[Roatan97]

I just stumbled upon this forum tonight, and I want to ask for your help on this problem. I just scored on a iBook, with OS X 10.2.4, G3. I want to be able to connect this computer to the internet. I have D-LInk on my PC so I called them to ask how I can get this iBook connected. They told me there is only ONE way. To buy the gaming adapter DWL-G820. They said it is the only one that will work. It uses the ethernet connection.

I want to hear from all of you if this is correct before I spend $70-80 on one. Or is there another way to do it? Thanks.

[ghporter]

Welcome to the MacNN Forums!!!

(Before I go into your question, is your user name connected to a Central American diving spot?)

It depends on which iBook you have whether the information you got is correct. The products D-Link puts out all meet the same standards as AirPort devices (IEEE 802.11 b/g) so interoperating isn't an issue. What may be an issue is that all the G3 iBooks that support AirPort only support the original AirPort card-which has a maximum data throughput of 11Mbps. That's kind of slow by today's standards.

Another thing to think about is that the D-Link gaming adapter is not the only wireless bridge in town. There are a bunch of them, marketed under names like game adapter and wireless bridge. Some are less expensive than others, and as long as they meet the same standards (the 802.11 standards are also called "WiFi" standards), they'll work together. Still, a current generation bridge will get you a max of 54Mbps data throughput-that's a LOT faster! And it's likely that these things will cost about what an original AirPort card would - if you can find one.

[Roatan97]

ghporter, To answer your question, Yes, it is the island of Roatan that I refer to. I lived there for 10 months and got married there.

How do I know which iBook I have? Can you give me some specifics to look for so that you might be able to give me more detailed info, as in maybe what brand and model number of other products to look for. Thanks.

[ghporter]

Is it the white G3 or one of the earlier models. If earlier, is it "dual USB" or the original iBook?

Either way, if your iBook supports an AirPort card (it looks like all the way back to the G3 Dual USB models did) the fastest connection you can get with the Apple card is 11Mbps. That tells me that I'd start shopping for an inexpensive 802.11G wireless bridge...

I spent a year near Comayagua between 1999 and 2000, and vacationed at Copan. Beautiful country!

[Roatan97]

It is white and orange. It looks like it has one USB and one Ethernet connection.
How do I know if it supports this AirPort card? I know nothing about it.
I hope this helps in determining what I should look for to get this computer online. Thanks.

[ghporter]

You have a Tangerine iBook. I did some more digging and yes, ALL iBooks apparently support AirPort-yours needs an original AirPort card.

Apple doesn't sell these anymore, and they're getting scarce. But you can always depend on them to work with OS X, which is not necessarily true of other brands. Start searching for AirPort cards on eBay, Craigslist, and so on and you're bound to find one sooner or later, but make sure you get a "DOA guarantee" with it, because you don't want to spend your money on something that doesn't work.

Good luck.

[Roatan97]

ghporter:

1. Is there only one kind of AirPort cards?
2. How much do they run for, when do I know I found a good deal?
3. Does this card plug in to the USB or is it something that needs to be installed?
4. What is DOA?
5. Is D-Link incorrect when they say that this "gaming" card will work?
6. Is there anything other than the AirPort card that I need for this to work?

I don't have a separate space to plug a card in like on most laptops. There is only room for a phone line, ethernet, and USB. (and of course the power cable) There is nothing else on the outside of this iBook.

Sorry for all these questions, but I don't know anything about iBooks yet. I am on the path of learning as you can tell.

Thanks.