Thinkpad Wifi Options - Thinkpad b/g/n vs Intel N 1000?

[Limerick]

Hello, just ordered an e220s after much deliberation, and was wondering what the difference is between the Thinkpad b/g/n wireless card and the Intel Wireless-N 1000 card. I know the advantages of the other Intel cards but cannot afford them. Seeing as the Thinkpad b/g/n and Intel Wireless-N are the same price, what are the differences? I was told by a Lenovo rep that the Intel had greater range, is this true? Also I have heard that the Thinkpad branded one is based on Realtek which is supposedly less reliable than Intel, which I can believe from my prior experience. I have looked around but haven't found a straight answer comparing just these two cards! Thanks in advance.