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    wireless card

    Discussion in 'Networking and Wireless' started by xuster, Aug 2, 2006.

  1. xuster

    xuster Notebook Consultant

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    would be be easy to install your own wireless card after purchase of teh computer?
     
    xuster, Aug 2, 2006
    #1
  2. coriolis

    coriolis Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    Depends which laptop.

    Usually its not hard, but it may void your warrantee
     
    coriolis, Aug 2, 2006
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  3. xuster

    xuster Notebook Consultant

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    how about a dell d620?
     
    xuster, Aug 2, 2006
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  4. azntiger1000

    azntiger1000 Notebook Deity

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    I think it should be really easy. All you need is one of those wireless card that fits into the side of your laptop. And I don't think it'll void your warantee.
     
    azntiger1000, Aug 2, 2006
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  5. xuster

    xuster Notebook Consultant

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    i would prefer an internal though. im not very fond of things sticking out of my computer...>.<
     
    xuster, Aug 2, 2006
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  6. xuster

    xuster Notebook Consultant

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    actually does external cards get better speeds then an internal card?
     
    xuster, Aug 2, 2006
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  7. Pitabred

    Pitabred Linux geek con rat flail!

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    it depends on the antenna, really. External cards will sometimes support the SpeedBoost schemes that internal cards don't. But internal cards often have an antenna integrated into the screen, so they get better reception. You often won't have as many options with the internal, but you'll have less hassle as you won't have to plug anything in. So weigh your options. Dell looks like it sells internal wireless cards aftermarket, not sure if any of them will work in the d620, though. Do your research, and call Dell. They can tell you what they supply better than we can.
     
    Pitabred, Aug 2, 2006
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  8. xuster

    xuster Notebook Consultant

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    i looked and dell sells minipci cards for the d620 but holy crap they're expensive. would it be fine if i bought a none dell brand card?
     
    xuster, Aug 2, 2006
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  9. Pitabred

    Pitabred Linux geek con rat flail!

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    Not sure. Can't tell if they'd be compatible or not. I know Dell has a history of having a pin or two swapped around so that their stuff just won't work with anyone else (had a power supply die in an old Dell desktop... pain in the freakin' bum). Best bet would be to call their support team or drop them an email and ask them what MiniPCI standard your laptop needs (I think there's a II, a III and a IIIa. I don't know the specifics though). A non-Dell branded card would possibly void your warranty, or at least give them reason to not support you until you removed it again.
     
    Pitabred, Aug 2, 2006
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  10. drumfu

    drumfu super modfu

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    HD, RAM, miniPCI are all user upgradeble, no warranty issues. you just won't get any support for the new part from dell.

    any miniPCI card should work (i've never had the problem pitabred mentions with dell; altho compaq/hp is notorious for this as well as blacklisting certain components... dell doensn't do this), the question is if you have the antennaes already installed in the computer, i don't know if dell puts the antennae in if you don't order the computer with a wifi card.

    you can pick up a miniPCI card from newegg.com or similar
     
    drumfu, Aug 2, 2006
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  11. xuster

    xuster Notebook Consultant

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    crap...i didnt even think of that. good point...
     
    xuster, Aug 2, 2006
    #11