two choices if you connect to a Wireless N router. If you plan on getting one soon, or just want to futureproof, then those choices are a good idea. If not, then I would save the money, and put it toward something else.
     
    booboo12, Nov 26, 2007
    #2
  3. f4ding

    f4ding Laptop Owner

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    Yes I agree with you.
     
    f4ding, Nov 26, 2007
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  4. Clutch66

    Clutch66 Notebook Consultant

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    How long do you plan on keeping the laptop? You probably won't see widespread availability of wireless-n for about another year. Of course, you could set up your own wireless-n network at home to take advantage of the speed.

    If you're going to use the n technology, it's definately worth the money.
     
    Clutch66, Nov 27, 2007
    #4
  5. guy121

    guy121 Notebook Enthusiast

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    Just stick with the 3495 for compatibility and range. You probably honestly won't use the N stuff. What I've read is that the N on the intel and broadcom isn't too great in terms of extra range. If you want greater range then buy an atheros aparently with an extra antenna. It will run you another $20-$30 over the intel N card, but all the reviews I've read show the atheros picking up signals that the other cards couldn't pick up.
     
    guy121, Nov 27, 2007
    #5
  6. KansasWriter

    KansasWriter Notebook Enthusiast

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    I plan on keeping the laptop for as long as I can...two, three years. So the n-technology from what you guys are saying should be around for half the laptop's life right?
     
    KansasWriter, Dec 1, 2007
    #6
  7. Dirtbag

    Dirtbag Newbie

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    I wouldn't recommend the Intel pro 3945. I have it in my laptop(sager 5760) and the range is very short. I'm ~30ft away from the router and my connection is low. Once I'm within 20ft its fine, everything speeds up. So if your going to be far away from the AP may want to think about it.
     
    Dirtbag, Dec 3, 2007
    #7