[aedrehaven]

So, the last time I had a Mac I was 8, but now the big 21 is rolling around and I'm finally getting an iBook. Where I go to school I use the iMac but I have no idea how internet on the Mac works.

I am going for the 14" semi-fancy iBook, that comes with an AirPort Extreme card. In my home I set up a wireless Linksys system, and here's my question (s):

Will the AirPort automatically detect (or even be able to) and hook up with my already existing network?

Will it hook up wth my WiFi systems at school?

Or, do I need to throw another 50 bucks in for the Bluetooth module?

I'm still making some choices as to what exactly to buy so any feedback is appreciated.

[Mojo]

Airport should allow you to connect to any wireless network.

I used Linksys wireless gateways (routers) until recently when I switched to an Airport Extreme Base Station. Your success connecting via a Linksys router will depend on which router/firmware combo you currently have and whether you enable WEP and/or WPA encryption.

If you opt for no security on your wireless LAN you should be okay unless you have an older Linksys and you haven't updated its firmware. With some older Linksys routers even a firmware upgrade won't do the trick because the firmware hasn't been updated by Linksys. If you do want to enable wireless security then you may have problems getting Airport Extreme and the Linksys to "play nice" with each other.

Since I require encryption on my LAN I finally gave up and spent the extra $$$ on the Apple base station. I just got tired of spending time fiddling around with the Linksys settings. Some people have no problem using Linksys routers with their Macs but usually wireless encryption is not enabled in these cases.

In your case you can just wait and see how your current Linksys works with your new iBook.

For more detailed info go to techsurvivors.net and do a search on this topic. I and others have posted detailed information on working with Linksys routers. Or you can check the networking forum here at MacNN.

BTW, since you are in school you might want to check the iBook specials that have been available at some college bookstores. Previous generation iBooks are going for as low as $599 for the 1GHZ 12" iBook. I got mine for $649 at the University of Oregon bookstore and when I checked a week ago they appeared to still have them in stock (and they will ship!)

[Big Mac]

WIFI is an industry standard that Apple helped popularize; Airport is just Apple's trade name for its implementation of the technology. You don't need to buy an Airport Base Station for WEP or even WPA encryption. It may be marginally easier to setup if you're using an ABS, but it's really not that big a difference. The only thing is, I urge Mac users not to purchase Linksys products, since the company arrogantly refuses to provide any statement of support for the Mac without any valid reason for withholding support. You can still use Linksys products with your Mac, but there are things like firmware upgrades that can only be applied with a PC. I own and highly recommend Netgear.

[Mojo]

I have to disagree with Big Mac on two points: enabling WEP on a Linksys is not as difficult as WPA, but depending on your hardware/Airport software it can be only a little more difficult than configuring a base station or a complete bear to configure WEP or WPA.

I wasted enough time working with Linksys routers that the Apple/Linksys price difference paled in comparison with the time I was spending getting the less expensive Linksys to work correctly.

You do not need a PC in order to upgrade the Linksys firmware. Mac TFTP Client (look for it at VersionTracker.com) does the job with a few clicks. Be sure to register the software if it works for you!

I do agree that since Linksys seems to take a perverse delight in NOT supporting Macs that another Mac-friendly company is a better choice.

One feature of the Apple base station I have come to appreciate is USB printer sharing. It works like a charm.