[Conker]

Hello

I am ordering an iMac G5 (1.8ghz 20 inch), but not online )as it would take 3-4 weeks and I can't wait that long), So I guess that means I can not get internal bluetooth in it, so I was thinking of buying this product:
http://d-link.com/products/?pid=34

Since I am a bluetooth newbie I was wondering how that would be compared to the internal? Like signal strength or drivers or whatever. Also is the price good (it's on sale at Office Max for $30 minus with a 10$ mail in rebate)? Also, since it is a D-Link product would it interfere with my Linksys wireless router or anything like that? I'd really only be using BT for a wireless Keyboard/Mouse...

My second question is memory... I would like my iMac to be as fast as possible. It only comes with 256 MB ram and I am looking at maybe 1 gig of ram or so. My question is, what is the best memory to buy for performance? this is what my friend told me to get: http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProduc...006&depa=0

good? bad? It seems like a great deal to me, but I don't know anything about memory so maybe theres a better quality or better deal? Please help since I am probably buying the iMac tomorrow (depending on if the Apple Store gets their shipment in or not)..



Thanks,

[P]

I have one of those, it works fine for me. D-link is what Apple uses on some of their machines, so you can use their Firmware updates on it. Bluetooth adapters are pretty much the same, except for Class I and Class II which is only abut signal strength. I never remember which is which, but both the D-link and Apple's are the weaker type - as are almost all adapters I've seen.

If you want 1 gig of RAM, I'd recommend 2 512 meg chips. That way you get double the memory bandwidth compared to one chip - a huge boost in some situations. Otherwise, your friend is correct - that chip will fit in an iMac, and it's a high performance one.

[iPoder]

1) Bluetooth and wireless network (802.11b or g) both uses ~2.4 Ghz frequency. However, 802.11g is high power and longer range, and Bluetooth is low power and shorter range. Your wireless network is more likely to be interfered by the Microwave or cordless phone than your bluetooth devices.

2) My Powerbook has internal bluetooth, so I don't know about the D-Link BT adapter range. BT is also classified as different ranges (10M, 100M). But for the keyboard or mouse use, 10M range is more than enough. If you search the forum, you should find many positive feedback on the D-Link adapter.

3) Based on the Apple website and many other messages in the forum, you might get the slightly better performance if you use two identical memory sticks instead of two sticks of memory of different size or type.

I think the performance of 1 GB or 1.25GB should not differ too much. So I think it might be better off for you to get 2 sticks of identical 512MB DDR RAM, instead of one 1 GB to add to your existing 256 MB(might be cheaper). You can always sell your 256 MB RAM on the ebay.

[iPoder]

Originally posted by P:
If you want 1 gig of RAM, I'd recommend 2 512 meg chips. That way you get double the memory bandwidth compared to one chip - a huge boost in some situations.

Your response beats mine by four minutes. Damned!!

[Conker]

Thanks guys!

It looks like I will get that BT adapter then. Since it only really has to work a few feet at the most anyway. I'll search the forum for reviews, I forgot to do that.

Also how is this RAM?
http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProduc...006&depa=0

It is a 512 + a 512 (I think), which would equal one gig, and the rating is 5 stars but I am wondering if its good for a Mac? Think I should buy it? Also if I install that RAM will my warranty be voided? Like will the Apple store still support me if i had third party RAM in it..?

Thanks,

this forum is so helpful

[simonjames]

I am no expert but I would have thought the bluetooth card that Apple uses in the iMacs can be bought separate and so if you don't need the bluetooth setup immediately and you want to keep the sleek lines of your new machine free of ugly looking dongles I'd order the card and install it once it arrives.

[iPoder]

Originally posted by simonjames:
I am no expert but I would have thought the bluetooth card that Apple uses in the iMacs can be bought separate and so if you don't need the bluetooth setup immediately and you want to keep the sleek lines of your new machine free of ugly looking dongles I'd order the card and install it once it arrives.

No, that is negative. You either BTO it during the purchase, or you have to buy external one.

[iPoder]

Originally posted by Conker:
Also how is this RAM?
http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProduc...006&depa=0

Check out the other thread, which might help you making the decision.

http://forums.macnn.com/showthread.p...hreadid=228479