Having seen some great prices on newegg.com, I’m trying to decide between the TR2A ($1909.00) or the TR3AP1 ($2149.00). As far as I can see - it’s down to the 802.11b vs 802.11g issue.

Could anyone advise on whether it’s worth going for the newer model or whether the TR2A is a bargain?

Thanks

Do you need 802.11g? All if does is offer greater bandwidth. However, depending on your network usage and needs, you may not need it. First of all, most “hotspots” are only 802.11b and will be for the forseeable future.

Also, DSL and cable modem services only offer 1.5Mbps~3Mbps of throughput (downstream). 802.11b provides 11Mbps (although closer to 5.5Mbps actual) throughput which is more than enough for Internet related activities. 802.11g will provide 54Mbps (closer to 20Mbps actual) throughput. However, since you’re limited by the speed of the Internet and your provider you won’t see any tangible benefits.

If you run a home network where you regularly transfer large amounts of files then 802.11g will provide better performance. So, what would normally take two hours to transfer would take roughly 30 minutes or less. We’re talking about gigabytes of data transfer….and of course, if you wanted to transfer that much data I would use a firewire cable (400Mbps) directly.

So, if your needs will be standard usage then 802.11b is more than fine for you and you will save a decent amount of money. Also, if you need to upgrade the wireless later it is possible although not officially by Sony. You can buy the same 802.11g chipset used in the TR3s for around $60…

Great points, gr00ve.  The only major benefit to 802.11g for many people is if you are connecting wirelessly to a corporate LAN with bandwidth larger than DSL can provide.  This is the case with me at the office.  However, as you stated I chose 802.11b for my home network because there simply is no reason for “g” speed there.  Data transfer can be done much faster than “g” speeds using a firewire cable anyway.

I chose the TR3A because at the time my price differential was only $50.  I know a web vendor that will sell the TR3A for $1999 plus shipping.  The TR2A at the time I purchased was about $1949. 

Suspectedcurve, if you decide to buy the TR3A, try this link as it explains where I got it and who to speak with…I recommend them highly.

Thanks for the info and suggestions.

I’m thinking that I’ll stick with the TRA2 - as I really only need to download reports/e-mails etc on the move.

I checked out the web-site you suggest but I’d get stuck with nyc sales tax (I’m in nyc) - not so with newegg. I can see people have used them here without any problems. They had the TRA2 for even less ($1880.00) last weekend and dropped the TRA3P1 by $10 this week too.

can someone tell me the difference between the tr2mp and the tr3ap1?
from what i can see they have the exact same spec?

i’m very puzzled over this

the tr2mp has got 802.11b/g standard which alot of people say the tr2s don’t have

:?  :?  :?  :?  :?  :?

i have the TR2mp too

the difference and why ur so puzzled is that there are european specs and american specs

the TR2MP is almost on the same level like the TR3 (US)

otherwise just compare the specs of sony.usa with european specifications

just wondering should i wait till the tr3 to come here or just get the tr2mp now?

but if you says there’s no difference in them, there’s no point waiting

there wont be big changes ... so if you can get it for a resonable price, do it…. i got mine for ~ 2300 €

2250’s what i’ve been quoted, 2700 in any of the sony stores

where are you from?

dublin, ireland

The TR5MP is just coming out in UK which adds a 1.1GHz & DVD-RW instead of 1.0GHz & DVD/CDRW of the TR2MP, otherwise the same with 512MB RAM, b/g WiFi, 40GB HDD & bluetooth.

same price? you got any furthur info on it? pity it don’t got a bigger harddrive

same price? you got any furthur info on it? pity it don’t got a bigger harddrive

They have not made the 1.8” HD any bigger yet…but we’re all waiting.

I’m not…for my TR, 40 is more then i’ll use…

Erik

well 40 is more than enough for me ... for main storage i have an external hard disk