[mfox]

I just bought an iMac G3/400, which I want to connect wirelessly to my Sympatico high-speed connection. My G4 cube is connected to the high-speed modem and it has an AirPort card that I have used as a software basestation with an AirPort-equipped G3-PowerBook. I bought a low-priced Linksys wireless USB adapter from a place that will take it back if it doesn't work; the card doesn't come with a Mac driver but I thought the Mac would "see it" when it was connected to the USB port. The device was powered up through the iMac's port, but I don't believe it was able to run in either OS9 or X because there was no indicator of any other available network connection other than modem and ethernet. Is there a way to make the Linksys work with a USB-equipped iMac? The electronics superstore also carries a Microsoft wireless USB adapter. Anyone out there know if either of these would work with a software basestation, or do I need to bite the bullet and buy a more expensive Airport card and frame (iMacs need a special frame to make it fit).

[msuper69]

It won't work without a driver. Take it back.

If you can live w/o Appletalk, get a LinkSys WET-11 wireless bridge. Plugs into the iMac's Ethernet port and will let you access the net. No drivers needed. You can configure it with either a Windows PC or via a web-based interface on your Mac.

[John Strung]

... or if you do need AppleTalk, get a Proxim Skyline USB Wireless adapter, which has OS9 drivers (but not OS X, so far).

[ghporter]

Here's the rub for the whole USB adapter issue:

Proxim Skyline USB wireless adapter $140
Linksys WUSB-11 USB wireless adapter $60

Do Mac drivers cost $80 per license? Or is it that Proxim wants to charge that much more because they have said drivers? The hardware isn't much different-where is the extra cost to base the higher price on?

Venting complete-

[John Strung]

The LinkSys WET11 is definitely the choice if you don't require AppleTalk. Search this forum for "WET11".

[jcarr]

Why not just put an AirPort card in your slot-load iMac 400?

I think the only slot-load iMac that will *not* take and AirPort card is the blueberry iMac 350 (the one w/o FireWire ports) that they sold for a short period.

My memory may be wrong, but I think all other slot-laod iMacs are AirPort ready.

Just my $0.02.

[[APi]TheMan]

Originally posted by John Strung:
... or if you do need AppleTalk, get a Proxim Skyline USB Wireless adapter, which has OS9 drivers (but not OS X, so far).

I can't seem to find this adapter, but I can find all sorts of other Orinco cards... Do you have a URL?