Question about wireless cards!

Hi all, I've been looking at Dell E1505 laptops recently, and they come with these 3 choices for wireless cards:

1. Dell Wireless 1390b/g (54Mbps)
2. Intel PRO/Wireless 3945a/g
3. Intel Next-Gen Wireless-N

The first one comes default, but I read the description on that page that #3 (Intel Next-Gen Wireless-N) is a standard that will be adopted in the near future. I want to be able to connect to my school's wireless network, so does this mean that if I buy the laptop with the default #1 I won't be able to connect wirelessly once the new 802.11n is released in 2008? What would you recommend I get?

Also, these cards can be taken out, exchanged, upgraded, etc. in this laptop, right?

Thanks for your help.

 

You will not beable to connect to 11n networks at all with option 1.

You will need to get #3 if you want to use 11n. It works on a different antenna setup (3 vs 2).

Get #3 and hope it will meet the spec once finallized. If it does not you will be required to replace it, but all of the related hardware will be in place.

Most NB have a access panel where the card is and can easily be replaced, but not all.

 

I'd stay away from #1. The default Dell card uses a Broadcom chipset, which is a piece of doody in general. If you want to save some money and still have good functionality, go with #2, it will be able to connect to any network you find. If you want the fastest wireless speeds and are willing to invest in an 802.11n router (most other people and other places you access the web won't have one for at least another 3-5 years), then go with option #3.

 

I'd just get the cheapest one. I have an older Dell card and it's just fine. Dell is way overcharging for the n cards last I checked. The n routers will all be b- and g-compatible, I'm sure. The n card should have better range... but only if connecting to an n router.