2013 Archives

[jf2011]

Same problem here with the Broadcom Wifi Adapter. Bought my R7 less than 2 weeks ago, and after a few days of use, I realised that my wireless transfer rate was awful. Updating the wifi drivers did nothing (was already the most recent). Reinstalling Windows 8 from scratch neither. Even tried a mini USB Wifi Adapter, same, poor, awful result (transfering a 15 Mb file on my LAN took sometimes 30 sec., sometimes 2 minutes, when it took 5 sec. for 2 other laptops that I tried). I'd also tried with Windows 7 and the mini USB Wifi Adapter, no luck. I made some tests yesterday to realise that when I was just in reach of my Wifi Router (1 or 2 feets max), transfer was going pretty good. I realize then, that this was probably an Wifi Antenna problem. After googling with the right term, I found this thread. After reading all of your posts this evening, I realized that I was probably right on that point. I think I'll try for a refund before the 2 weeks of purchase date period since there is not much hope to see a good end at this story. It's really bad because the innovative design of the R7 was what made me go for this one.

[Smurk]

You may found it useful to know, that the Acer Converter Port support USB 2.0 regarding speed (and not USB 3.0) if you connect the cable NC.23811.016. (According to acer online support).

Also after looking widely for wifi diagnostic tools this seems to be the best: http://www.metageek.net/support/downloads/

Another link that might be useful to some is: http://www.linksysinfo.org/index.php?threads/broadcom-wireless-lan-adapter-user-guide.15819/  that explains settings in the Device Manager -> Network Adapters -> Broadcom 802.11n Network Adapter -> Properties -> Advanced tab. So you should be able to set optimal settings.

There´s also a tool called "tcpoptimizer" but don´t recommend it.

Solution: Bought a lightweight external 300 Mbps WiFi adapter (http://www.sveon.com/fichaSNT1020.html) and this baby is receiving even better than another laptop (ultrathin acer aspire) that couldn´t receive with the door close.

You may consider getting something like it with 2 antennas because let´s say that the broadcom device in R7 had worked anyways there are still lots of places with weak signal fx. 30%. With 2 antennas 30% becomes to 75-80%. The software combines the input and on this R7 it works. Here´s a picture:

So if you get this you don´t have to care about that the internal broadcom wifi/bluetooth is bad because in your mind, you´ve got something better.

The 300Mbps wifi only requires USB 2.0, and if you´re using USB 2.0 on right side for the mouse, get a hub or get an acer converter cable to connect it on left side instead.

One question though: Is Acer Convert Port the same as a Mini Display Port? Because acer support said "The Acer Converter Cable supports USB 2.0. You may connect it to the Mini Display Port on the left side of the unit. ..." Does that mean that they are the same??? Because the converter cable NC.23811.016 is even more expensive than the external wifi adapter, and maybe there´s an ordinary cheap one in store.

This R7 is working 110% now with windows 7 (Except screen auto-rotate and bluetooth). The display is crystalclear even seen from an angle. With SSD harddrive and GT 750M it is quiet even hot when doing 3D video graphics. This display is 15.6" but in compare to other laptops it is more like 22" because you naturally move the flipable screen closer to your eyes. And you can do something new: Stand up and get a nice reachable position with it like it was a cash register!

The only thing that sucks is acer support because they don´t support windows 7. What is wrong with windows 7? Nothing, But there´s lots of troubles with windows 8. Of course trouble puzzles the mind and occupy all the clever tech advisers. But why force people to use something new, when the present is quite adequate??? Up yours!

[Smurk]

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[margeplas]

After talking to a tech and corporate customer service, customer service keeps calling me so that I send the unit back to them.  No thanks.  I asked if they read the forums.  Oh, yes, they are monitored.  I'm going to try the facebook page now.  Acer is not going to fix a problem that they believe does not exist.

I guess more people need to complain. 

[krikke]

I have another solution which is not ideal but will do the trick until Acer has come up with a software solution.  I installed a Belkin N600 (Dual Band) Wi-Fi Range extender and have this placed close (within 10 ft) of my Aspire R7.  Installation is extremely simple, it picks up your existing Wifi signal (down to 1 bar) and rebroadcasts it with a “_XT” or” _5XT” extension and the same password.   The Range extender only requires a 120V outlet.  So if you want to work on your R7 in a different room, you can take the take the Range extender with you and plug it in.  It only takes a few seconds to start up.   Again, not ideal, but it works and now I have the added benefit that all my dead spot in and outside the house are covered.  So, I will hang on to my Aspire R7 for another 45 days and if there is not solution from Acer, I will return it to Best Buy.  Keep us posted on any new developments!

[Acer-Cory]

I just want to let everyone in this thread know that we are watching this thread and appreciate all of the information being shared here. We are continuing to share this information with our engineers and they are actively working on identifying and resolving any issues they come across with the R7 and poor wifi.

We see where people are posting solutions that worked for them, and others who have not had as much success. Either way, if you could post what wireless adapter is in your unit (atheros, broadcomm, etc...) and what version of the drivers you are using it will provide more useful data that we can pass on.

[lynchps]

Thanks for letting us know that Acer is listening and has an interest in resolving this issue. If you look back through most of the posts, units with Broadcomm adapters are the ones that some of the proposed user fixes have.been tried but did not work.

[Acer-Cory]

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lynchps wrote:
Thanks for letting us know that Acer is listening and has an interest in resolving this issue. If you look back through most of the posts, units with Broadcomm adapters are the ones that some of the proposed user fixes have.been tried but did not work.

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Absolutely. We've been watching and communicating the issues brought up her for some time. I just want to make sure we're getting actionable information from anyone else that may come in and contribute to the thread.

[kriis]

same here,poor, droping connection

broadcom wifi

driver date 2013-03-29

driver version 6.30.59.144

[qxlb3r]

I'm very glad about that official statement!

I also have a Broadcom Adapter and driver version 6.30.59.144.

I think for the Broadcom Adapter for the R7 is no newer or older driver version available.