Going wireless Mac advice pls..

Lol

Am going wireless for the first time and need a bit of advice.
I am planning on installing a wireless card into my G4 Power mac 10.3.9 (OS X). I notice it takes the original AirPort card (not extreme). Is that card my only option or is there an alternative, like, say the Netgear WG511? Once I've installed it I will then attempt to connect the wireless router tiscali have sent. A Siemens SE587-(I'm guessing that will be my next hurdle as in googling it I notice it has to be done step by step with a tiscali customer service person..). I'm intending on using the new wireless connection with my Acer travelmate 5720 so hope the Siemens SE587 will work for my mac and laptop..

mymatebob

When I wanted to install a card I found that you "could" use others but it involved a bit of cutting, soldering and stuff I didn't fancy doing.

Got an original card off ebay and have never had any problems with it

Lol

Oh really? No, don't fancy having to do any of that. I'll try find an original then. Cheers

isofa

What type of PowerMac G4 - I assume you mean the tower models - there are various flavours?

There are various options depending if it is a MacBook/PowerBook or a PowerMac G4 tower.

Charlies50

Here is the link to a wireless adaptor that I have used successfully on a G3 iMac.
http://www.bluenext.co.uk/wifi-adapter/bn-wd54g-wireless-usb-adapter.html
It takes a little fiddly configuring but works perfectly on 10.3.
I bought this about 18 months ago on ebuyer but dont think they stock them anymore.

Lol

mines a Tower yes. (the mirrored slots front) I'm also considering putting one in my dad's old G4 imac (LCD panel dome) for him. I believe both these macs take the same card?

isofa

Lol wrote: »

mines a Tower yes. (the mirrored slots front) I'm also considering putting one in my dad's old G4 imac (LCD panel dome) for him. I believe both these macs take the same card?

So it's a G4 MDD (Mirrored Drive Door). It's either a single or dual processor model. All G4 models are listed here http://www.everymac.com/systems/apple/powermac_g4/index-powermac-g4.html

There are plenty of 3rd party cards available, just a quick link to an eBay store selling various types: http://stores.ebay.co.uk/Mac-Parts-Store_Wireless-Networking_W0QQcolZ4QQdirZ1QQfsubZ11227990QQftidZ2QQtZkm

Some cards will work in some G4s but not in others, if it doubt check the model.

There is certainly no need to be soldering and messing about like that. :rolleyes:

Lol

..sorry if it sounds daft but 'MDD' or 'FW 800 MDD'. I can't tell which mine is? ..even on looking at the link you gave. I've looked at my set up guide and on the back of the computer..(I know what they stand for, just can't see where it'd tell me!) If it is MDD it can't take the 'extreme'.
(oh..and it is a dual processor btw)

wheely

Just inhereited an iMac G4/800 thats a couple of years old and have been told my existing USB router isnt ideal for Mac use. Thinking about going wireless too but notice my Mac doesnt have the Airport card fitted as it was optional.
Can I just buy an 802.11b Aiport Card off eBay, pop it in and use any wireless router? Or do I need and Airport Base station?

patflanel

Just get the original Airport card, fit it and use your wireless router. Simple really.

wheely

Thanks very much. Looks simple. As i dont move the PC from the office much I may just get a router with, as you say, and ethernet connection and hook it up from there. This would even do away with the need for an Airport card I guess?
Thanks again, Neil