Are laptop wireless cards interchangeable?

[jbubrisk]

Hi Boys/Girls,
So I have an acer 4720z laptop, and its pretty good for what I need, but the Atheros wireless has been causing the entire computer to lockup, leaving a frozen snapshot for whatever it was doing (just downloading things with bitcomet). It also disconnects frequently. So is it possible to crack it open and throw in a new wireless card? I suppose I could get an add-in card, but I'd rather replace it altogether. Tech support is USELESS. After spending $40 for two shippings, and all they did was reinstall the OS, I'm not going back to them again. Thanks in advance,

jbubrisk

 

[jbubrisk]

I know it might be hard to speak about my model in particular, but would this be what I'm looking for?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16833168021

 

[jbubrisk]

Oh yeah, I'm running Vista... I have Home Premium, Business, and Ultimate, if it makes a difference. So I need Vista drivers. I think that is the main problem with the current Atheros card I have. They seem to update the drivers often, but with little improvement.

 

[jbubrisk]

Maybe this would work too? Assuming my card is removable/replaceable:

http://www.techonweb.com/produ....aspx?id=D92741&src=NT

 

[Slowlearner]

From the product manual @ acer's website this laptop use Intel Wireless Wifi Link 4965AGN card.
Google turns up this: http://www.intel.com/network/c...ireless_n/overview.htm

 

[jbubrisk]

Its not that, its an Atheros AR5007EG. I wouldn't trust Acer's website for a minute.

 

[jbubrisk]

But maybe I can replace my Atheros card with the Intel one?

 

[RadiclDreamer]

as long as its the same form factor, min-pci or mini pci express then you can slap in whatever floats your boat

 

[cheapherk]

Don't let "Windows Update" update the drivers for the Atheros. If you already did so, do a rollback to the previous drivers. I had big problems when Windows Update updated them.. Rolled back and everything was fine.

 

[Aarondeep]

Originally posted by: cheapherk
Don't let "Windows Update" update the drivers for the Atheros. If you already did so, do a rollback to the previous drivers. I had big problems when Windows Update updated them.. Rolled back and everything was fine.

I agree.
I have found windows update drivers to be the cause of major headaches. I would avoid using these.