A Couple Questions before My Thinkpad Purchase

[Spectra]

Hello to everyone on the board. I've been reading this forum for a week now. I chose to register today and post my first message. I am about to buy a T41 2378-DLU. A couple questions.

1. The machine comes with one year warranty, I want to extend it to 3 years. I know that the ServicePac is for business only, but it looks cheaper then IBM Helpware. Is ServicePac a type of extended warrenty? Should I get it?

2. I want to buy a port replicator, either P.R.II or mini-dock. the MD has 3 more USB ports, ac adaptor, keylock. Are the USB ports on the MD seperate or in a hub? Should I spend $100 more to get MD or get the P.R.II and a cheap USB hub?

3. From what I've heard, IBM a/b/g MPCI card is better than Intels 2200BG. Did anyone run a performence test? Is the IBM card worth 2x the price of the Intel one? (I don't care about 802.11a btw)

On a side note, I work for IBM Canada warranty processing. I can check up parts and warranty status. So if you got any questions regarding parts/FRU info, I can help.

Thank you.

[Flightvector]

I haven't tried the IBM miniPCI, but I have the 2200BG, and I can tell you that I will get the IBM miniPCI as soon as I can. The IBM card uses an Atheros chipset, which a lot of people like for its solid quality and stable drivers, and it has great compatibility with other Atheros based network components. The latest Netgear proprietary speedboost g routers (like the WGT624) are now using Atheros chipsets as well. I know that the IBM card is better at picking up packets and is less likely to drop connections and has better overall reception than the Intel; it is likely to be more sensitive and responsive. Throughput is often better because of this, and at higher ranges. Occassional compatibility issues are still bound to occur with any card in any case, but the IBM is notably better.

I just feel I need an edge and that my IBM deserves a good chipset, not a mainstream Centrino you find in HPs and Dells. I have a feeling that the IBM Atheros chipset was worked on and ironed out in hardware and software, whereas the Intel was just ensured for compatibility and branded for IBM exclusivity.

Searching for "atheros" in this forum gives you a good post about this, and some testing seems to have been done as well:

http://forum.thinkpads.com/viewtopic.ph ... ht=atheros

System:
T42 2378-DXU
Intel 735 M
60Gb 7200
15" SXGA+ Flexview
2200BG/Bluetooth

[BillMorrow]

get the minidock-II as the USB IS a hub..
much better value than the port rep.-II..

[Logi7]

is atheros made by philips?

my a/b/g has a huge phillips sticker on it

[BillMorrow]

AKAIK, yes..
i was in the past and this still appears to be the case..