[rattfink]

Ok, I'm looking into wireless network to share DSL between a PC and an iMac, now say I got a wireless router, a wireless NIC for my PC and the Airport card for the iMac would I also need that $299 airport base station or would the Airport card connect to the wireless router?

or is the base station basically an overpriced wireless router for macs?

Sorry I'm just getting in to networking, I'm not a total neophyte. thanks

[Nobody]

The Airport Base Station is indeed nothing more than a wireless router. It does have a few advantages over most third-party routers:

1. it is one of the few wireless routers that includes a built in dial up modem

2. because of its dial-up modem, the recent firmware upgrade of the Snow ABS provides the ability for it to function as a dialup server for your own network.

3. because it is made by Apple, you can expect more extensive support for its use with Macs.

However - unless one of these features is very important to you, it is difficult to justify its choice on the basis of cost. Most third-party routers provide more useful features not provided by the ABS - like additional ethernet ports that allow more than one computer to be cabled directly, avoiding the need to purchase a separate ethernet hub or switch, and web-browser-based configuration utilities that are easier to use from both Macs and PCs and allow for a greater number of configuration options.

Yes, Macs equipped with an Airport card will work just fine with third-party wireless routers. You might want to take a look at the recent Macworld review of these devices found at blank>http://www.macworld....ws/routers.html . A very comprehensive review of wireless router products currently on the market can also be found at blank>http://www.practicallynetworked.com. Even if Mac-specific support is not provided by the manufacturer, help will almost always be available from someone in this forum.

[ 08-11-2002: Message edited by: HMB ]

[rattfink]

thanks man, that answered all my qustions images/icons/smile.gif

great links too btw, the macworld one is incredibly helpful, I'm gonna bookmark it.

[ 08-11-2002: Message edited by: rattfink ]

[rattfink]

A few more questions about the airport card
I've looked around at a few online stores and can't find it lower than $99, anywhere you guys know of that I could get a better deal?
Also, can I just put it right into their iMac? Its a 400Mhz G3, a ruby one bought in summer 2000. It has this wierd white plastic thing parralel to the ram slots and its about as long as the ram slots too, is that where it goes?

[Nobody]

Yes - the Airport card slot is under the access door and next to the RAM slots. There is a separate antenna wire that goes to the card - it is originally located on the left rail guide on the upper AirPort Card slot.

I have not seen Airport cards advertised for less than $99 (except for those qualifying for discounted "educational" pricing). On EBay they sell for $65-70. You will also need to purchase a card adapter to use the Airport card in an iMac - this is a $20 extra-cost item.