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[davidmaiden18183]

Advice needed here.

My current dell laptop only supports Wireless G via a PCI-E Mini card, I am looking at now getting a new Wireless N router/modem and upgrading my 2 year old laptop to support wireless N.

As far as the laptop goes  I can get an official Dell PCI-E mini card for £18 delivered my mate will fit it. The PCI-E mini card supports Draft 802.11n.

is Draft a problem? I’ve heard I might need to get a certain compatibility router or I may not see the speed increase.

Is it easier and better and cheaper to just get a wireless N USB dongle? Can anyone explain to me a few pro's and cons (if any) between a PCI-E mini solution and a dongle I plug into my PC in order to communicate with the network? (other than it taking up a usb slot and sticking out)

Thanks

[HPsauce]

What N router? i.e what bands is it on?

Chances are any compatible mini PCi-x card will work, not just a Dell one.

[davidmaiden18183]

What do you mean by bands? i don't have a wireless N Router/modem yet, I would have to buy that as well

[HPsauce]

2.4 or 5GHz.

[davidmaiden18183]

I dont know anything about either so i guess it would be whatever I chose/was recommended

[HPsauce]

I would go for an internal card every time. It will connect to aerials built into the case and give MUCH better reception than any plug-in dongle.

And you won't break it off or lose it.  8)

[davidmaiden18183]

ok thanks. thats what I though.

Dell are telling me I need to use their part to guarantee it all functions. Is that true or can i just buy and PCI-E Mini Wireless n card?

The dell one says wireless N(draft) is that ok? Will I be able to use any wireless N router/modem along with it?

[HPsauce]

What N router? i.e what bands is it on?

Chances are any compatible mini PCi-x card will work, not just a Dell one.

Can't really say much more than that personally. The card and router must work on the same bands.

[davidmaiden18183]

So the "Draft" bit isnt an issue?

I have found the spec sheet for the Dell Wireless 1505 WLAN Draft 802.11n Mini Card

http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/network/R199143/en/sp1505mc.htm

It says 2.4 and 5 I think!?!?

is one better than the other?

So what would that mean I would need to look for in a ADSL router

[HPsauce]

Comprehensive spec, seems to cover all the angles. At £18 I'd buy one!

2.4GHz is actually better for reception/range in a domestic setting
5GHz is not much used domestically so easier to find free channels if that's an issue (lots of wireless networks very close to you)

Can't comment on the router though.

[davidmaiden18183]

Thanks HPSauce, you've been a great help.

Can anyone advise me what I need to look for as regards a Wireless N router to work with the above Dell mini PCi-E card (draft), should the draft bit concern me? Can I just pick any ADSL wireless N router off the shelf?

[burakkucat]

The usage of the word "draft" indicates that the specification has not been completely ratified by the industry and that a product which says "blah-blah (draft)" indicates that it complies with the current -- er draft -- specification. Nothing more nor less.

For an "N" specification wireless modem/router, I'll suggest either a Netgear DGN1000 or a Billion 7800N. (My suggestion comes purely from my reading of device specs. and not personal experience.)