Best way to get iMac slot loading on Airport network? Help!

[craiginbminor]

Hey,

I'm new to these forums, but I have a question that I cannot figure out on my own; first, I'll let you know my setup - I have an Airport Extreme hooked up to DSL, and an eMac (running Panther) that is plugged directly into the Airport's ethernet port (there is also a printer plugged into the Airport's usb). I am able to use my Powerbook G4 (with Airport extreme) and the eMac perfectly with the network. The problem, however, is that I have a third computer (the first Mac I ever got) - an iMac slot loading indigo with upgraded RAM and OS X 10.1, that I want to get networked to the Airport. The iMac is downstairs, so I can't use a cable. Also, I don't want to move anything; I'm very happy with my current setup now, however I just want a way to get my iMac wireless on the airport. I've had a couple ideas - first, getting the Belkin Wireless G usb stick from Walmart (with no success, so I returned it), second, getting an original Airport card and adapter off of eBay, and third, getting some type of USB internet stick like the Belkin off of MacWireless.com (apparently they have good reviews AND are universal plug-and-play with all Mac OS's), however, I'm trying to figure out the best option. Please help me!

Thanks a lot,

Craig

 

[mad jew]

Wireless USB dongles are notoriously bad on Macs and I avoid them as much as I can. Even if they work when you first get them, system upgrades can have them causing kernel panics in no time.

I reckon you should weigh up the costs of either getting that AirPort card (original, not Extreme) from eBay or getting a second hand AirPort (Express would be good) to be used with an ethernet cable. The advantage of this second setup is that you can use WDS to extend your range too.

 

[RobTuck]

Or, you could get a wireless ethernet adapter, commonly used for wirelessly connecting Xbox's, etc.

 

[craiginbminor]

Thank you guys for your help! Those are very good suggestions -- two questions, though:

1. Would I be able to use an original Airport card on my iMac with my Airport Extreme base station?

2. I found this Belkin Wireless G Gaming Adapter, is this what you're referring to? And, can this be used on a Mac without drivers?

Thanks very much for your help.

 

[RobTuck]

It should work fine. Ive not used one myself, but from what I understand, the Mac will just think its being wired into the network, so it wont even know its wireless.

The description in the link you posted does mention that no drivers are required.

 

[4JNA]

'gaming adapter' or 'bridge' are the key words you need. they are a wireless adapter that has a ethernet port. the mac thinks it's it connected via ethernet as it has no knowledge or need to know about the wireless connect on the other side. works great. depends on the make/model, but if you get one that will allow it, assign the wireless part a static ip. then you can plug it into the slot load. presto, network! best of luck.

 

[craiginbminor]

Ok, great. Right now, I'm debating between getting the bridge, or getting a new airport base station (that I could plug the iMac into). Which would you recommend?

 

[live4ever]

I think 10.1 might be the problem - D-link ones worked fine for 10.2-10.3 but they weren't updated for Tiger.

 

[mad jew]

Both the bridge and the AirPort should be relatively easy to get working. The AirPort will be more expensive but it will extend your network and depending on the type of AirPort you get, might give you access to AirTunes and a USB network printer.

 

[JAT]

Airport Express from the refurb store is $100.

 

[CubeHacker]

Get an original Airport card with adapter if you can find one. Just make sure your iMac supports it. There was a single indigo model (350mhz I believe) that does NOT have an airport slot. All other slot loading models support original airport cards, and will work with your Airport Extreme base station just fine.