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Everything just doesn't work on a Mac?

1

10kopi

macrumors newbie
Original poster
Aug 17, 2007
2
0
New to this forum. Anyway, I have a question maybe someone can help me with. I had a dell laptop and I broke down and got a macbook pro. Love it, but I have a problem. I travel alot, and For my old computer, I got a service through Verizon that gives me broadband access via a pc card (pc5740). Anyway, macbook pros have an express card 3/4 slot. When i called apple and verizon, they both assured me the card would work. However, I can't get on the internet with it because the card doesn't fit in the slot.

Here's my question: Are there any converters or something that I can buy to allow me to use the verizon card on my macbook? Suggestions??

Thanks
 
Hmm, I would call Verizon and ask if they have a USB or express card slot that they can swap your card out with. As long as you have a card that will fit, it should work.
 
Thanks, but I called once and i think i knew more about computers than the girl i was taking to -- and this was the 1800 number. Do any of the people here use macbook pros and this service?
 
10kopi said:
Thanks, but I called once and i think i knew more about computers than the girl i was taking to -- and this was the 1800 number. Do any of the people here use macbook pros and this service?
Click to expand...

I don't have the service, but there's obviously a misunderstanding (on their end). A PC card simply won't work with a MBP, and while their service may be "compatable with OS X," they're obviously referring to a portable in which you can physically attach your card.

You're options are:
1) Some phones allow data service while tethered to a bluetooth connection. That would be the most hassle free if your phone supports this.
2) You trade in the PC card for an ExpressCard/34... If they even make one.
3) You trade in the PC card for a USB connection, again, if it's offered.

Besides just being silly to find a PC Card reader that adapts to ExpressCard/34, USB or Firewire, it would be expensive and may not work anyway... At least that's my take.
 
i think Verizon makes a 34 card (as opposed to the 54 card). they also make a USB adapter. go to a store and see if you can trade up.
 
Verizon offeres both a USB device (which I personally use) and an express card also. I am not sure what to tell you about them misleading you. I think maybe you should call Verizon ask to speak to a manager and explain your situation. maybe they'll cut you a deal on one of the devices that fit in the MBP.
 
you dont have an airport card? i use that to connect to ATT router and it works perfectly. is the verizon card specific to the verizon broadband?

oops... nvm, i am rather silly.. but i have gotten onto wireless networks from all over the country just w the airport card
 
I don't think you were lied to. Check this link. Maybe you've got a weird or old fashioned card or something?

I think you'd be better off changing the title of the thread to 'Verizon + MacBook pro', as that's more likely to catch someone's eye if they think they can help.

And welcome to the forum btw :)
 
The Verizon PC card uses an entirely different form factor than the Mac uses -- PC card vs. 3/4. When I switched from a Thinkpad to a MacBook Pro 3 months ago, I had to buy the 3/4 card from Verizon instead of using my PC card. I was only 3 months into a 2 year contract at that point, though, and Verizon gave me some sort of discount on the new card. I don't remember how much.

I never looked for a converter that would allow you to insert the PC card into the Mac slot. There are external PC card readers that plug into a USB port, such as this one. Whether something like that would work in this instance, I have no idea.
 
I have one of their 34 cards, which works great, but I have been thinking about switching to the USB one, which would allow me to use it on more computers. They are all clunky, so I would recommend the USB one.

As far as their customer service, I just gave up. I would have thought they would be worshipping the feet of people with data cards because they are often a high profit/professional customer item. I could not even get online billing set up because they would only send the password by text message (I just gave up and laughed with that). One of the reps in the store gave me hard time for not knowing my number for it. I calmly explained that I did not take calls often on my card...

If the iphone gets a tethering option I will just do that and drop the card.
 
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