[PyroKL]

Hello all, first post here, just picked the first site I found off of google. I'm am in a bit of rush, so sorry for not taking the time to run a topic search which would probably answer my question. Would greatly appreciate any help.

Anyways, I'm aware that PB's wireless reception isn't stellar, thanks to it's metallic chassis, I'm planning on snagging a 15" PB for college soon and was wondering if apple has gotten around to improving this some what. I don't really trust the extra bars provded by Tiger, anything actually confirmed?

Assuming, reception is still not up to par, is there a way to use a a seperate wireless card? I didn't see any additional slots on the PB from the quick pics I saw, so I'm not sure if you can. I would assume the external antenna would greatly increase reception right? And forgive me, but I'm only familiar w/ PC hardware, are there any wireless card in particular that would guarantee no compatibilty problems or maybe the smallest and least cumbersome antenna? Thanks for any help.

[olePigeon]

The 15" PowerBook has a PCMCIA slot. You can pick up a Linksys, D-Link, or (preferably) a Cisco Aironet card, plus an external antenna if you really want to. You should be all set.

[mrmister]

"I don't really trust the extra bars provded by Tiger, anything actually confirmed?"

My measured throughput is higher under Tiger--but it's hard to quantify that for every circumstance without a lot of time.

If I were you, I'd research what can be done now, but try using it in its stock config first--I never have wireless issues with my AlBook, and I'm expecting things to be even better with Tiger.

[TailsToo]

Originally Posted by mrmister

"I don't really trust the extra bars provded by Tiger, anything actually confirmed?"

My measured throughput is higher under Tiger--but it's hard to quantify that for every circumstance without a lot of time.

If I were you, I'd research what can be done now, but try using it in its stock config first--I never have wireless issues with my AlBook, and I'm expecting things to be even better with Tiger.

I'll check it out tomorrow - I had problems with my Work's wireless network since I got my AL PB. (the old TI worked fine!) Hopefully I'll be able to use my PB at work again.

[Paco500]

Perhaps it's just wishful thinking, but my reception seems better since Tiger (alu 15" 1.67). I suppose it's not unheard of so software to improve reception- happens all the time w/ firmware patches in cell phones.

I'd say my PB is now on par w/ my wife's Dell, which used to be much better.

[olePigeon]

You can try applications like AirStumbler. They have a lot more information on your wireless connection such as connection/communication/noise ratios. They can also look around and "stumble" upon wireless networks. I went wardriving with my bro yesterday and we found about 30 open WAPs with fast connections. It's a handy tool.