Thinkpads Forum

1. ThinkPad 11a/b/g/n Wi-Fi wireless LAN Mini-PCIe [subtract $10.00]

2. Intel Wireless WiFi Link 4965AGN

I can't tell between these two cards which is better (or if they're the same). I'm pretty sure they're both draft N cards. I remember reading somewhere a long time ago that you need an Intel wireless card to support the power saving features of the processor. Do you guys know the difference or which one is better?

Choose Thinkpad (Atheros) card. It's performance is way better over Intels.

I'd say Atheros chip is better than Intel's.
Way is this option only available on WWAN X61s?
I was trying to order a X61s with this card, but I have no need for WWAN usage.

The Atheros card may have been superior to the Intel 3945ABG, but does the same apply to the newer 4965AGN?

So is the common concensus that ThinkPad 11a/b/g Wi-Fi wireless LAN Mini-PCIe is better in terms of performance and battery life than Intel Pro/Wireless?

I have the Thinkpad ABGN in my T60P its not that good. I was surprised by the amount of dropped connections, slow speeds, and poor range. In some cases it would not even see wireless networks even though it was placed right next to the router. The old Intel card in my X41 is 10x better than this one.

I have been very happy with the Atheros abg in my X31 -- but now our office is using Airport Extreme access points, and the [censored] things won't talk to Atheros cards.

smoothoperator wrote:I have the Thinkpad ABGN in my T60P its not that good. I was surprised by the amount of dropped connections, slow speeds, and poor range. In some cases it would not even see wireless networks even though it was placed right next to the router. The old Intel card in my X41 is 10x better than this one.

Wow, I could say the same thing about those brands, if I switched the names around.

Maybe there's some other issue at play there...

Wow so many mixed opinions!!! I am about to order my X61T but still don't know which wireless card is better! Which one should I order?

I think if you broaden your search, you'll see Intel supporters are in the minority.

why is it that for the x61t, it only shows the intel 'n' version supports mimo? and what will that actually mean for use, mimo that is?

Tholek wrote: Wow, I could say the same thing about those brands, if I switched the names around.

Maybe there's some other issue at play there...

I dont think so I disabled deep power cycle and spent the better part of a week searching for a solution on why this card behaved so oddly. With Active Connections on my X41T I am able to pick up signals from much farther away. In fact at hotels I cannot pick up signals most of the time and have to use my X41T to go online. Maybe its because so many routers are not 100% compatible with the Atheros N Card:?: I have the most up to date drivers installed I disabled, repaired, released and did all the tricks to try go get it to work and its always the same mediocre reception. There were numerous reception and "unable to connect" threads on here that T60P owners had with the ABGN card.

Is there a side by side comparison anywhere? The Intel card does cost $10 more (I don't know if that's a good thing or not).

Then I don't know what to say, smoothoperator. It's rare that I see posts citing those kind of issues with the Atheros.

xaveon wrote:Is there a side by side comparison anywhere? The Intel card does cost $10 more (I don't know if that's a good thing or not).

Might be due to the name, if nothing else. Keep in mind, the Atheros card is OEM. The only retail branded Atheros cards I've seen were prototypes on the FCC site. When I googled the original model numbers, I got no hits. I'm not sure any of their cards are sold under their own brand anywhere.

Just a side question, but still regarding wireless: I plan on studying abroad and travelling with my laptop. Is it safe to assume that the wireless card (i.e. Atheros or Intel AGNs) I purchase for North America will be able to work with the free wireless signals in Europe or at other international academic institutions.

Thanks

Trekk69 wrote:Just a side question, but still regarding wireless: I plan on studying abroad and travelling with my laptop. Is it safe to assume that the wireless card (i.e. Atheros or Intel AGNs) I purchase for North America will be able to work with the free wireless signals in Europe or at other international academic institutions.

Thanks

Yes, I think so, but US cards use 11 channels, while Europe uses 13. (Japan has 14) You may miss a few hotspots.

Thanks for the quick answer Tholek.
I was just checking.

I would agree with everyone else on the ibm card UNTIL you talk about the new intel card in the x61. I had to make the same decission and chose the intel. Should offer better reception than the ibm card as well (3 antennas).

bigwormie wrote:I would agree with everyone else on the ibm card UNTIL you talk about the new intel card in the x61. I had to make the same decission and chose the intel. Should offer better reception than the ibm card as well (3 antennas).

Is that still the 4965? The Atheros can probably top it, but it's till up in the air.