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My WiFi reception is Much improved in new MBP
- Thread starter KSpider
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Oh... good point. Newer and improved card technology then? Does anyone what brand is in the new MacBooks?
I also joined my only neighbor's network that doesnt have a PW. I used to always have 1 maybe 2 bars max, but now getting all 4...
My WiFi reception on N is also vastly improved. Nearly double the signal strength.
Macbook White Shell -65db
New MBP -35db
These signal readings are from the same spot in my room.
Macbook White Shell -65db
New MBP -35db
These signal readings are from the same spot in my room.
Where do you get these readings? I'm interested in testing my own wireless performance vs. some of my classmates who seem to have GREATLY superior wireless speeds on macbook pro's of the same revision.
I just got a new MBP yesterday afternoon. Last night, I noticed that I picked up WiFi signals that I didn't used to pick up on my Dell. Also, my download speed was much quicker than I was ever able to do on my Dell (although I realize there are multiple variables at play here).
The aluminum body isn't a factor. The antenna is located under plastic in the hinge, right below the screen, so it's not covered by aluminum.
That's good, because the reception in the older design that everyone loves sucked big time.
The design hasn't changed. The antenna is in the same location in all MBP models, including the newest one. I've always had excellent reception from mine. Your environment has a lot to do with your reception (interference from other devices, etc.)
I have Airport on my Menu Bar.
I click on it while holding ALT/OPTION.
It will give you a few lines of info about your wifi connection.
It's not covered by aluminum on top or through a thin sliver below, but if the router is in the direction the user is facing, the screen is in the way. If it's low behind the user, the main computer chassis is in the way. I recall reading that wifi doesn't bounce, it goes through certain materials, metal not being one of them, so unless the router is above or below you, the hinge antenna is blocked by parts of the computer.
I was responding to the statement that the new MBPs have the antennas in the plastic covered hinge as opposed to in the lid of the previous generations. I wouldn't think the antenna was still in the lid considering there isn't any plastic edging there and solid aluminum doesn't allow for good reception.
All you have to do is go from a metal MBP to a plastic MB to notice how much the reception suffers from all that metal.
We have people with the new MBPs saying that they have better reception than with their older ones. Do you have first-hand experience with the new design, or are you just bitching about something else? I'm going with the latter since you didn't say talk about your new MBP.
As I said, the antenna has always been in the hinge. It was not in the lid in previous MBP generations.
Most likely the antennae and wifi electronics are improved. It's unlikely relate to the unibody design per se.
Unibody design would make a better shield: fewer gaps in the shell from screws, edges, etc.
Slightly thinner case wouldn't do much. Even aluminum foil wrapped around electronics makes for a servicable shield.
Its possible that because of the glass, the bezel is now plastic and the antenna runs up the inside of the lid. No one that I've read of, incl iFixit, has taken apart the lid/display itself.
I guess you missed my post:
It does not run up inside the lid. It is fully contained in the hinge, under plastic. That is where it has been in every MBP model.