Question about Dell laptops

Craig321 · 1 Feb 2007 at 19:58

Hi,

On the Dell customization section they give you the option of getting a wireless card.

Is this just an extra or do dell laptops not have wireless cards built in?

Thanks,
Craig.

Deiwos · 1 Feb 2007 at 20:02

They probably don't come with a wireless card as standard, if the facility in the customisation screen is to add one. I can't check that however, as Dells website is banned here at work (rival company etc).

You could ring Dell on 0870 908 0800 if you're unsure.

Craig321 · 1 Feb 2007 at 20:43

Deiwos said:
They probably don't come with a wireless card as standard, if the facility in the customisation screen is to add one. I can't check that however, as Dells website is banned here at work (rival company etc).

You could ring Dell on 0870 908 0800 if you're unsure.

Ewww 0870 number... 0870 908 0800 = 01344 373727

When customizing the laptop they ask what wireless card you want, you're given a choice of two.

When I get a laptop I don't want this wireless card sticking out the side of it!

I really would have thought wireless cards would be built in on Dell laptops??!

robg1701 · 1 Feb 2007 at 21:27

It is 'built in', but its added as a mini pci card...the antenna etc are in the chassis, but obviousyl they can decide to leave the card out to save a few bob.

I added the card to a friends laptop as he bought it from a competitor and they didnt have the card bundled, but they do sell it seperately. That was a low end model though, £350 price point...most laptops on dells own site include a wireless card, but they provide option for specifying a DIFFERENT one..is that perhaps what your seeing ? If not you too must be going bargain basement price wise ;p

Craig321 · 2 Feb 2007 at 22:34

robg1701 said:
It is 'built in', but its added as a mini pci card...the antenna etc are in the chassis, but obviousyl they can decide to leave the card out to save a few bob.

I added the card to a friends laptop as he bought it from a competitor and they didnt have the card bundled, but they do sell it seperately. That was a low end model though, £350 price point...most laptops on dells own site include a wireless card, but they provide option for specifying a DIFFERENT one..is that perhaps what your seeing ? If not you too must be going bargain basement price wise ;p

Yes, looking at it again now they give me the choice of choosing between 2... no price difference, but 2 different cards.

Dell Wireless 1390 802.11g 54Mbps Wireless Mini Card18 [Included in Price]
Dell Wireless 1490 Dual Band 802.11a/b/g 54Mbps Mini-PCI Wireless Card33 add £0.00

I'm glad they're built in

Thanks for the help,
Craig.

Carter · 2 Feb 2007 at 22:45

Craig321 said:
Yes, looking at it again now they give me the choice of choosing between 2... no price difference, but 2 different cards.

Dell Wireless 1390 802.11g 54Mbps Wireless Mini Card18 [Included in Price]

Dell Wireless 1490 Dual Band 802.11a/b/g 54Mbps Mini-PCI Wireless Card33 add £0.00

I'm glad they're built in

Thanks for the help,
Craig.

I think it is to do with chipset compatability, some cards won't work with certain chipsets, depending on what config you choose.