Thinkpads Forum

I finally got my n-cards, so I was excited, but then they sent me the Intel ones instead of the Atheros ones, because at the time I placed the order, they were apparently out...whatever, doesn't matter...

Due to BIOS restrictions, I can't use an Intel one in my T60p, unless I start thinking about messing with the BIOS...

http://thinkwiki.org/wiki/Problem_with_ ... twork_card

What about that? It's not that big a deal that I got the wrong ones, as I don't have an N-router, but once I get home, I will likely buy a Linksys 600N. I know one person who is actually using it and is happy with the setup, with his 2623-DDU T60p. I respect his knowledge a lot on both cellphone tech, as well as computers, and he was quite detailed about how he set the channels up, etc.

But he has an Atheros with his T60p, not Intel for the BIOS reasons..So what should I do? Exchange 'em? Try one anyway? Anyone know about how to manipulate the BIOS "whitelist", or whatever needs to be dealt with?

Also, a lot of people seem to prefer the Atheros one, instead of the Intel 4965. Why is that? So far, I've heard it runs cooler. What else???

Thanks...

I heard Atheros founder Theresa Ming talk once. She returned to Stanford to teach after a leave of absence to start Atheros. Just better technology I guess.

By the way, her point of the talk was WiFi and ethernet is cheaper. With spatial diversity, it can out perform and lower cost than cellular, mobile technology.

intel has deeper pocket yes, but they can't make money in the NIC business. They do it just to enable the CPU business.

Hey Crunch - Sorry to hear that you have received the wrong WiFi "N" cards (was this a Lenovo error? - like the thermal paste problem too! ). Well as you have the Intel 4965AGN in your possession give it a try, if a no go the 1802 error message will usually be displayed. If you return the cards will there a re-stocking fee?

I changed over my Intel 3945ABG in favor of the ThinkPad Atheros card as it seems to have a greater sensitivity and does not loose connection as much as the Intel card. (My past experience of the ThinkPad Atheros card was with a previously owned T43p - it just seemed to connect to anything around and held on to it).

If you manage to manipulate the BIOS "whitelist" and set it so that any WiFi and WWAN card can be fitted - I'll be one of the first in the queue for the new BIOS program update!

A shame that there is a "white list".


Anyway, one solution is to buy a low cost Atheros pcmcia card which is not limited by the BIOS.


Alacrity

sjthinkpader wrote:By the way, her point of the talk was WiFi and ethernet is cheaper. With spatial diversity, it can out perform and lower cost than cellular, mobile technology.

intel has deeper pocket yes, but they can't make money in the NIC business. They do it just to enable the CPU business.

Oh really? cool...then I'll get rid of the Intel ones. I'm not in a hurry, and I have to buy a router first. What N router is currently the best? Linksys 600N is what my buddy runs successfully with a specific setup. I've always liked Linksys, but am always open to opinions.

Peak2Peak wrote:Hey Crunch - Sorry to hear that you have received the wrong WiFi "N" cards (was this a Lenovo error? - like the thermal paste problem too! ). Well as you have the Intel 4965AGN in your possession give it a try, if a no go the 1802 error message will usually be displayed. If you return the cards will there a re-stocking fee?

There won't be anything in the way of charges really. ...And yes, the thermal paste I ordered 1 1/2 weeks ago, even gave them the FRU (91P8835)...after not getting it, or so much as a call from them, I called, and another rep said "We haven't sent out the paste in months now"...

ok, these things are by themselves not a big deal, but CUMUTIVELY, when you take a step back and look at the bigger picture, so far, I don't like the transformation of our Thinkpads now that it is in Lenovo's hands.

Peak2Peak wrote: I changed over my Intel 3945ABG in favor of the ThinkPad Atheros card as it seems to have a greater sensitivity and does not loose connection as much as the Intel card. (My past experience of the ThinkPad Atheros card was with a previously owned T43p - it just seemed to connect to anything around and held on to it).

Really?? WOW...Wow, then I'm excited. My Intel 3945abg works fine, but is not that good at maintaining connections when in low-RF areas...Sounds like a winner then... Coolness...

Peak2Peak wrote: If you manage to manipulate the BIOS "whitelist" and set it so that any WiFi and WWAN card can be fitted - I'll be one of the first in the queue for the new BIOS program update!

I don't have to manipulate the "white list" for the Atheros N card, which I'm glad for. I do want to mess with it for other purposes in the future, though.

alacrityathome wrote:A shame that there is a "white list"

Alacrity

No kidding. But it'll be dealt with. I love the nay-sayers. And Atheros-N is not restricted fortunately.

alacrityathome wrote:A shame that there is a "white list".


Anyway, one solution is to buy a low cost Atheros pcmcia card which is not limited by the BIOS.


Alacrity

And be stuck with an ugly protruding plastic rectangle when the card is installed, and have to remove it to stow? Don't know about the OP, but I can't stand UNintegrated wireless.

Not only that but I don't think an aftermarket PCMCIA card would be able to take advantage of the TP's built in antennas that provide better reception, or am I wrong about that?

No, it can't