Thinkpad 11abg(n)/Intel 11abg question

[Brady]

Hey guys, I know this has been an extremely popular topic. I've searched and browsed through all the wireless threads but I still don't have all my questions answered, so hopefully someone can help me.

When I originall ordered my laptop I ordered it with the Thinkpad, sadly there was something I wanted to change which caused all sorts of problems. Long story short... Newegg had the exact T60p I wanted except it had the Intel Pro 11abg card.... It has been fine except it refuses to connect to one network, the coffee house I practically live in. It needs to work.

I know the talk is that the Thinkpad 11abgn mini pci-e cards are great. But I also understand they need an extra antenna (not interested in adding that to my T60p myself...). I was wondering if the Thinkpad 11abg card that Lenovo has on the website ( http://shop.lenovo.com/SEUILibrary/cont ... 67D849A728 ) was any good? The website says it is for a z60t notebook. What is to stop me from putting this into my T60p?


One last question. If I did just end up getting a Thinkpad 11abgn and just didn't install the extra antenna, would I just not be able to access an N network, but possibly still use G fine? Or does the card still make use of MIMO on a G network?

[steveg47]

I switched from the intel that came with my T60P to the Lenovo 40Y7026. This mini pc express card uses the Atheros chipset and I find it's performance superior to the Intel. (better reception, more access points detected, more reliable connection).

Shop around for it, you may be able to get a better price.

[Brady]

Thank you! That is exactly what I was hoping to hear.

From what I've seen Lenovo sells at the cheapest, but they also say it ships with in 2-3 weeks which kind of scares me away. Does Lenovo really take that long to ship out accessories?

[steveg47]

You could probably get it quick from buy.com. If you are eligible for the Google discount you can actually save a few bucks.
Check this url:
http://shoplenovo.i2.com/SEUILibrary/co ... 67D849A728

[Brady]

Finally had the time to place my order. $39 shipped. Thanks for the heads up on buy.com!

I'm definitely looking forward to getting rid of the Intel card.

[Brady]

Finally installed the card last night. I haven't had a chance to test it at my true problem locations yet, but I have a much stronger connection at home, and its seeing 2 networks from neighbors I've never seen before, so I'd say things are looking up for the new card.

It was extremely easy to install the new card, I was a little worried about it at first, but it couldn't have gone any smoother.

Thanks for the help, anybody looking for a replacement for the Intel 802.11abg card, this card is definitely a winner.