T60 with Vista and poor range on wireless

[coflyer]

I am disappointed in the wireless reception that I get with my T60. Configuration is at the bottom. I have difficulty finding and hooking up with wireless connections when I am away from home. When at home everything works well and I don't have any problem maintaining connections. I have removed, reinstalled and removed the ThinkVantage Access Connections(according to directions found on this forum) and still have problems. I have now removed the ThinkVantage software and just running the Vista software.
Now the question, is this a fixable problem for my T60 AND/OR
Is there a recommendation for a Cardbus Wireless adapter that works well (better than the T60 built-in).
The router that I have is currently one of the older Linksys draftN routers (WRT300NV1.1_v1.51.2) My configuration is below:

8743CTO TPad T60 - T7600 (2.33GHz, 4MB L2, 667MHz FSB)
Genuine Windows Vista Ultimate
15.4 WSXGA+ TFT
ATI Mobility Radeon X1400 128MB
3 GB PC2-5300 DDR2 SDRAM 667MHz SODIMM Memory
Integrated fingerprint reader
100GB Hard Disk Drive, 7200rpm
DVD Recordable 8x Max Dual Layer, Ultrabay Slim
Intel PRO/Wireless 3945ABG

[Harryc]

I was never a huge fan of the Intel 3945 adapter. Try an Atheros adapter. FRU 39T5578
http://shop.ebay.com/?_from=R40&_trksid ... Categories

[coflyer]

I was hoping that I might be able to go to an "N" adapter unless there is a reason why I shouldn't? Also, my unit is still under warranty, so if I change the internal card will I be voiding the warranty?

[Harryc]

You will not void your warranty unless you break something.

FRU 42T0825 -
http://shop.ebay.com/?_from=R40&_trksid ... Categories

FRU 42T0827 -
http://shop.ebay.com/?_from=R40&_trksid ... kw=42T0827

[coflyer]

Thank you for the information. I have two questions: I know I have seen a post somewhere in the forum but cannot find it about how to remove the keyboard and replace the wireless card of the T60 but I cannot find it when I do a search. Ideas? Second question: Do I need to get the Vista drivers for the Atheros card from a site or will Vista update it? I looked a the Atheros Site and a few other sites but none clearly reference the Atheros AR5BXB72? Thank you for all your help.

[yak]

Luckily you have a ThinkPad so getting a proper documentation about the procedure won't be a problem.

First stop, the Hardware Maintenance Manual for a widescreen T60:
http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site. ... 66958.html

For nice videos, head to:
http://www.lenovoservicetraining.com/

Basically you have to remove the palm rest and then the keyboard. This will give you access to the WLAN card (and other things).

[Harryc]

Second question: Do I need to get the Vista drivers for the Atheros card from a site or will Vista update it? I looked a the Atheros Site and a few other sites but none clearly reference the Atheros AR5BXB72? Thank you for all your help.

http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site. ... MIGR-67351

[coflyer]

And after reading and reading, I know I will find out when I take the thinkpad apart but would like to know in advance, if it has the three wires to hook up the atheros card or just two?

[Harryc]

You would have to add a third antenna. The card itself has 3 connections for antennas. Do a forum search for details, it's been discussed many times before.