How to install Bluetooth Card in imac g5 powerpc?

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Level 1

46 points

How to install Bluetooth Card in imac g5 powerpc?

I have an imac G5 PowerPC with 20" screen. I didn't get a Bluetooth Card factory installed but recently decided I needed it so I bought one from a 3rd party vendor. Question is how can I install it?

I don't really care about voiding warranty, so if someone can point me in the right direction it would be most appreciated. Thanks.

iMac G5 PowerPC 20", Mac OS X (10.4.6), 2GB

Posted on May 22, 2006 7:23 PM

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Answer 1

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Tampa Bay Tom

Level 3

820 points

May 23, 2006 6:30 AM in response to MGR

Sorry, but there's no way to "install" a bluetooth card into an iMac G5. The alternative is an USB Bluetooth dongle. There are many makes on the market, and I have heard good things about the new Belkin products and they apparently have a new long-range Bluetooth dongle.

Good luck.

20" iMac G5 iSight, 250GB HD, Superdrive, 1.5 GB RAM; 12" iBook G4, 1 GB RAM Mac OS X (10.4.5) 6 GB iPod Mini, 250 GB External Drive, OWC Dual Layer DVD burner, Newton 2100

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Answer 2

MGR Author

Level 1

46 points

May 23, 2006 10:07 PM in response to Tampa Bay Tom

Thanks for the response. I guess the question I have is then if there is no way to install a bluetooth card into an iMac G5, why is this part sold? Indeed, Apple even has a part number for it.

Do I trash the little guy that I already purchase and buy a dongle (I've always wanted a dongle....)? Or is there some way to get the card installed, as (a) I don't want to sacrifice yet another USB port and (b) I already own the thing! I would take suggestions such as:

- Just bring it to a dealer and they can install it for you (helpful, if true);
or
- Ideally, the method by which the end-user can install it at the expense of the warranty (question solved) is: <Follow that link>.

Much obliged as always. Thanks for taking the time to respond.

Mark

iMac G5 PowerPC 20" Mac OS X (10.4.6) 2GB

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Answer 3

MacMuse

Level 7

20,796 points

May 24, 2006 4:08 PM in response to MGR

A more specific answer requires more specific information. (what card did you buy? what part are you referring to from Apple?)

The card you bought is probably a PCMCIA card - about the size of a thick credit card. An iMac G5 does not have a PCMCIA slot to hold the card.

Apple sells the DLink Bluetooth dongle/USB stick, but no internal/card Bluetooth adapter.

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Answer 4

MGR Author

Level 1

46 points

Jun 1, 2006 11:19 AM in response to MacMuse

OK. Here are the details. I called the Apple store, gave them my imac serial number and asked for the internal bluetooth card for my specific computer. They said that they do not sell it but that it should be available from 3rd party retailers. They gave me the Apple part no.: 922-6871.

I searched the web and found that many 3rd parties were selling this part. I bought one from ApplePalace.com. The cost was $23.80 before shipping.

It seems to me that if this part really couldn't be installed, then why would it be available for sale from so many places?

Any thoughts would be helpful here. Also, if I've been swindled, I'll swallow my pride (and the $23) and buy the dongle.

Thanks in advance for your guidance, which has been helpful so far.

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Answer 5

Jun 1, 2006 3:18 PM in response to MGR

Here is a place that has some stuff that might lead you in a direction.

http://www.applerepairmanuals.com/

I don't know if I would want to go probing too much, but it is your computer and it is still a free country. I hope everything goes well.

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