[Toad]

I'm considering getting a Cable Modem and would like to go wireless in my house. I have a iMac DVSE running OS 10.2. Do I need to use the Airport Base Station and a Airport card or can I use any Cable/DSL Wireless Router? Is their a Standard, like 802.11b? What is this standard?

I guess I don't know all the questions to ask. So your help is appreciated. I've seen an advertisement at Staples for a Wireless Netgear Cable/DSL router for about $70. Sounds like a good deal if it works.

I also have a Sony Clie PDA, which I can buy the wireless card for (once again, I need the correct format compatibility)

Thanks,

Toad

[Camelot]

You will need an Apple AirPort card for the iMac, but you can use any vendor's base station/router to connect to the net.

All these systems are based on 802.11b, and they're all interoperable, so that's what allows you to use a non-Apple base station. However, due to the format of the iMac, you can only fit Apple's card inside the machine since all other vendors cards have an attached antenna which is designed to protrude from a laptop system, but there's no room for this antenna inside the iMac (which has its own wireless antenna inside the case)

[Emotionally Fragile Luke]

Originally posted by Camelot:
You will need an Apple AirPort card for the iMac, but you can use any vendor's base station/router to connect to the net.

Be sure you get one that you can configure though a web browser and not though PC software.

Linksys and D-Link work with Mac's.

[aaanorton]

The most important distinguishing feature among the routers/Access Points (for Mac users) is the ability to bridge AppleTalk. This will allow wireless printing to a networked printer. A few do this, most do not. I have an Asante model and know that all of theirs do handle AT well.
Check this before buying.

[Toad]

Great Info! Thanks.

I am once again reminded of the value of internet Forums to answer my questions.

Toad