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guod · Sep 1, 2007, 10:14 AM

I recently got two ibook g3 (dual usb) notebooks and had a few questions. One one of them cannot connect to a wireless network. I cant even see any wireless networks in range.Both have airport cards and only ONE of the ibooks can connect. I have swapped the airport cards between the 2 computers and the same result happens meaning it is not the cards are bad. are there any other possible problems?

also would i be better off selling one and trying to upgrade the other or should i sell both and try to get a newer mac laptop? how much is the cheapest and best one i could get with my earnings?

Cold Warrior · Sep 1, 2007, 10:58 AM

Personally, I'd sell both and shoot for a new MacBook -- either brand new or refurbished.
New MacBook's start at US$1099. Refurbished models are a bit lower: The Apple Store (U.S.)

ghporter · Sep 1, 2007, 11:42 AM

Welcome to the MacNN Forums, goud! I agree that your problem isn't the one particular AirPort card, but with a G3 iBook, finding the answer may be more trouble (literally) than the computer is worth. I concur with Cold Warrior's points, not only because a new computer would most certainly be able to connect to any wireless network you could find, but because the Core 2 Duo-based MacBooks are so very much faster than the G3-based iBooks that it's just incredible.

Also, we have a rule that requires users to title their threads a bit more descriptively than you did. Since you're new here, I'll fix it for you. We do this specifically because titles like yours really don't tell a reader anything at all-nor do "HELP!!!!!!!!" titles for that matter. Check out the new title and see how much more a reader gets out of it.

amazing · Sep 1, 2007, 12:10 PM

Open Apple System Profiler (os 9) or System Profiler (os X, utilities) and make sure the airport card shows up. If it shows up correctly, most likely the antenna is defective, like maybe broken somewhere along the line. You could reinstall the system software, 'cause that might fix it.

Check the refurbished MB prices at the online Apple store.

guod · 12:27 PM

thanks for fixing the title. also thanks for welcoming me to the forums

i think it is something with the BSd package...when i try to open the network utility on one comp and then on the other, the one where the wireless does not work it gives an error. I tried to copy all of the bsd files from the working computer, they all copied over BUT one file did not go over. the bsd configuration file. now there is no airport icon. so i think its done for good now. i can still use my wired connection but now there is no option for wireless...

also are there any good macs i can get for like 500 bucks that way i could sell these 2 and then add a little cash

UPDATE:
I just reinstalled airport 3.1.1 and the airport stuff is back but it still scans for networks and finds nothing. is there a different antenna i can use on this? or another way to get wireless?

amazing · Sep 1, 2007, 12:51 PM

you could use a usb wireless adapter like the following, $30:

Asus/Addlogix WL-167g USB 2.0 Wireless WLAN Ad... (WL-167G) at OWC

guod · Sep 1, 2007, 02:27 PM

well i would rather have a way to fix the internal wireless...

guod · Sep 2, 2007, 09:30 AM

bump. I think there is a problem with my BSD package. I cant open the network utility as it says i need to re install a bsd package. Is there a way i can go about doing this? I dont have my original 10.2.8 cd at the moment but have a 10.3 DVD...is there a way i can get my ibook to see an external drive?

ghporter · Sep 2, 2007, 11:53 AM

Yep, an external drive, either USB or firewire, should mount automatically. I think you can install the OS from an external firewire drive too.

Since you've figured it's not a hardware problem and started a new thread on the issue, I'll close this one.