X40 Wireless upgrade: Which replacement card?

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mkawa · #1 Post by **mkawa** » Mon Oct 04, 2004 6:15 am

I'm absolutely fed up with the Intel 2100B card that came with my X40. Buggy drivers, constantly dropping, etc. etc. etc.

From what I've read, it seems like I have two choices: IBM vended Intel 2200BG, or the IBM/Atheros a/b/g

I just picked up one of those new Atheros-chipset base stations, so I can run SuperG if I get the IBM a/b/g card, but it's twice as much (90$) compared to the 2200BG (50$). Add tax and shipping and they're both pretty pricey, of course. Does anyone have any experience with these parts and can offer an educated opinion on whether one is worth more than the other?

Also, I do know about the CMOS bit, but I haven't seen either any additional compatible cards or any cheaper cards, so suggestions of either of those two options are welcome as well.

sktn77a · #2 Post by **sktn77a** » Mon Oct 04, 2004 5:23 pm

You shouldn't be having so many problems with the intel card. Sounds like a bad card or a bad setup. Have you removed all encryption and disabled 802.1x authentication? How about contactig IBM tech support (you never know......)? I don't know if a new b/g or a/b/g card is going to solve your problems

leesiulung · #3 Post by **leesiulung** » Fri Oct 08, 2004 8:38 pm

gregk · #4 Post by **gregk** » Fri Oct 29, 2004 5:20 pm

I just got my first think pad, a 2386 X40 referb unit (there seems to be a bunch of them going around right now). I had the same problems with my Intel 2100B card right out of the box. It also doesn't help that this is my first PC (I am typically a fanatical Apple user).

After spending more time on the phone with Atlanta then a CNN reporter, we finally diagnosed my X40s ability to find wireless networks most of the time, constant connection drops and general flakeyness to a bad card. They shipped one out last night, I received it at 9am this morning and everything is working slicker then dog snot.

Gut feeling: you have a bad card.

Cool forum, I like it...

Greg

ychandrani · #5 Post by **ychandrani** » Fri Oct 29, 2004 6:01 pm

mkawa wrote:I'm absolutely fed up with the Intel 2100B card that came with my X40. Buggy drivers, constantly dropping, etc. etc. etc.

From what I've read, it seems like I have two choices: IBM vended Intel 2200BG, or the IBM/Atheros a/b/g

I just picked up one of those new Atheros-chipset base stations, so I can run SuperG if I get the IBM a/b/g card, but it's twice as much (90$) compared to the 2200BG (50$). Add tax and shipping and they're both pretty pricey, of course. Does anyone have any experience with these parts and can offer an educated opinion on whether one is worth more than the other?

Also, I do know about the CMOS bit, but I haven't seen either any additional compatible cards or any cheaper cards, so suggestions of either of those two options are welcome as well.

Well, first make sure you have the latest drivers for the 2100B; and also check if its not defective as a prior correspondent said.

But, you are not limited to just two choices. There is now a newer version of the IBM a/b/g miniPCI (ver II) from IBM. Go here to check it out:

http://www-306.ibm.com/common/ssi/fcgi- ... NUS104-397

The price is at the bottom of the page and is $65.

Y

richarddd · #6 Post by **richarddd** » Sat Oct 30, 2004 8:53 am

The text of that announcement says the card works in an X31, but X31 is not on the list of supported hardware??

ychandrani · #7 Post by **ychandrani** » Sat Oct 30, 2004 11:07 am

The offering note states it will work in select X31 systems and the discrepancy might be because they have not fully tested the card with all X31 systems, or the web announcement might be a reflection of the mice taking liberties while the cats are out, or a case of a genuine error/poor proofreading. So that leaves us all with the lovely choice of calling tech support before buying....

mkawa · #8 Post by **mkawa** » Sun Oct 31, 2004 3:18 am

unfortunately (or fortunately) i've already purchased, received and installed an a/b/g I (ebayed). I'm interested in knowing what chipset the a/b/g II uses, however.

ychandrani · #9 Post by **ychandrani** » Sun Oct 31, 2004 7:16 am

I beleive ver II uses the AR5004X. Search the forums; there are lots of posts.

phr · #10 Post by **phr** » Mon Nov 22, 2004 12:51 am

Anyone know where to get the IBM/atheros a/b/g card? I wouldn't want the Intel cards.

jun412 · #11 Post by **jun412** » Sun Nov 28, 2004 12:12 am

That's weird.
Mine works just fine. Update the BIOS, drivers, and everything else you can.

Also, update the firmware for your Wireless AP as well.

Good luck.

X40 Wireless upgrade: Which replacement card?

X40 Wireless upgrade: Which replacement card?

Re: X40 Wireless upgrade: Which replacement card?

Weird

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