Mini PCI 802.11b cards...is performance better or worse than standard cards?

[Entity]

I've got a Dell TrueMobile 1150 right now, which is a fine card, but I'm selling my old laptop, and may be asked to include it. Additionally, I would like to have a package that is integrated with my new laptop (IBM R32). The R32 has an antenna built into the LCD, so I'm wondering if anyone knows how my reception should be with the MiniPCI. Any recommendations? I was considering something like this:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3406397667&category=20321

Any advice would be appreciated.

thanks
Rob

 

[andrey]

I'm using Cisco Aironet 350 MiniPCI card on my Thinkpad T30 and it works perfect. Maybe it is a Cisco hardware or maybe IBM Thinkpad itself, but I get a much better range with my laptop when a co-worker of mine who has Dell Inspiron 4150 laptop with Linksys PCMCIA wireless NIC.

-- Andrey

 

[prosaic]

Yes, I think the mini-PCI cards often work better -- usually because they're being used in a computer that was designed for wireless communications -- with a built-in antenna. My mini-PCI card in the Libretto with its built-in antenna gets far better range than my Inspiron 7500 with one of the PC Card wireless NICs with its little adjustable antenna.

As with all things, though, it's about the relative quality of the design and execution of that design.

If you want the best range possible, though, you go with one of the USB-connected wireless NICs. That lets you get the antenna well away from your body and the computer for minimal signal absorption and the best ability to orient the antenna properly. It's also a little clumsier than the other solutions, though. You also wouldn't want to use this solution on a system that had anything less than good USB controller implementation.

- prosaic

 

[Entity]

Long-time bump.

MiniPCI is a standard, right? Which means this should work fine in my IBM R32?

Rob

 

[andrey]

Originally posted by: Entity
Long-time bump.

MiniPCI is a standard, right? Which means this should work fine in my IBM R32?

Rob

yeap, that card should work just fine for you

 

[Entity]

Originally posted by: andrey

Originally posted by: Entity
Long-time bump.

MiniPCI is a standard, right? Which means this should work fine in my IBM R32?

Rob

yeap, that card should work just fine for you

Sweet. Just ordered it. $30 cheaper than it was last time I was looking.

Rob

 

[JackMDS]

Quote: Mini PCI 802.11b cards...is performance better or worse than standard cards?

There is no general rule here some might be better some might be worse. It depends on the Card.

 

[SaigonK]

Generally it comes down to output power, the embedded Dell cards are still only pushing 30mw, while the mini Cisco cards push up to 100mw.
They get better range because of the increased power, they get better throughput because they handle WEP better.

 

[Entity]

Well, I just got the card today, put it in , and now the laptop is both more convenient and gets better reception. I'm sure the antenna in the R32 has to do with why it gets better reception, but it's mainly nice to not have another card sticking out of the laptop.

Rob