Can I upgrade the wireless nic in my T40?

[kjjb0204]

I have a 23738U0 with an Intel 802.11b mini pci card that only supports WEP. When I go to lenovo's site, it shows the 2915ABG Intel card (41N2990) and the ThinkPad abg card (73P4301) as compatible options.

1. What's the advantage of the Intel or ThinkPad card over the other?

2. Will I be able to run WPA-PSK or WPA2 if I install these cards?

Thanks!

[m_a_b]

I asked the Lenovo sales dept the same question when I purchased my T60p and they said the Thinkpad card is a little more robust. whether or not it is actually true I don't know. However, the Thinkpad cards are Atheros based and are supported very well in Linux if you care about that.

[m_a_b]

oh, and by the way, I happen to have a Thinkpad a/b Atheros based wifi card that came out of my T40p that I could part with if you don't care about the "g" compliance. I just upgraded the card to get the 54 mbps capability. PM me if interested.

[mabbas]

The thinkpad card does seem able to connect better so the radio may be better/stronger. The Intel will give you supposedly bettery battery life since you are effectively making it a Centrino.

My real world experience shown that the TP/Atheros card can connect a little better, or is stronger to weak AP, or if you are working with CISCO hardware may be a little more compatible.
Good luck, and make sure it is a part supported for your MTM, as if not, it won't allow the card to work via a BIOS check.

[kjjb0204]

Thanks for the info. I'm looking to upgrade so I can get G speeds. Also, does anyone know if I'll be able to run WPA-PSK or WPA2 if I install one of these newer cards? Will I need to update Access Connections so I can run the better security?

thanks

[m_a_b]

I run wpa-psk with tkip on my T40p with the a/b/g Thinkpad card. I never tried running that security before I upgraded it, though - I thought it was always an option not based on the card. Try updating access connections to the newest version and see if it gives you that option.

To answer your question, though, you SHOULD be able to use that security with the upgraded card and updated access connections since that is what I also run.

[kjjb0204]

Ok. I'll try updating ac first, then if that doesn't work, I'll get the Intel card. Thanks

[zverg]

I use WPA2-AES with my T42 and the IBM/Atheros A/B/G card

[kjjb0204]

Yep, updated my access connections, and now I'm connected with WPA2-PSK (TKIP).

Thanks for your help!