On Tue, 04 Sep 2007 19:50:52 GMT, Clive <clive@cs.com> wrote:

>I have a Macbook Pro and use it mainly wireless - unless doing large
>file movement, then I connect via copper.
>
>Until recently I had no problems with my wLan and neither had other
>people using my wireless network. I then started to get disconnections
>on my macbook - pretty regular and also noted the signal had gone down
>to almost nothing (was about 27% where I normally use it in the bedroom
>(Wireless router is downstairs).
>
>It turned out to be an X-Pad - for those of you who don't know, it is
>for sitting your notebook on so that you can use it on your knee without
>getting burnt legs. It's properties according to the manufacturers is to
>dissapate heat.
>
>Does a great job, but also causes wireless signal loss - whatever is in
>the 'heat' pads. Strange thing it does not have the same effect on my
>wifes Toshiba??

The 17" MacBook Pro has two antennas, both in the LCD display section.
It's rather improbable that the x-pad would shield the antenna unless
your MacBook Pro has some other antenna arrangement, possibly in the
base. Open it up and look inside:
<http://repair4laptop.org/disassembly_apple.html>
<http://www.takeitapart.net/archives/macbook-pro/>

This might also be of interest:
<http://www.hardmac.com/articles/71/page1/>

As for your wife's Toshiba, the antenna location can be determined
once you disclose the model number.

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# Jeff Liebermann 150 Felker St #D Santa Cruz CA 95060
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