I see that Dell has a new model, the TrueMobile 1350. What is the difference(s) between the card I bought 2 or 3 months ago, and "new" TrueMobile 1350?
You can't just "increase the range". They could increase the power to the antennas, whivh would increase the range, but to do so would mean the card (be it miniPCI - which I use - or PCMCIA) would need to be redesigned. Possibly with another chipset, as well. If it has a stronger signal, it might be something for me to look at getting to increase the signal fluctuations I've been having (which are minor, but annoying.)
I'm specifically wondering if it *might* support Super-G...
Interesting - I wasn't aware there was a newer driver. XP Device Manager shows that I'm using the 6/13/2003 v3.20.23.0 driver; you're right, per the Dell downloads, 3/22/2004 v.3.40.66, A02 is the most current.
It seems silly to me to give it a new model number if nothing but the driver and features have changed, but then again, I've seen companies do stranger things.
Anywho, thanks for pointing out that there's a new(er) driver available - I'm going to install it now!
edit: Just installed and rebooted. Interesting notes:
1. (removed - actually, the 8500 WAS listed, I just didn't see it since it wasn't in some kinda order.)
2. After install, I found this in my network properties:
Not really sure what it's for, so looks like time to do a bit of research.
Other than #2, I don't see any difference. Signal strength is still good, and fluctautes between 48MBps and 54MBps.
When downloading the new driver for the 1300, I noticed this in the release notes.
"This driver release supports the Dell Wireless 1350 and 1450 series adapters, with support for CCX2.0, and Single Sign-on, and includes equivalent upgrades to the Dell TrueMobile 1300 and 1400 series adapters."
I could be interpreting it wrong, but it seems as though the 1350 and 1450 are sold as offering CCX2.0 and Single Sign-on, whereas the 1300 and 1400 were not, but essentially become the same as the newer cards with the driver update.
This seems like it could be a marketing thing, seeing as some consumers equate higher model numbers as to being newer/better. If anyone has any any additional/conflicting info, please post.
The 1300 came out before 802.11g was final, right? So wouldn't it make sence that the 1350 card is based on a more current version of the wireless chipset?
I'd also like to know if the new card addresses any of the reliability issues so many people (including myself) have been having with the 1300 card... On the one hand, I'd love to know I could get a reliable (Dell) MiniPCI 802.11g card for my inspiron - on the other, I'd be very slow to go for another Dell card after the hassle I've had with the 1300...
TheGSRGuy
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Posted April 12th, 2004 06:00