Thinkpads Forum

I just noticed the 2 different models, 1702 and the 1704. The only major difference I can see between the 2 is the wireless cards, the more expensive being the centrino duo. I really can't see paying $200 or so for the difference.

The 2 exact models are the 1702-68u and the 1704-69u.

Can anyone see anything different? Is the centrino worth the difference or is it just Intel marketing?

Thanks,
Bill

They also have different batteries: slim 4-cell (1702-68U) vs. 8-cell (1704-69U). Which one is better is up to you: I'd personally go for the former (to minimize size/weight), but you'd get longer battery life with the latter.

I caught the battery difference as well. Thing is, for the $200 differnce, I can purchse a slim battery to keep on the side. It really appears as if you're getting less for your money, with the exception of the centrino name.

If someone can point out a benefit to the centrin duo overe the duo, I'd be interested to hear it. Otherwise I'm jut going to get the straight duo.

Bill

1704-69U has a non Intel wifi card. I think it is an Atheros card.
If you ever want to use linux on your thinkpad, you should buy the atheros version....

http://www-131.ibm.com/webapp/wcs/store ... logId=-840

In this page there is Thinkpad a/b/g wireless card (in the 1704-69u) as in mine X60.
I have an atheros AR5BXB6 wireless card.
http://www-131.ibm.com/webapp/wcs/store ... p_tab-prod

I'm not sure what the difference is. From an article I've read, Intel called a laptop with their processor AND their wireless card as having Centrino technology. If it doesn't have their wireless card, it's not Centrino technology. I think it's just a big marketing thing.