My Toshiba L300 runs a standard Realtek RTL8187B card, which doesn't like our Netgear VMDG280 (otherwise known as the Virgin Media Hub), as in it connects for about half an hour, then drops out and refuses to connect until after a reboot. This is all since upgrading to Windows 7 64-bit. It's an 11g card, which I thought was the issue, as the Hub is 11n (although only to 150Mbps... that's a problem with VM, their routers don't work when set to 300). I digress.
I'm looking for a replacement card that will work without these issues. It can take full size mPCI-E cards, and has 2 antennas (I have a spare from a dead L300, and somewhere to locate it if 3 are needed). Something that will work up to 300Mbps would be nice, and something that is compatible with the wireless switch on the front of the L300 would be a bonus (I don't believe Toshiba have restrictions on wireless cards like HP and IBM/Lenovo do). Bluetooth is a nice added extra but isn't vital.
However, I do have a spare card knocking around. It is, I believe, an Atheros AR9283, and it came from an Acer Aspire 5532 which I junked. I struggled to find drivers, or even specifications, but if anyone knows whether this card will fit the bill and be an improvement on the Realtek, it would be appreciated. Failing that, suggestions on a cheap (preferably £12 GBP and under) 11n card would be appreciated
EDIT: Forgot to mention, I have a half size adapter so half size cards are suitable too.
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H.A.L. 9000 Occam's Chainsaw
From what I know, I think Toshiba whitelists WiFi cards... so that maybe something to consider. My friend has a Toshiba L-something (can't remember the model #) and it literally won't POST with a different wireless adapter in it, and it has that same Realtek card only a revision newer that supports basic N wireless.
You may have to get one that will specifically work with Toshiba notebooks. -
This is a Satellite Pro L300, and I can't find anything relating to such online, only for a P105. However, as I already have an adapter to try out, this might give me the answer I need before I shell out. If anyone has a definite answer on this, again it would be appreciated. Secretly hoping it doesn't because I don't want to have to use an external device when the Belkin router this is connected to eventually gives up the ghost.
EDIT: After doing some digging, I've found that the Satellite L300 (the less businessy version of my machine) is pretty much identical, to the point that both the Satellite and the Satellite Pro use the same BIOS file from the Toshiba website. The Satellite L300 was sold in a configuration with the Intel 5100 AGN card. Which happens to be available on eBay for around £5 (ones pulled direct from a Satellite L300). So that seems like the better and more reliable option. Thanks for your help, you've just saved me money.
Upgrading from an RTL8187B
Discussion in 'Networking and Wireless' started by Marky21, May 7, 2012.