Internal Wireless net card.

I might be wrong but i thought the M7700 already has a internal wireless card built in? Anyway if it doesn't i would recommend an external card as you will get better signal range. However if you do want a internal card here are instructions to install one: http://4help.alienware.com/cgi-bin/a...i=&p_topview=1
Sorry i have no idea where to get one maybe someone else here will be able to help you with that.

When you buy the m7700, you have a choice of an Internal or External card. I went with an External, and I also bought the external SoundBlaster Audigy 2. But since there's only 1 card slot, I couldn't use both at the same time.

Glad this was brought up because I also wanted to know how, thanks for the link.

Your welcome. Just curious would you recommend the SoundBlaster Audigy 2 card and do you use it with external speakers or built in speakers?

I live in a studio apartment, it's tiny, and I don't want to disturb neighbors. So I use it with the ear phones they came with. Kinda lame I know

Unfortunately you can't use it with the built in speakers. It simply won't let you. You have to either use headphones or buy external speakers.

For gaming, I personally prefer it a lot over the internal Realtek sound which is kinda crap. If you're gunna get it I highly recommend getting a surround sound system to get the most out of it.

Thanks thats really helpful iam planning on getting a 2:1 setup but i might go for a bit better setup. I hate the internal sound as it has absolutely no bass.

Arthoes-

If you're still under warranty, you MUST contact alienware tech support if you open the case of your laptop. If you don't, you could void the warranty. You may alread know, but I just wanted to run that by you. They'll walk you through the process of installation and even sell you the card.

Arthoes ..... are you sure that the 7700 does not have an internal wireless card ?? I would certainly verify that first. There are any number of vendors that sell them. A quick google would give you a pretty good start. The installation is fairly straight forward ... but I totally agree with the postings you are receiving .... let AW do it since it would likely void your warranty if you open the case and installed new hardware ....... give AW a yell and get their advice ...

I would get at least a 5.1 system. you wouldn't regret it.

Arthoes: I would suggest , as far as the wireless card goes , to go with an external card and not bother with an internal card. It would be easier. A whole lot easier. If you do not want that "appendage" , then get the internal one .... the installation is really simple. At this point, it probably does not matter as far as any warranty voiding goes ....... I like the looks of having the antenna being internal ...

Here's what I found on the AW site for reseating a mini PCI wireless card in the 7700 series.
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Accessing the system's Mini PCI slots

1. Turn off the computer.
2. Unplug the AC adapter from the wall outlet.
3. Remove the primary battery.
4. Remove the keyboard.

Note: It is not necessary to remove the keyboard completely, release the upper part of the keyboard and then flip it upside down. Place it on the palm rest area leaving the cable connected to the motherboard.

Click here to learn how to remove the keyboard of an Alienware 7700 mobile desktop.

5. Remove the 5 screws holding down the metal plate that is covering the system's motherboard (see Image 1).


6. Lift and remove the metal plate.

Removing an existing Mini PCI wireless card

1. Unplug the black antenna cable from the wireless card by applying upward pressure from the antenna's terminal. Do not pull from the cable itself since it may tear away from its terminal.


2. Push the two tabs located on each side of the slot away from the card. This will allow the card to pop up to a 30-degree angle (see Image 3).



3. Pull the card up and away from the Mini PCI slot.



Installing or reseating a Mini PCI wireless card

1. Align and insert the wireless card into the Mini PCI slot at a 30-degree angle, making sure that the label of the card is facing up (see Image 3).
2. Press the card down gently until the two latches snap into place.
3. If a standard wireless card is being installed, connect the black antenna cable to the "MAIN" connector of the card and leave the gray cable unplugged.
4. Install the metal plate and fasten it with all 5 screws. Please remember to first insert the side of the plate that contains tabs (see Image 1).
5. Install the keyboard. Click here to learn how to install the keyboard of an Alienware 7700 mobile desktop.
6. Install the main battery.
7. Plug the AC adapter to the wall outlet.
8. Turn on the computer.
9. Install the device driver.
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You may be able to find the device driver in the 7700 downloads sticky, or contact hullioni cuz he has driver's for everything. Hope this helps.

if you connect the gray cable you will get GREAT performance and will not damage the mobo nor the card. the reason why alienware wont connect it is because the lack of time (you actually have to push the gay cable and it takes about 1-2 minutes)

if you want pics i would be happy to open up my lappy and take some, just ask

yeah, actually I'd appreciate that. I don't get that good of a signal and I'm a floor above the router.... I have to move it from our other home desktop computer just so I could connect and it was only 15 feet away if that much! Thanks so much Tiro!

Np! you are very welcome

Yeah, pics would be great cuz I'm not that entirely sure of what I'm doing and definately don't want to mess anything up. Thanks in advance.

Great news ... and great timing. I am not impressed with my reception with the 5700 and the Intel Pro 2200 ...... Tiro : If you have a pix or two of the gray wire and where it gets connected ... Big favor .... I been thinking about a new router , a new card , a new internal antenna , etc. etc.

one sec lemme find the camera

PLEASE TURN OFF THE LAPTOP and remove the battery!!!!!!!!!
heres a tutorial on how to remove the keyboard
http://4help.alienware.com/cgi-bin/a...lPTE%2A&p_li=#

be as much carefull with the monitor, mic, and camera connectors, they are very fragile!
and lastly please dont loose the screws
______________________________________

a video is more than enugh

edit: since i just uploaded the video it takes "a few minutes" to be displayed

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wzBKKz9K_H0

but since im so bored heres some showoff

Wow - BFisch and Tiro - that is really good of you to post all this info, and to go to the trouble to take some photos and post the video.

Reps to you guys when I regen!