installing an Airport card in an iMac G3

Hey Marilyn,
Well there are a lot of the old Airport cards around Craig's or eBay. They usually run around $50. You'll also need an adapter but that can be expensive.
There was a post around here about a wireless USB that someone had gotten off eBay and worked fine. He couldn't remember the brand.
I had tried that about a year ago and couldn't find one that worked.
There are also ethernet wireless solutions but never done that.
Richard

This may help you:

http://www.macosxhints.com/article.php?story=20050201091946184

USB WiFi has the advantage of being able to use in other computers (Macs and PCs) in the future although because G3 iMacs only have 2 USB ports it might be best to get the integrated solution 🙂.

The USB devices have the substantial disadvantage of needing drivers. Finding drivers compatible with the version of Mac OS can be troublesome. Remembering that upgrading the OS could break the compatibility is also important.

In addition the USB 1.1 ports on the iMac G3 limits the data transfer to a maximum of 12 Mbps. Although with USB you will be lucky to get even that.

The best solution is the original AirPort card.

The next best solution is an Ethernet wireless adapter. These require no drivers and therefore will work with any Ethernet device.

Alternatively use ethernet over power lines. Netgear, Devolo (and now others) are making excellent kit that works where wifi won't - and on kit that can't take wifi cards. I've now put several systems into houses where the walls are not conducive to reliable wifi transmissions - which is the case in many older stone-built houses. I've also had to install a set in house that has just had so much electrical wiring installed (and no - they didn't think to put ethernet in) that the rooms are more like faraday cages.

The only down side is that it's a tad expensive.

And hear is one such device...
The versatile Wireless-G Ethernet Bridge can make any wired Ethernet-equipped device a part of your wireless network.
http://eshop.macsales.com/item/Linksys/WET54G/

Robert

I gave up on these WET54G after 2 of them kept failing - Linksys were no help and refunded the money.

Not my favourite bit of kit at all.

Without a doubt, buy only an original Airport Card and Apple iMac Adapter! It works flawless and is worth the $100!!