help me buy a wireless card?

[schwza]

hey all,

i'm buying a new notebook from ibm and i have no idea what kind of wireless card to get. the options are:

- Intel Pro/Wireless 2200BG Mini PCI Adapter (default)
- 11a/b/g Wireless LAN Mini-PCI Adapter II [add $30.00]

and (seperately)

- ThinkPad 11a/b/g Wireless CardBus Adapter [$89.00]

i'm not sure how the adapter choice is related to the two choices above.

ibm's info is below:

Based on IEEE 802.11a/b/g, the 11a/b/g Wireless CardBus Adapter automatically searches for the best WLAN connection. It helps provide connection flexibility and investment protection to your existing 11b WLAN installations and future access point upgrades. Tri-mode operation helps you connect and switch between a/b/g wireless LANs in your office, or if you subscribe and connect to WLANs where you travel.

Get wireless connection flexibility, up to 54Mbps speed and throughput with the 11a/b/g Wireless Mini PCI Adapter II. Designed for select wireless upgradeable ThinkPad notebooks with the integrated UltraConnect AntennaTM, it automatically searches for the best WLAN connection that is available. Tri-mode operation helps you connect and switch between a/b/g wireless LANs in your office, or if you subscribe and connect to WLANs where you travel. Supports Cisco Compatible Extensions, which are Cisco licensed software upgrades that provide Cisco enhanced security features including LEAP technology. In addition, industry standards such as Wi-Fi Protected Access are supported. WPA is an improvement over 128-bit Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP) encryption which provides stronger data protection.

AT&T SonyEricsson GC83 EDGE/GPRS Wireless WAN PC Card - This Wide Area Networking card enables a mobile user to connect to the Internet wirelessly through the AT&T Wireless Services EDGE/GPRS data network. EDGE technology enables burst speeds of up to 200 Kbps and average speeds of 100-130. Actual speed will vary based on signal strength and network traffic. The GC83 can be used to connect to international GPRS networks where AT&T Wireless has roaming agreements (please verify roaming availability with AT&T Wireless) with local service providers. This card gives you the flexibility to access the information you need both quickly and securely through your existing VPN client software (not included). This card has been tested for compatibility with ThinkPad notebooks. Requires service contract with AT&T Wireless; monthly service charges and airtime charges (based on data throughput) will apply. Roaming charges may also apply. (Service sold separately by AT&T Wireless Services; Service fees will apply; Service not available in all areas). Visit www.attws.com for complete details and service plans and to view a coverage map prior to ordering. AT&T Wireless, not Lenovo, is solely responsible for the AT&T Wireless service.

1 (Applies to US only)Warranty Information: For a copy of applicable product warranties, write to: Warranty Information, P.O. Box 12195, RTP, NC, 27709, Attn: Dept JDJA/B203. Lenovo makes no representation or warranty regarding third party products or services.

The Intel PRO/Wireless LAN 2200BG Mini PCI Adapter is a high-performance, affordable solution for connecting select wireless upgradeable ThinkPad notebooks to a wireless or wired network. The adapter offers fast and reliable connectivity as well as support of WLAN 802.11b/g standards to help secure wireless transmissions whether you are in the office or on the road. With the adapter and your wireless upgradeable ThinkPad you will be able to experience the flexibility of WLAN connectivity, and the benefits of accessing information while your are away from the office. Supports Cisco Compatible Extension (CCX) and Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA) functions: CCX is a Cisco licensed software upgrade allowing the use of Cisco enhanced security features including LEAP technology. Drivers are included to operate the adapter. User will need to download and install IBM Access Connections v2.7 or higher to set up and activate the CCX controls. WPA is a software upgrade for 128-bit Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP) encryption to help provide a stronger security solution.1

1Requires synchronization software by cellular phone company; not included.

Sprint PCS CDMA Connection Card - With this wireless networking card, users can connect from virtually anywhere on the Sprint PCS wireless network (Service sold separately by Sprint PCS; Service fees will apply; Service not available in all areas). Using Sprint's newly deployed high-speed CDMA wireless networking technologies, a mobile user can experience wireless communications at speeds up to 144 kbps (Actual speed will vary based on signal strength and network traffic). Wireless WAN means increased mobility with decreased reliance on wired modems traditionally required to connect to network required. In addition to providing access to the Internet, this card gives you the freedom and the flexibility to work where you want to and to access the information you need both quickly and securely through your existing VPN client software (not included). This card has been tested for compatibility with ThinkPad notebooks. Requires service contract with SprintPCS; monthly service charges and airtime charges (based on data throughput) will apply. Roaming charges may also apply. Service not available in all areas. Visit www.sprintpcs.com for complete details and service plans and to view a coverage map prior to ordering. Sprint PCS, not Lenovo, is solely responsible for the Sprint PCS service.

You should be fine with any card that handles 802.11b/g, so it looks like you are good with that default choice (be sure to double check the specs though). b and g are by far the most common standards for home and office networks, 802.11a is pretty rare.

you don't need that $89 option for the adapter.

The Sprint and Sony Ericsson cards are for premium services only, so don't get them unless of course you are also going to be ordering one of those services. Have fun with your new machine.