[Strix]

I currently have an iMac 350Mhz and two iBooks (one G3 500 Mhz, and a G4 1Ghz). The iMac is set up as a software basestation so that the iBooks can share the broadband connection.

My question is, would the fact that the iMac is an "old" desktop and that it is set up as a software basestation, slow down the internet connection for the iBooks, as opposed to having a dedicated wireless basestation such as an airport express?

[Macpilot]

While there are fewer configuration options when using the Internet sharing option in OS X, I don't think that would affect the speeds of your connections.

With a full-fledged hardware base station like the Airport Extreme or Express, you can make a multitude of changes to settings to limit interference which can cause slowdowns and total dropouts of signal.

I had a problem where I could not get a good speed/signal at all in my house, and I made changes to the "channel" that the Airport Express uses, and that cleared up my troubles. But I had some major interference issues (cordless phones) happening in my house that I don't think is typical.

I would just go ahead and get some kind of base station. I would recommend the Apple ones since they have an easy interface for configuration. You can adjust all sorts of stuff like signal strength, various types of encryption, closed networks, etc. Plus, you can hook up a printer to either one (Extreme or Express) and your stereo to the Express.

Good luck!

[Macpilot]

Originally posted by Strix:
I currently have an iMac 350Mhz and two iBooks (one G3 500 Mhz, and a G4 1Ghz). The iMac is set up as a software basestation so that the iBooks can share the broadband connection.

My question is, would the fact that the iMac is an "old" desktop and that it is set up as a software basestation, slow down the internet connection for the iBooks, as opposed to having a dedicated wireless basestation such as an airport express?

So, the fact that your iMac is old should have nothing to do with anything. Any Airport card should work fine. Since 802.11b is capable of much faster data speeds than the fastest internet connection, an 802.11g system is no faster for internet, just file sharing.

So the answer is yes and no I suppose. If there is interference suspected, you have more ways to solve it with a hardware base station like the Express or Extreme.

And another thing....the base stations will provide a much better range than software base station, at least twice as much.

I hope I did not confuse you! I confused myself!

[Strix]

Thanks for both your answers. Much appreciated, and I don't think I'm too confused