[Nadster]

Are these internal components one and the same for both platforms?

I have one installed in my G4 MDD system and I'd like to know if I can move it into a stock G5 system.

I want to avoid placing a CTO G5 order if at all possible.

An external USB Bluetooth dongle is also not an option.

Thanks in advance!

[Arkham_c]

Originally posted by Nadster:
Are these internal components one and the same for both platforms?

I have one installed in my G4 MDD system and I'd like to know if I can move it into a stock G5 system.

Nope. The module is soldered onto the motherboard on the G5. Not sure about the G4 but I'd guess it's the same there. You have to get it CTO or go with the USB module.

[geekwagon]

Originally posted by Arkham_c:
Nope. The module is soldered onto the motherboard on the G5. Not sure about the G4 but I'd guess it's the same there. You have to get it CTO or go with the USB module.

I don't know about the G5 but it isn't soldered on in the G4. On the G4 it uses a small connector that is fairly commonly used in laptops (for hooking up modems and the like.) There was no reason they couldn't have been user installable in the MDDs.

That said, I remember looking at the bare motherboard of the G5 in a magazine and thinking "boy, that bluetooth module sure looks buried" so it's probably not as easy in that one.

[Link]

I believe it's the same on the g5 as it is on the g4..

The bluetooth module was on an internal USB bus.

It'd be stupid NOT to use a connector because itd' cost a lot more to custom solder each machine that has BT.

[tikki]

I agree with Link. I am trying to get a definitive answer on the situation, because some say its soldered while others says its a connector. If it is, in fact, soldered on, I am really going to wonder what Apple smoked the day they made that decision.

[Nadster]

I'm almost certain the Bluetooth module on my G4 is not soldered in place. If I recall correctly, there are a couple of screws used to secure the small PCB to a mainboard connector.

The G4 module reports it is connected via USB Bus 0:

Bluetooth HCI
Product ID 33284 ($8204)
Vendor ID 1452
Device Speed Full
Power (mA) 500

If you look at this link you'll see two internal antennae wires. The larger one on the right appears to be for the Airport Extreme card that plugs into the empty socket on the left. I'm guessing the smaller second wire is for the Bluetooth module.

Unfortunately, after I posted my initial query, it dawned on me that even if these modules are the same, I would still lack the external cylindrical antennae.

Oh well.

[devmage]

Originally posted by Nadster:
I'm almost certain the Bluetooth module on my G4 is not soldered in place. If I recall correctly, there are a couple of screws used to secure the small PCB to a mainboard connector.

The G4 module reports it is connected via USB Bus 0:

Bluetooth HCI
Product ID 33284 ($8204)
Vendor ID 1452
Device Speed Full
Power (mA) 500

If you look at this link you'll see two internal antennae wires. The larger one on the right appears to be for the Airport Extreme card that plugs into the empty socket on the left. I'm guessing the smaller second wire is for the Bluetooth module.

Unfortunately, after I posted my initial query, it dawned on me that even if these modules are the same, I would still lack the external cylindrical antennae.

Oh well.

I read some where actually you get the Antennaes even if you didn't get the BlueTooth or Airport extreme. I think I've remember seeing them in someones box they had a picture of in a forum So if the G4 module was the same you probably don't have to worry about an antennae.

Devmage

[billybob128]

I read some where actually you get the Antennaes even if you didn't get the BlueTooth or Airport extreme. I think I've remember seeing them in someones box they had a picture of in a forum So if the G4 module was the same you probably don't have to worry about an antennae.

noyou dont get them enless they make a mistake i didnt order bluetooth and i didnt get the antena however i did get a writable dvd when i have a combo...

If it is, in fact, soldered on, I am really going to wonder what Apple smoked the day they made that decision.

fear not they were not stoned its on a little cable much like the airport extreem card its not soldered onto the board it acctually goes right next to the AE card

[Cadaver]

My G5 did not come with either BT or AE, but I did get the AE T-shaped antenna. I did not, however, get the BT antenna.