SD Prowler

Q: re: Powerbook G4 17 in

I know I may sound like a total noobtard for asking this question, but do I need an airport base station to connect my powerbook G4?  I am currently running Tiger (V 10.4).  Seems like the computer is identifying all nearby networks, including my personal one, which is using a linksys, but when I tried to connect, it keeps on saying that the system is unable to connect.  Now, I've read other forums where people had similar problems and the answer given was that the airport card in my g4 may be at fault.  I just wanted to make sure that is the case because it would be kinda pointless to buy a replacement airport card only to fail on me again.  Thanks for helping!

PowerBook, Mac OS X (10.4)

Posted on Oct 26, 2013 1:44 AM

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Q: re: Powerbook G4 17 in

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  • by a brody,Helpful

    a brody a brody Oct 26, 2013 12:19 PM in response to SD Prowler
    Level 9 (66,781 points)
    Classic Mac OS
    Oct 26, 2013 12:19 PM in response to SD Prowler

    All 17" Powerbooks can be upgraded to Mac OS X 10.5 for full 802.11g support, but not 802.11n support.  If you have setup your wireless network for 802.11n or 802.11ac you'll want to add 802.11g to allow the 17" to connect wirelessly.     Earlier versions of Mac OS X may or may not support the full 802.11g.    Double check what wireless standard you are using and what airport software you have installed.  You can always hook up via ethernet via the LAN port if the wireless speed over 33 Mbps is necessary.  Since that's all 802.11g is able to do.

  • by SD Prowler,Helpful

    SD Prowler SD Prowler Oct 27, 2013 4:52 PM in response to a brody
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Oct 27, 2013 4:52 PM in response to a brody

    Ah, thank you, kind sir, for the elucidation. It's always refreshing to know that there are still people out there who's willing to lend a hand in what seems to be a precarious predicament.  Per your suggestion, I've purchased a copy of leopard.  I will see if installing leopard will rectify the problem.  I will keep you posted on the corollary.  Thanks again! 

  • by a brody,

    a brody a brody Oct 27, 2013 5:45 PM in response to SD Prowler
    Level 9 (66,781 points)
    Classic Mac OS
    Oct 27, 2013 5:45 PM in response to SD Prowler

    Just one other important factor, Classic will be disabled by 10.5.

  • by SD Prowler,

    SD Prowler SD Prowler Oct 27, 2013 6:21 PM in response to a brody
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Oct 27, 2013 6:21 PM in response to a brody

    Classic?  Can you please elaborate?  I am a long time pc user turned to macs.  I still have yet to absorb... 

  • by a brody,

    a brody a brody Oct 27, 2013 7:15 PM in response to SD Prowler
    Level 9 (66,781 points)
    Classic Mac OS
    Oct 27, 2013 7:15 PM in response to SD Prowler

    Classic, the pre-Mac OS X software that dates pre-2001 that the Powerbook can run as a shell on top, much the same way DOS runs on top of Windows, only it is a graphical user interface.   Mac OS X 10.4.11 and earlier can run this software with the prebundled discs, but 10.5 and later can not as Apple only allowed separate booting into Mac OS 9 for those machines that supported it with Mac OS X 10.5 or later.  Sadly no 17" Powerbook supported that kind of booting.