Intel b/g vs. Intel a/b/g ?

[pipspeak]

I'm trying to decide between two T43 models, one the 2687D8U with the Intel a/b/g card, 60GB/5400, and 3-year warranty, and the other the 2686DGU with Intel b/g card, 60GB/7200, and 1 year warranty upgraded to 3 years.

My question: for someone who isn't likely to use 802.11a wireless, does the Intel a/b/g card offer anything over the b/g card for the other two wireless channels? Better chipset, for example?

I'm able to get the D8U model for about $50 less than the DGU model (with warranty upgrade) through the EPP, but am wondering whether that $50 is really worth paying for the b/g card, 7200 HDD, and fingerprint reader vs. the D8U with a/b/g, 5400 HDD and no fingerprint reader.

I'm currently inclined to pay the extra for the faster hard drive and fingerprint reader (although I still think that's a gimmick). Any opinions appreciated.

[leo221]

i have used multiple intel 2100 2200 wifi cards in many brands. dell, hp, compaq, sony, thinkpad t41, now t43. they are solid without any problem. don't pay if you don't use it.

I'm trying to decide between two T43 models, one the 2687D8U with the Intel a/b/g card, 60GB/5400, and 3-year warranty, and the other the 2686DGU with Intel b/g card, 60GB/7200, and 1 year warranty upgraded to 3 years.

My question: for someone who isn't likely to use 802.11a wireless, does the Intel a/b/g card offer anything over the b/g card for the other two wireless channels? Better chipset, for example?

I'm able to get the D8U model for about $50 less than the DGU model (with warranty upgrade) through the EPP, but am wondering whether that $50 is really worth paying for the b/g card, 7200 HDD, and fingerprint reader vs. the D8U with a/b/g, 5400 HDD and no fingerprint reader.

I'm currently inclined to pay the extra for the faster hard drive and fingerprint reader (although I still think that's a gimmick). Any opinions appreciated.