On Fri, 8 Aug 2003, Brian Lloyd wrote:
> Chris Beaumont wrote:
> > Which IBM model has the best 802.11b options available,
> > performance-wise? Are any of you familiar with them? I know that some
> > advertise a built-in antenna. What kind of connector does it have and
> > (if we have to buy a card) is any particular brand of card best to use
> > with them?
>
> I have been living with an A20M for about two years now. It is a good, reliable
> laptop. It is my second IBM and I have been happy with both.
>
> > We will also be using it with Linux as the primary OS, so I need to
> > verify that the wireless and audio drivers, especially, are supported.
> > (I know the evil DSP-based modems are probably much more difficult..but
> > that matters much less.)
>
> IBM supports their internal devices and even ships with Linux preinstalled. That is
> excellent support since you have someplace to go when there is a problem.
>
> I would not go with an internal 802.11b option at this time. Things are
> changing too rapidly with 802.11a|g to want to be locked into an
> internal 'b' card. I use several different cards depending on what I am
> doing. Also, internal cards rarely (perhaps never since I have never
> seen one) offer an option of an external antenna.
now that their are atheros drivers for linux the IBM b/g and a/b/g minipci
cards should work... I haven't verified that yet, all our x31's have cisco
340's in them.
> I regularly switch between a Proxim Orinoco 802.11a|b card and a Senao
> 200mw 802.11b card. The latter supports an external antenna and with
> the 10dbi patch antenna I carry with me, I have no trouble with 2+ mile
> links back to my APs (which also run the Senao card).
I had a number of lucent pcmcia cards, but I found to avaya minipci card
to be adequate for most of my business related needs and it free's up a
pmcia slot.
> I deal with hidden terminal problems by setting the RTS/CTS threshold to 256 and so
> far that has worked since my backbone links are DSL speed leading my total traffic
> capacity to be only about 12% of my link capacity, well within the capability of
> ALOHA should the CSMA/CD break down. Regardless CSMA/CD should work and keep the
> network from congestive collapse.
>
> > And also, does anyone have any suggestions on where to get the best
> > deals? We're hoping to keep it under $1500 or so, if possible..
>
> I have no choice but to shop on-line from where I live. But even when I lived in
> California I shopped on the net. Laptops are a commodity. Get your best deal
> on-line. If you don't opt for next day deliver you will save money over the price
> of a laptop from your local store especially after paying sales tax.
>
>
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