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You are here: MacNN Forums > Hardware - Troubleshooting and Discussion > Consumer Hardware & Components > What is best WAP (wireless access point) for a Mac?

What is best WAP (wireless access point) for a Mac?
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Mac Enthusiast
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May 5, 2003, 07:31 PM
 
I've got a wired Ethernet system and want to add wireless capability. Not looking to replace the wired system which goes thru a wired router. I am Airport Extreme ready on my PB12". But, what are the other GOOD options aside from AEBS? What is the best WAP to buy?
     
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May 5, 2003, 08:02 PM
 
I love my LinkSys Wireless-G.

It doubles as a Hub (4 ports) and the setup is fantastic. I had no problem getting this working with my 12". I was up in minutes.

[edit] Oh yeah, runs about $120 shipped
-.-
12" SuperDrive
     
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May 5, 2003, 08:22 PM
 
Dlink Wireless stuff also works well. The one I got (802.11b) works great and was under $100...
     
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May 5, 2003, 08:42 PM
 
I bought a Netgear 802.11G access point and am pretty happy with it. It supposedly supports appletalk (which my old 802.11b AP did not..) I paid $99 at Fry's a few weeks ago.
     
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May 5, 2003, 09:55 PM
 
Stay away form the belkin crap. I have had nothing but problems with the 5 that I have purchased.
15" Macbook Pro 1.83 2 GB RAM
Blackbook 13.3 Powerhouse 2 GB RAM
MacMini Dual Core 2 GB RAM (Sadly running Windows Most of the time)
Numerouse Workstations running windows and Linux. Sorry don't have the specs, I don't pay much attention to them anymore. :)
     
Kenstee  (op)
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May 6, 2003, 08:20 AM
 
Which exact model numbers/names of Dlink/Linksys are you folks talking about? Thanks!!

Also, do you get faster internet access (browsing, uploads, downloads, etc.) with "g" rather than "b."?
(Last edited by Kenstee; May 6, 2003 at 08:33 AM. )
     
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May 6, 2003, 08:35 AM
 
If you don't need g, I really liked the orginal ABS (Silver model). It's range was better than the ABS2 and only had to plug into the network with one port . Now if only you could find a used one.
     
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May 6, 2003, 09:05 AM
 
Originally posted by geekwagon:
I bought a Netgear 802.11G access point and am pretty happy with it. It supposedly supports appletalk (which my old 802.11b AP did not..) I paid $99 at Fry's a few weeks ago.
I also have the Negear Wireless G 802.11g/802.11b Router w/4-Port Switch and I'm happy with it too. Its stable and the range is excellent.
     
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May 6, 2003, 10:53 AM
 
Originally posted by Kenstee:
Also, do you get faster internet access (browsing, uploads, downloads, etc.) with "g" rather than "b."?
No.
     
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May 6, 2003, 12:22 PM
 
Originally posted by x user:
If you don't need g, I really liked the orginal ABS (Silver model). It's range was better than the ABS2 and only had to plug into the network with one port . Now if only you could find a used one.
I'll sell you mine if you want...
I do not like those green links and spam.
I do not like them, Sam I am.
     
TAZ
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May 7, 2003, 09:45 AM
 
My vote of the the ABS, especially if youre doing an all Mac network. They are easy to configure and work well. I just upgraded to the extreme station and love it. The wireless printing is a wonderfull attachment. The price is higher, but even at $250 for the decked out model it is worth it. The $199 model isnt that much more that the $129 Lynksis, $149 Netgear... Plus you KNOW it will work with your Mac and if it doesnt you can get support.
     
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May 7, 2003, 12:02 PM
 
I agree with TAZ: AE BaseStation.
I am stupidest when I try to be funny.
     
Kenstee  (op)
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May 7, 2003, 12:15 PM
 
Originally posted by TAZ:
My vote of the the ABS, especially if youre doing an all Mac network. They are easy to configure and work well.
I was considering the AEBS but a look on this forum and the Apple Support Page makes it appear that a lot of people are having problems with them. My need is more for a WAP than a router/WAP. I already have a wired network. All I want to do is add wireless.
     
TAZ
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May 8, 2003, 03:49 PM
 
I think these forums should be taken with a grain of salt as people with functioning units arent coming to complain. Of all the problems listed on this board with the Powerbooks, iPods, Base Stations I have yet to encounter any. Maybe I have been simply lucky so I'll knock on wood just in case. If you have the funds available and dont mind spending the money get a AEBS and try it. Most companies have a 30 day return policy so you can always exchange it if it does not work as advertised. I bought my AEBS this friday and within 10 minutes of having it home I was up and running (I even read the instructions). Remember that the forums discuss problems and such, not positive experiences. If these forums were indicative of Apple products Apple would be out of business. The single problem I have enountered with my graphite base was trying to get my PocketPC connected. That turned out to be a password issue.
     
   
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