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    pci or pci-e wireless mini card?

    Discussion in 'Networking and Wireless' started by juventas, Jul 22, 2007.

  1. juventas

    juventas Notebook Consultant

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    Sorry if this sounds dumb, but I just ordered my first notebook (the Vostro that everyone's talking about) and I want to replace the much maligned Dell 1390 Wireless mini card with something decent. I have no experience with notebooks, so I don't know what the technology standards are. What kind of mini card will I be able to fit in the Vostro?
     
  2. Kdawgca

    Kdawgca rotaredoM repudrepuS RBN

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    The Dell 1390, Dell 1490, Dell Wireless 1505, Intel 3945, Intel 4965 are all PCIe(Express) Mini-card so yes you will need PCIe mini card.
     
  3. juventas

    juventas Notebook Consultant

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    Thanks! Any suggestions on a card? I've read something about Atheros cards...
     
  4. ocellaris

    ocellaris Notebook Evangelist

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    Oddly enough, I hate my incoming 1390 without ever having tried it. You can get an Intel 3945 for less than $17 shipped on eBay...
     
  5. juventas

    juventas Notebook Consultant

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    Well, I have no personal experience with laptops, but both my brother and dad bought Dell's with the 1390 card, and both of theirs failed to connect to my router several months after connecting with it perfectly. The card would connect with a strong signal, but no web pages would load. I did a little search on the web, and it seems to be a common problem.

    Like you said, it is a little cheaper to just buy your own card and install yourself than get the upgrade straight from Dell.
     
  6. ocellaris

    ocellaris Notebook Evangelist

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    I just got a new Intel 3945 a/b/g off eBay for $11.47 shipped, hard to beat that price :)