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Apple G4 Wireless?

  • 22-01-2010 11:48pm
    #1
    itac
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 435 ✭✭


    Hi folks,
    searched through the threads, but couldn't find much on this...
    I've recently just gotten a desktop Mac G4, and was wondering how to connect it to a wireless internet signal we have at home.

    The actual connection is too far away to run a cable from the router to the computer, and I've been looking at wireless dongles, but am unsure as to whether to spend €40 on one, especially if I don't know whether it'll work or not!

    Anyone able to advise me on how to go about connecting? I'm completely new to "mac-speak"-I read something about an airport card, but don't know if that's revelvant or not! Any advice/criticism is gladly welcomed:D


Comments

  • #2
    Inspector Gadget
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,393 ✭✭✭Inspector Gadget


    "Airport" is more or less Apple-speak for "802.11 wireless" in a similar sense to "Firewire" being Applese for "IEEE 1394". In your case, you have three options; many (if not all) G4s support an internally mounted PCMCIA airport card, which is a waste of effort both in terms of being expensive and only supporting wireless "b" on some models (if memory serves). Otherwise, an internal PCI card, or a USB dongle.

    Back when I had a G4 (thanks Zener, if you're reading this, for the gift of the replacement PSU; you're a gent, and to the best of my knowledge it's still ticking along with the computer with its current owner), I was told by some people I knew (and still know) in the Apple servicing game to stay away from the USB wireless dongles generally; unless they have Apple drivers specifically, they won't work, and those that did at the time didn't have good drivers; don't know if that's changed since.

    What did work for me was a Buffalo wireless card I happened to have stuck in a PC at the time; it seems that if the chipset on your wireless card has ever been used in an Apple born before your OS, then it's supported natively.

    If it helps, my wireless card is a Buffalo WLI2-PCI-G54; it's oldish now, but has wireless G support and (more importantly) I've had it running in a G4 digital audio machine, so I'm sure it works. I believe the chipset is a Broadcom BCM4320, so anything with that in it should work. Apple won't say which ones work and which ones don't, annoyingly.

    If this is too complex, double-check that your card has OS X support (i.e. drivers) for whatever version you're running (presumably Tiger / 10.4) online before you buy. And generally PCI cards, though you have to install them inside the computer, come with proper antennas whereas USB ones typically don't, and therefore usually offer better reception.

    Hope this helps,
    Gadget


  • #3
    itac
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 435 ✭✭itac


    Thanks Gadget!

    Methinks it'll be the PCI card for me so, just gotta save up some €s first!
    There's a few walls between the router and the computer, so having the option to move antennae around sounds much better than hoping the usb will work magic.

    The old Appleese is confusing at times, especially as I've always used Windows, but I'm slowly getting used to it.
    Thanks again, :)


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