Wifi Dilema

Ok, I have a home wireless network that is transmitted at "g." I have a new 17" PB with Airport Express installed. We also recently got a used 15" PB at 500 Mhz. The 15" does not currently have airport installed. Here's my dilema:

Should I get the original airport card that only transmits at "b," and if I do get that, can I install it myself, and do I need a special adapter or something?

or

Should I just get an external "g" card that plugs into the PC slot? If I go with that, are they all compatible with mac? What would be a good, cheap, and mac compatible "g" card?

Thanks!

rs2sensen said:

Ok, I have a home wireless network that is transmitted at "g." I have a new 17" PB with Airport Express installed. We also recently got a used 15" PB at 500 Mhz. The 15" does not currently have airport installed. Here's my dilema:

Should I get the original airport card that only transmits at "b," and if I do get that, can I install it myself, and do I need a special adapter or something?

or

Should I just get an external "g" card that plugs into the PC slot? If I go with that, are they all compatible with mac? What would be a good, cheap, and mac compatible "g" card?

Thanks!

Click to expand...

I suppose it would depend on what type of info you are transferring on the network and how frequently you do so. I personally don't use my home network for much more than iTunes library sharing, and sending word docs. So if I were in your position, the original AirPort and 'b' would be plenty fast, so I would go that route (especially since it is internal and out-of-sight). However, if you frequently share large files, the external 'g' may work better for you. Regarding the installation of the card, I only know for G3 ibooks, but I imagine the PB can't be much different. IF that is the case no 'specialty' tools are required other than maybe a size 0 phillips screwdriver. Other than that the card just slides in like with the new Extream versions (only about twice the size).

-Chris

Will this card work? It's the Belkin card advertised on the apple website, but walmart had the cheapest price. It says it needs a 32-Bit Card Bus slot. Does the 500Mhz have that?

http://www.walmart.com/catalog/prod...89&sourceid=0100000030660804302498#long_descr

rs2sensen said:

Will this card work? It's the Belkin card advertised on the apple website, but walmart had the cheapest price. It says it needs a 32-Bit Card Bus slot. Does the 500Mhz have that?

http://www.walmart.com/catalog/prod...89&sourceid=0100000030660804302498#long_descr

Click to expand...

In theory that card should work just fine (I'll eat my hat if the PB doesn't have a PCMCIA slot) but for some strange reason many Belkin products are not supported on the Mac.

-Chris

but I wasn't sure abt. the 32-Bit part. I know it's Type I and II on the 500Mhz PB. I'd think it would work ok, it is the one on Apple's website.

Thanks!

I have the Belkin pci card, which work well with mt TI PowerBook.