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PreciousBbird · 11:34 PM

First - I didn't know if this should go in this category or networking. (??)

I am getting a cable modem and don't want the cable running through my living room 20 feet into my office. I was told to go wireless. My question is - what do I need? I assume a wireless router and then what else? My machine is a G4 867 desktop. In addition, how much might I expect to spend for the 'wireless solution'? Thanks.

Socially Awkward Solo · Jan 22, 2003, 04:47 PM

You need a wireless base station either from Apple or 3rd party. That will cost you between $100 and $300.

Then you need an airport card for your tower from Apple, that is $99.

The problem is that it will be rather slow for anything other internet access.

I would have to say it is better to run a cable which would cost you $10 and be fast.

slider · Jan 22, 2003, 05:06 PM

Actually the airport card for your machine is now $79 plus you can get the base ABS for $199, so you're looking at under $300 to go wireless. This has been fantastic and I can recommend this enough. What is your situation? Do you have more than one computer? If so, do you transfer large files between them often? If you do then the above poster is correct, a hard wire is the best way to go, but if this is not the case, go wireless. If all you really transfer is word and spreadsheet files, you're all set with the airport. You will not lose any of your broadband speed over the airport, there for you won't lose anything in speed from the service you're paying for. There are some cheaper solutions out there, but lose some of the Apple simpilcity in set up.

scottiB · Jan 22, 2003, 05:14 PM

I agree with slider: go AirPort. More expensive, but much more convenient.

aaanorton · Jan 22, 2003, 05:33 PM

I disagree. Get a wireless router from a 3rd party: Netgear and Asante are both great. They are stupidly simple to set up and offer more options than Airport.

villalobos · Jan 22, 2003, 05:50 PM

Originally posted by aaanorton:
I disagree. Get a wireless router from a 3rd party: Netgear and Asante are both great. They are stupidly simple to set up and offer more options than Airport.

Agreed. No need to pay the price of an ABS. D-Link has some good stuff too. As said above, the wireless is fast enough for internet connection (even the 'old' 802.11b).
You will love not tot have that cable wire going through your house.

Villa

PreciousBbird · Jan 23, 2003, 09:45 AM

Originally posted by slider:
What is your situation? Do you have more than one computer?

First, thank you for your input. This forum is great!

My situation is that I have only one computer and the reason I am getting cable is that I can't download that large 10.2.3 update on my pathetic 56K modem. So I will never be transferring files between computers, just keeping my virus definitions up to date and downloading upgrades to OS X.

TO summarize - I need the Apple Airport card, then a third party wireless router and I have then joined the 21st century?

Scotttheking · Jan 23, 2003, 10:04 AM

This is definitely a networking question.

Moving this thread there.

Welcome to the forums.

aaanorton · Jan 23, 2003, 03:51 PM

Originally posted by PreciousBbird:
TO summarize - I need the Apple Airport card, then a third party wireless router and I have then joined the 21st century?

Yup. The only advantage I can see for getting an ABS is if you spring for the deluxe $250 extreme model. This would give you a USB port for a printer, which would allow wireless printing. This is not the only way of doing this, but it's a good one.

PreciousBbird · Jan 25, 2003, 04:00 PM

Originally posted by aaanorton:
Yup. The only advantage I can see for getting an ABS is if you spring for the deluxe $250 extreme model. This would give you a USB port for a printer, which would allow wireless printing. This is not the only way of doing this, but it's a good one.

Thanks! I am halfway there. I just got a NetGear Wireless Router 2.4 GHz 11 Mbps 802.11b for $79. They were OUT of the Airport cards! grrr But I was drooling over the ABS. I love the way my Mac stuff looks and I kinda hate to throw a non-Apple product into my setup, but logic and cheapness won out over emotion - especially after I realized that they will be in separate rooms...

On the other hand....*still starry-eyed and wanting the ABS*...

Wouldn't I need a wireless printer to be able to print wirelessly? I have an Epson C80 and it's got wires...

Pilotkev · Jan 25, 2003, 04:53 PM

Originally posted by PreciousBbird:
First, thank you for your input. This forum is great!

My situation is that I have only one computer and the reason I am getting cable is that I can't download that large 10.2.3 update on my pathetic 56K modem. So I will never be transferring files between computers, just keeping my virus definitions up to date and downloading upgrades to OS X.

TO summarize - I need the Apple Airport card, then a third party wireless router and I have then joined the 21st century?

True. BUT, I'd still consider a hardwired solution. For the cost of an airport card ($99), you could have your cable guy come out and put a cable jack in your office. Then, buy the router, an ethernet cable, and your set. In my opinion, it makes no sense to use wireless technology for something that is not portable.

Kevin
An Imac, a B&W G3, a Titanium Powerbook (wireless), and an HP Pavilion all happily sharing my router/internet connection

PreciousBbird · Jan 26, 2003, 12:45 PM

Originally posted by Pilotkev:
True. BUT, I'd still consider a hardwired solution. For the cost of an airport card ($99), you could have your cable guy come out and put a cable jack in your office.

Thank you - I know that sounds like the easiest solution, but because of where I live (condo), something as simple as putting in a cable jack becomes not only expensive, but also messy and most likely, nixed by the condo association. I am doing this to avoid the cable wire that will end up snaking across my ceiling. And I did find that Airport cards are now only around $79. Believe me, this will be less expensive ultimately....