Upgrade Z61m to "N" WiFi

[schen]

I picked up a low-end Z61m a few months ago to replace my wife's R52, and have progressively updated it's hardware over time with the exception of the screen (she has bad eyes). Anyway, the last thing that needed to be done is to move her from the stock Intel WiFi adapter to an "N" version like my X300.

I started out by taking a misstep and purchasing an Intel 4965AG, FRU 42T0873 which triggered the dreaded 1802 error, plus NOT being N enabled anyway. Into the parts bid it went. Then after looking at the one in my X300 and some more research, I picked up an Intel 4965AGN, FRU 42T0865 I figured I was home free. More 1802 errors later, I'm again scratching my head and wondering what's wrong.

Any thoughts?

BTW; love that machine ....even with the weird 3Gb RAM limit! And it runs great on Windows 7.

[emtee3511]

My teenage son uses his Z61m as a desktop replacement, and you are so right -- it runs great on Windows 7 --

His desk is not very far from our wireless router and picks up the signal well, so I am wondering why you want to replace the Wireless G card for N?

[schen]

My teenage son uses his Z61m as a desktop replacement, and you are so right -- it runs great on Windows 7 --

His desk is not very far from our wireless router and picks up the signal well, so I am wondering why you want to replace the Wireless G card for N?

Mostly due to me habitually doing incremental upgrades as they become cost effecting. My X300 came with an "N" card and I was able to pick up a D-Link DIR-615 VERY inexpensively a month or so ago. So now that I have that up and running, I thought it'd be nice to have my wife's machine on it as well which will allow me to move the "SuperG" AP to the other corner of our house where the children's rooms are located and have better coverage over all.

[emtee3511]

"Mostly due to me habitually doing incremental upgrades as they become cost effecting"
A very good idea, I think -- keeping your machines current

A couple of months ago, I "thought" I was upgrading my Verizon modem/router to N -- I argued with Verizon that I have several N laptops and wanted to make use of N wireless. They argued that my 5/6 year old Westell G modem/router would "work" with my N laptops, which of course it does -- but my (very limited) understanding was that my X301/X200/X100e were reverting to G because of my G router.

I decided to purchase Verizon's newer Westel, which was listed as being a wireless N modem router. After I installed/networked it with my home setup, I thought I could tell my connections were a bit faster. Now I'm thinking that was just a placebo effect because I have been reading that Verizon's modem router is not dual band -- if there are G connections made, then the router reverts to all G even though some of my computers are N. Does that sound correct?

I am glad I changed to the newer modem/router because the signal is stronger and gets through better upstairs and downstairs. But I'm wondering if I can add anything to my Verizon modem/router which would make it dual band -- and even if I could, would I see any speed increase.

[RealBlackStuff]

Go to my website to D/L and install a Zender BIOS for the Z61.
That should take care of any wifi-errors.

[RealBlackStuff]

Not from Verizon.
But if you buy another brand router with dual-band, you're in business.
There are several postings about N-routers on this forum.

[emtee3511]

Thank you schen and RBS for letting me slightly hijack this thread -- going to do a forum search

[underclocker]

I believe the only N card that will work with the Z61 BIOS from Lenovo is the same one that works in the T60, the Atheros ABGN adapter.

You can see the part numbers here --> http://forum.thinkpads.com/viewtopic.ph ... 5&p=557227

Basically, you're looking for 42T0825.

[schen]

Thanks guys. Its good to have options: use the modded BIOS or bite the bullet and buy another WiFi adapter.