Are there any wireless network adapters that are compatible with both a G4 Powerbook and G4 Quicksilver?

Question

Level 1

0 points

Are there any wireless network adapters that are compatible with both a G4 Powerbook and G4 Quicksilver?

I believe my airport wireless card is no longer working. My Powerbook is unable to pick up any wireless network signals, but indicates that Airport is still on. If it is an issue with my card, does it make sense to pick up a wireless network adapter or just purchase another Airport card? Also, are there any wireless network adapters out there that can be moved back and forth between a Powerbook and Quicksilver? I have seen a couple of D-Link usb adapters (WUA-2340, DWA-125, DWA-130) that look like they could work, but there is no indication that they function with Macs. Both computers are currently running 10.4.11. I also assume that it only makes sense to purchase an adapter that is wireless-g compatible. Neither computer could use wireless-n. Is that a correct assumption? I'd appreciate any help.

12" Powerbook G4, 1.33GHz, 512MB RAM, Power Mac G4 (Quicksil), 933MHz, 1.5GB RAM, Mac OS X (10.4.11)

Posted on May 5, 2011 7:16 PM

Reply

Answer 1

Best reply

a brody

Level 10

82,841 points

May 6, 2011 4:52 AM in response to mpa11819

See http://www.macwireless.com/ for possible upgrade cards. http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1621 says at least the Quicksilver models all used the original airport card which is only 802.11b and at best WPA1 compatible, but not WPA2 compatible. WEP is not even worth considering. Your 1.33 Ghz Powerbook is compatible with the 802.11g Airport Extreme card, and WPA2. Built-in it can't be upgraded to 802.11n.

Reply

Answer 2

Allan Jones

Level 9

68,600 points

May 6, 2011 9:37 AM in response to mpa11819

For the QS, there are three ways to get wireless "n"

1) Install a USB2.0 PCI adaptor card AND use this dongle:

Newer Technology MAXPower 802.11n/g/b USB Adapter + Plug and play direct or with extension cradle

I asked the vendor if that would enable "n" speeds if attached to a 2.0 port on a PCI cardand they said yes. Without the PCI adaptor card, this deveice gives only "b" on a USB 1.1 port.

2) Install a PCI wireless adaptor:

Wireless 802.11b/g/n PCI Adapter the easy way to add/upgrade wireless to your desktop computer.

3) Use a wireless brigde:

Linksys WET610N Wireless-N Ethernet Bridge with Dual Band Wireless Adapter

Not portable but would also work on the PB when not mobile

If your PowerBook has USB 2.0 (it should if you're inquiring about the 12" 1.33G in your profile) the dongle would work at "n" speed without any extra hardware. That makes option 1 the most cost-effective if you want to get both computers to "n"

Reply

Answer 3

mpa11819 Author

Level 1

0 points

May 7, 2011 10:27 PM in response to a brody

Thanks a brody for the suggestions. I looked at the possible upgrade cards available on macwireless.com and I'm thinking I might go the usb wi-fi adapter route for now. Unfortunately, I don't have it in the budget to spend as much on a card and I think the security options and versatility of the usb adapter have me leaning that direction. Your feedback is really appreciated though.

Reply

Answer 4

mpa11819 Author

Level 1

0 points

May 7, 2011 10:32 PM in response to Allan Jones

Thanks Allan for the various options to take a look at. I actually recently upgraded my Quicksilver with a USB 2.0 PCI adapter card so I think the Newer Tech MaxPower 802.11b/g/n adapter dongle is what I'm going to purchase. I really appreciate your feedback and quick reply.

Reply