[scottyrox]

i want to get a new wifi card because this stock one sucks..whats a good one to get? i dont know much about this stuff..

[reflex]

I don't know the answer to that question. But I am looking at the Intel 5100 wireless card, because:
* I want good Linux support (you don't need to worry about this)
* I bought a N router, whose speed is currently wasted on my G wireless card
* But I don't think I'll benefit from the faster 5300 with my current N router (the 5300 is also more expensive and wants a third antenna)
* Intel tends to have good quality
* It's available from real resellers (not just eBay)

The main downside is the price. I also wouldn't be surprised if it's power consumption was worse than OEM. Furthermore, the current card is adequate for most of my use. So, I'm being patient for the moment.

[scottyrox]

but i dont have an N router can i still use a N card for a g network?

[reflex]

Originally Posted by scottyrox

but i dont have an N router can i still use a N card for a g network?

I'm not aware of any N cards which don't also support B and G.

[scottyrox]

so you think the 5100 would be better then the stock card? as far as speed and range?

[holmes4]

The 5100 is a fine card. I have the similar 5300 and it is much better in performance than the stock card. Be aware, though, that many people have had troubles with Intel cards bought from eBay and Hong Kong resellers - these may be manufacturing rejects.

[scottyrox]

alright ill go with the 5300 and i saw a thread about adding a third antenna...ill probably do that..where would be a good place to buy a 5300?

[holmes4]

Well, that's a good question. They are hard to find from "normal" sources. I bought mine from Amazon, but that was nearly a year ago and they no longer offer it. I would suggest that the 5100 is probably a better choice as the 3x3 support of the 5300 requires a router with the 3x3 feature, and there are very few of those. But the 5100 is also hard to find.

[scottyrox]

but i have read that the 5100 cards arent as good as the 5300

[Short4Law]

I swapped my 5300 with a apple airport extreme. I would recommend it, on G it works from twice he distance my 5300 did. If you still want a 5300 I have one or a 5100. They ar epretty much the same card, 5100 in G down and the 5300 is N down.
Still I would go with the apple.