Jeff Liebermann wrote:
> 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.
>
>
Thanks for the useful information. My Macbook pro is a C2D, 15" 2.16ghz,
the wifes Toshiba is a A100-338. I'll grant you it's a strange problem
and I like you suspect the antenna will be in the same place as your 17".

I've now been using my MBP for 3 days without the X-Pad and not a
dropped connection. I'll try using it again and see if the signal loss
comes back - very strange, but thanks again; interesting links, but not
brave enough to start taking my MB apart :-)

--
Clive

Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take.....
but by the moments that take our breath away.