[Big Mac]

I haven't been following this forum closely, so please forgive me if this question has already been answered. The only machines that can currently take advantage of Airport Extreme are the new PowerBooks, since the Airport Extreme card is a different type from the original Airport slot. The major question is whether or not Airport Extreme cards will be made that will be compatible with the older slots. I'd like to get a card for my iBook, but if Airport Extreme will be available I'll certainly wait. My suspicion, however, is that this won't happen. If this is the case, I hope Apple had a good reason for redesigning the cards and slots -- forced obsolescence is not a valid reason.

[oldmaccy]

Unfortunately the airport bus (PCMCIA) in old macs is too slow to take advantage of the g standard speeds, so it's unlikely that there'll be a g standard card made for it. Although I suppose that it could still use some of the other improvements (better signal reflection interference handling, indoor range etc).
Bet they don't make one though.

[Camelot]

Originally posted by oldmaccy:
Unfortunately the airport bus (PCMCIA) in old macs is too slow to take advantage of the g standard speeds, so it's unlikely that there'll be a g standard card made for it. Although I suppose that it could still use some of the other improvements (better signal reflection interference handling, indoor range etc).
Bet they don't make one though.

You're talking specifically about Apple's card, oldmac.

There's nothing to say that third party 802.11g cards won't work with a Mac as long as the vendor provides a driver.

The situation will be just like the 802.11b market - the cards won't work internally so you'll have a protruding antenna, but interoperability shouldn't be an issue.

[Socially Awkward Solo]

Originally posted by Camelot:
You're talking specifically about Apple's card, oldmac.

There's nothing to say that third party 802.11g cards won't work with a Mac as long as the vendor provides a driver.

Right, I am sure all companies would LOVE to update all the older cards rather then SELL you a new one.

[Camelot]

Originally posted by Socially Awkward Solo:
Right, I am sure all companies would LOVE to update all the older cards rather then SELL you a new one.

Huh? who's suggesting they can or will do that?

I'd expect every vendor to want to sell new 802.11g cards.

My statement was saying that other vendors (LinkSys, DLink, Asante, etc.) 802.11g cards should work in a Mac as long as they provide 802.11g drivers.

I wasn't expecting any vendor to provide 802.11g drivers for an 802.11b card - I don't think it's technically possible given that they need new chipsets.