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.
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 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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Brian Lloyd 6501 Red Hook Plaza, Suite 201 [EMAIL PROTECTED] St. Thomas, VI 00802 +1.340.998.9447 - voice +1.360.838.9669 - fax GMT-4
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