Ordering T43 but confusion about wireless options...

[fhobia]

Hello all,

I was interested in purchasing the 266876U for $1399 (EPP), but I am confused what wireless options I'm exactly getting.

On the "Thinkpad T Series View All Models Page," I spotted this model, and on the farther most right column, I read this:

"Integrated
Gigabit Ethernet
56K V.92 designed modem
ThinkPad 11a/b/g Wi-Fi Wireless II, Bluetooth
Embedded Security Subsystem 2.0"

In the specs, it has two Wireless Networking Components:

"Wireless Networking Components 1
Wireless Standard[10] Bluetooth
Wireless Type PAN
Antenna Ultra Connect
Description Bluetooth
Frequency Bluetooth:2.4GHz
Wireless Implementation (Form Factor) Integrated
Wireless Networking Components 2
Wireless Standard[10] ThinkPad 11a/b/g Wi-Fi Wireless II
Wireless Type LAN
Antenna Ultra Connect
Description ThinkPad 11a/b/g Wi-Fi Wireless II
Frequency 802.11a: 5GHz/802.11b/g: 2.4GHz
Wireless Implementation (Form Factor)"

So, I thought this laptop must come with an integrated wireless for 802.11 a/b/g AND BlueTooth. I hope I have my terminology right, but when I say "integrated" ...I thought that would mean I wouldn't have to buy any pcmcia card etc to get wireless.

However, when I went to Customize and Buy and chose Continue to revew the final specs of the machine, I only saw "Wireless: Bluetooth" and no mention of 802.11 a/b/g...so I'm wondering if there was a typo on the site and whether this machine has 802.11 a/b/g at all ???

I saw some machines with the Intel PRO a/b/g, and on the continue page, I saw it said "Wireless: Inter PRO a/b/g AND Bluetooth"...

I'm so confused everybody, do you have any understanding of this situation with "Wireless Ready" laptops...? Does this model have wireless working out of the box without having to install any pcmcia card or mini pci...and does it have bluetooth?

Thank you,
-Brian

[Wholesomer]

Wireless comes ready out of the box. The option is there just in case you have a preference of using another card, in which case you have to pay for it.

BTW, some model doesn't come with Bluetooth. The 76U is loaded except it doesn't have FPR.

[pipspeak]

That EPP deal on the 266876U is pretty good... so good I just bought one! And don't forget the free Targus backpack offer.

It has wireless and bluetooth right out of the box, and many believe its IBM a/b/g wireless card with the Atheros chipset gives better reception than the Intel cards so you probably won't want to switch it

Bluetooth is also available right out of the box.

In both cases, the antenna is built into the cover so you'll get far better reception than anyone using an external wireless card (USB or PCMCIA).