Apple M8881LL/A AirPort Extreme Card

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Apple M8881LL/A AirPort Extreme Card

Hi Guys,

I just made a classic mistake. I assumed my Power Mac G5 had the Airport Extreme card inbuilt as standard, so I went out and bought Airport Express. And of course I get the flashing amber light which indicates that it cannot establish a connection to a Network. So I did some research and lo and behold I find here:

http://support.apple.com/kb/SP67 (mine is the Dual 1.8GHz)

that in fact it only came "AirPort Extreme ready" and reading elsewhere I see I should have asked for the card to be installed when I bought the **** thing. Of course, I didn't need it back then and didn't think.

Anyway, question: it seems that AirPort Extreme Card M8881LL/A was the standard back when I bought the Mac. Is this still the card I should be buying or can I get something better these days?

I want to set up Airport Express to stream iTunes, Spotify etc (via Airfoil) to my home audio set up, having the option to do so either direct to the amp or also via Apple TV, and of course to access the Internet and get rid of my present Ethernet connection.

Thanks very much.

Robert

Power Mac G5, Mac OS X (10.5.5)

Posted on Apr 26, 2009 10:21 AM

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Answer 1

Niel

Community+ 2026

Level 10

743,129 points

Apr 26, 2009 12:21 PM in response to senroeash

Is this still the card I should be buying or can I get something better these days?

If you want to be able to use the faster 802.11n protocol on your home network and your devices support it, use a card which supports it and is advertised as being compatible with your Mac; note that most Internet connections are slower than 802.11n and won't be benefited by setting up an 802.11n network. Otherwise, that card will do.

(42944)

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Answer 2

Apr 27, 2009 2:08 AM in response to senroeash

Hi senroeash-

Did you also get the little antenna that attaches at the rear of the machine? You won't be able to use your AirPort card without it.

Luck-

-DP

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Answer 3

senroeash Author

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Apr 28, 2009 10:37 AM in response to Niel

Hi Niel,

What I want to do is:

a) set up a wireless connection to the Internet. My tower is in the office, my modem is in the living room, presently i have the ethernet cable dragged across the floor. Ugly.
b) stream music from my hard drive and direct from the Internet to my home audio set up
c) stream movies and TV shows direct from my hard drive or direct from the Net (if this is or becomes feasible) to Apple TV, which is next on my "must buy" list.

That's it.

The tech specs state that Apple TV supports 802.11n but realistically will I see a benefit? Also, according to this:
http://store.fastmac.com/productinfo.php?productsid=207

My Power Mac G5 does not support the new Fast Mac card at 802.11n. I see it says something about an "enabler". Can i get something that will make my G5 compatible? Is it worth all this extra hassle and money? The Fast Mac costs about 70EUR plus shipping, I can get a "refurbished" Apple M8881LL/A AirPort Extreme card from Amazon for 37EUR all in.

Thanks Niel, all advice greatly appreciated.

Robert

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Answer 4

senroeash Author

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Apr 28, 2009 10:43 AM in response to DaddyPaycheck

Hi Daddypaycheck,

****, what is that thing called? The Aiport Extreme Base Station?

Guys, anyone, what about a USB device option to just avoid all this messing about?

Thanks a lot.

Robert

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Answer 5

Duane

Level 10

124,293 points

Apr 28, 2009 12:50 PM in response to senroeash

If the back of your Power Mac G5 has the AirPort and Bluetooth antenna connections, you simply need to install the 802.11b/g AirPort Extreme card to allow your Power Mac G5 to connect wirelessly. This card fits inside your Power Mac G5 in a dedicated slot. Here is a picture of the back showing the AirPort antenna installed:

If the back of your Power Mac G5 does not have those connections, it requires a special card not sold by Apple to users.

I see it says something about an "enabler". Can i get something that will make my G5 compatible?

No the "enabler" is for Intel-based Core 2 Duo Macs.

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Answer 6

senroeash Author

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Apr 29, 2009 11:05 AM in response to Duane

hi Duane,

This is exactly what I have and I would mark this question as solved...but... today I found this site: http://afterthemac.com/mac.php?sub=wireless offering this product: 802.11n Apple_Wireless_USBAdapter at $69.95 plus postage. Would this not be a more ideal alternative?

Anyone had any experience with this device? It sounds like just the ticket.

Thanks.

Robert

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Answer 7

senroeash Author

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Apr 30, 2009 7:06 AM in response to senroeash

Actually I'm going to mark Duane's answer as question solved and open another topic re the USB device, seems fairer.

Thanks for your assistance guys.

Robert

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