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Brian Live · Mar 14, 2006, 09:04 PM

Anyone done it? Have suggestions?

rozwado1 · Mar 14, 2006, 09:14 PM

Brian Live · Mar 14, 2006, 09:20 PM

Hahaha, I knew that would be coming as soon as I hit the "Submit" button.

crooner · 04:46 PM

Can’t wait to see where the dongle goes...

bgordon · Mar 15, 2006, 03:33 PM

Yah, I added one of those bluetooth USB dongles to the back of my circa-2002 dual 1GHz MDD Powermac, no problems whatsoever, works like a charm, computer recognizes it no problem. Got it from Compusa for about $30 or so.

version · Mar 15, 2006, 03:41 PM

I'm thinking of getting the bluetooth/airport card for my Dual-core PM. Apple's site says it has to be upgraded by their techs, is that right? Can I buy it from them and do it myself?

Cheers

Kyle Dreaden · Mar 16, 2006, 10:05 PM

Originally Posted by version

I'm thinking of getting the bluetooth/airport card for my Dual-core PM. Apple's site says it has to be upgraded by their techs, is that right? Can I buy it from them and do it myself?

Cheers

I am a former employee of an Apple Store and have had this question asked a number of times. There are certain upgrades that are regarded as "customer installable" i.e. RAM, Graphics Cards, etc. Other upgrades are considered "Genius Install Only".

Now, at the Apple Store, the Genii will install any part/upgrade you purchase there but there is a fee associated with "Customer Installable" options. The "Genius Install Only" upgrades, however, have the install fee built in to the cost to avoid the issue.

I was but a mere Mac Specialist, but I gathered that they did this because of warrantee issues. I think the bluetooth upgrade has to be attached to the logic board (which involves a pretty extensive disassembly of the G5). Might be wrong though.

version · Mar 17, 2006, 05:55 AM

Originally Posted by Kyle Dreaden

I was but a mere Mac Specialist, but I gathered that they did this because of warrantee issues. I think the bluetooth upgrade has to be attached to the logic board (which involves a pretty extensive disassembly of the G5). Might be wrong though.

Ah, cool. Thanks for the info. If it requires a bit of soldering and major disassembly, I think I'd leave that to the Apple people.

Cheers.

kick52 · Mar 17, 2006, 09:51 AM

do you mean "assing" or "adding"? all you need is to buy a USB bluetooth adaptor from ebay.

t500 · Mar 17, 2006, 02:37 PM

I have an original Dual 1.8 (900mhz Frontside Bus) and I installed an apple Bluetooth module. Its really easy. Just a couple screws and it snapped right in under the modem. The new PM's don’t have a modem so I'm not sure how that will work.

SMacSteve · Mar 18, 2006, 03:04 AM

I have added this card several times. It's not very hard if you lay your G5 on it's side and work on it from above rather than trying to do it from the side. The small antenna wires are a little hard to get your hands on, but other than than it's pretty easy.

mountainash · Mar 24, 2006, 11:17 AM

Yeah, it is pretty easy. Taking out some parts can make it easier. Just involves clipping the module onto its header and fitting the antennae. Not sure of the price. If you have the space, you can add the bluetooth to USB, and skip the airport for a lan/wifi bridge. Might work out cheaper. I paid about 15USD for my bluetooth v1. I got a PCI WiFI card for about 25USD, and that's nice.

But if apple is going to charge for the install anyways, go let them do it and watch them and ask questions. Techs love to talk about their work

kick52 · Mar 25, 2006, 06:36 AM

i got one from hong kong for £8 ($18?) and it works great. that price includes P&P!! just plug it in, and run the bluetooth setup. easy!