Laptop wireless card problems

I just bought a new Acer Aspire 5739G a couple of weeks ago. Ever since I bought it I have had problems with wireless connections. The connection will be normal speed for a few seconds, then almost seem to shut off for a few seconds. No data is transmitted in those few seconds. It will do this repeatedly, few seconds on, few seconds off, on, off, etc. I have updated the drivers, and I compare the connection to my desktop wireless connection that's literally 3 feet away from the laptop. I'm wondering if there is a fix, or it is probably the hardware. I bought it off of Newegg so I can return it, but time is running out. Any help would be great!