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where to insert a wirless card in a inspiron n5010?
Hi this should be a simple question in theory! just bought a N5010 but didn't get a wirless internet card with it. I do have internal bluetooth and looking at the online videos for other models I can see that I just have to open up the back panel and slide the card into one of the slots. Thing is on opening the back panel both slots seem to be already ocupied! So basically is the internal bluetooth card? taking up one of the slots or am i missing something? plus what might be in either slot and should i even attempt to move them? directions to videos or card instalation instructions would also be appreciated as well.
Thanks in advance for an help.
ieee488
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March 20th, 2011 20:00
It is very rare these days that a laptop comes without wireless. It's standard on the N5010.
spankdoggy
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March 21st, 2011 07:00
Yeah but I got this one off the dell outlet site, have already asked the support team and with them looking into my order have found that it doesn't have a wireless card but does have the option to install one. They then gave me a list of wireless card options that are compatable with my machine. I know what you mean about strange as its virtually a brand new machine (has a i3 380 processor, they only came out in Dec) and has bluetooth but bizarrley no wireless , so any advice about where the card goes or if you have the machine itself and can locate it that would be handy.
spankdoggy
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March 21st, 2011 08:00
Yeah, just had a look at the manual seems i have to pull the whole thing apart, inc keyboard, palm rest etc, looks v tricky and I'm pretty much a novice wen it comes to this stuff. Maybe i should just get a usb dongle?
ieee488
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March 21st, 2011 08:00
Download the manual and see where the wifi card is suppose to be installed. This is the only way to verify.
PudgyOne
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March 21st, 2011 09:00
spankdoggy,
Go to Drivers & Downloads,
Click on Warranty status. Enter your service tag number, then look at origional configuration. It should give you a list of items installed on the computer.
Rick
spankdoggy
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March 21st, 2011 14:00
I did what you said and the only network adapter available is the " Realtek PCIe FE Family Controller" but I like I previous said I have contacted dell, they looked into the order and said:
"Based on your e-mail, I understand that you would like to know if your Dell Inspiron N5010 supports wireless internet.
Dell Inspiron N5010 systems has WiMax, WWAN, WLAN and Bluetooth wireless capability. However, our records indicate that for your Dell Inspiron N5010 system with Service Tag ********, it was not purchased with a wireless card. It, however, has a bluetooth wireless card.
Below are the wireless card option for your Dell system should you wish to purchase one.
Dell™ Wireless 1501 802.11gn 1x1 Half Mini Card
Dell™ Wireless 1520 802.11agn 2x2 Half Mini Card
Intel® WiFi Link 6200 802.11agn 2x2 Half Mini Card
Intel® WiFi Link 6250 802.11agn/WiMax 2x2 Half Mini Card"
Any idea on what my options are anyone and what would you do to get wireless, plus is there a way to set the wireless through the bluetooth connection?
PudgyOne
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March 21st, 2011 15:00
spankdoggy,
I like the 6200 but it's probably costly to add. The cheapest/easiest route would be to purchase a USB wireless adapter.
Rick
spankdoggy
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March 21st, 2011 15:00
I did see the 6200 for £16 quid on ebay and am slightly tempted to do a DIY job! but I think the sensible option would be just to get a wireless USB. If it was just a case of taking a few bits apart that would be fine, but removing a keyboard with a knife! esp with a surface which looks like its made of tin does not sound good. Anyway for £310 quid you cant complain about the specs even if it hasn't got wireless.
Any ideas on decent wireless USB's anyone?
PudgyOne
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March 21st, 2011 16:00
spankdoggy,
What wireless router are you using? If you have a wireless N router(or dual band) it would be nice to get a wireless N usb adapter for the speed.
I have used a Netgear USB adapter before with no problems. Just need to use these Recommended Wireless Router Settings
Rick
PudgyOne
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March 21st, 2011 17:00
spankdoggy,
They usually recommend matching it with your wireless router but Netgear seems wo work with the others. I got one at Walmart for a cheap price, Install the drivers with the CD and then attached the wireless adapter and it connected with no problems.
http://www.netgear.com/home/products/wireless-adapters/default.aspx
Rick
spankdoggy
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March 21st, 2011 17:00
I've just got the standard router which came with o2, which is the o2 wieless box 2. I have tried various inbuilt wifi laptops in a few house holds with o2 and the've picked up the reception no probs with no reconfiguring. Not sure if that helps
spankdoggy
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March 22nd, 2011 04:00
Cheers for the help Pudgy, much apprieciated
PudgyOne
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March 22nd, 2011 08:00
spankdoggy,
No problem. We're here to help others and try to do things the easiest and cheapest way, if possible.
Take care,
Rick