What is the best Mini-PCI Wireless Card to use?

[dmata10]

I would like to put in a wireless mini-PCI card in my Thinkpad T23 (2648-2TU) and the Bios and Embedded Controller have been updated.

When putting the card in i am going to do a slight modification as well. I am going to drill a hole next to monitor output and install a 12in. U.FL male SMA Pigtail for a Mini-PCI Wireless Card and attach a Linksys RP-SMA wireless 802.11 b/g Antenna.

All I need now is what is the best Mini-PCI wireless card to use?

Thanks.

[truk]

I was using an Atheros A/B/G card and I loved it. the reception was great with only one of the internal antennas, and it never gave me any issues. It only cost me $20 too. I imagine it would just be better in your situation.

[rkawakami]

I think that most people here would say Atheros or Intel cards are the "best". Personally, I prefer no-name 802.11b/g cards based on the Broadcom BCM94306 chipset because:

- they are relatively cheap (~$10 on eBay)
- they work with NetStumbler
- drivers and documentation are available online

This is the same type of card I used on my 600X wireless upgrade and the one I use in my T23s.

[dmata10]

What kind of search would you use to find a no name mini-pci card on e-bay?

[rkawakami]

In the eBay search page:

http://search.ebay.com/ws/search/AdvSea ... vsearch:US

plug in:

bcm94306mp*

into the Keyword field, check the "Search title and description" box and any other of the search options which you think is needed.

The asterisk at the end of the "bcm94306mp" string will match several different models:

MP - standard model
MPSG - certified for use in Singapore
MPLNA - certified for use in Latin America (I believe)

I've used both the MP and MPSG versions here in the US and they work fine. Driver and utility program is available from the Belkin link I specified in my 600X upgrade page earlier. If you are patient, you should be able to get one for around $10. Personally, I wouldn't spend more than $15 (shipping included) for one. When used with the Belkin wireless configuration utility, I can hibernate my T23 at home where it's connected to an 802.11b system, take it to work, wake it up and it will seamlessly connect to the 802.11g access point (AP) within 10 seconds. I do not use Access Connections at all, nor do I let Windows handle the wireless setup. As I mentioned earlier, you can also download NetStumber and use that utility to display all of the APs within range of your laptop.

[joshtheitguy]

I'm having excellent luck with my Intel 2200 BG card.

Works in Ubuntu 7.10 flawlessly with WPA2 support