Dell Integrating Pre-N Wireless Next Quarter

If you use Wi-Fi on your notebook, you probably use the 802.11g version, or maybe 802.11b if the computer is older. 802.11n is the next version of Wi-Fi, theoretically 10 times faster than 802.11g (and 50 times faster than 802.11b), but realistically it will probably be about twice as fast as the G version.

802.11n hasn't arrived yet, and it isn't expected to until 2007, but that hasn't stopped vendors from releasing "Pre-N" products (namely routers and add-in PC cards), some of which were first sold in 2005. Now, Dell is reportedly getting ready to become the first computer manufacturer to integrate Pre-N wireless in its computers.

This is an interesting move, as it will allow for much greater wireless speeds without the need for a bulky add-in card sticking out of the side of your laptop. But it's also risky: The N standard hasn't been set yet, and it could change substantially before release, leaving Pre-N notebook owners with a hunk of incompatible circuitry.

Now in all likelihood, the wireless card will be replaceable with a non-pre 802.11n card, but that's still excess expense that could be avoided. I'm not quite sure how I feel about this move. Is a year too long to wait for a wireless upgrade that's been ratified by the IEEE? Would you buy what basically amounts to a beta wireless card to get faster speed today or wait for the real deal?