Mac Mini wireless

[livingfortoday]

Alright, my girlthing has a first revision 1.25Ghz Mac Mini, and she needs to add wireless capabilities to it... Looking around the forum I found that Apple makes a Airport + Bluetooth kit that costs $99, but that's way too much for her. Is there a cheaper, possibly internal alternative for her? I'm not very familiar with the insides of the Mini, but can I use just a regular Airport Extreme card, like the one in newer Powerbooks, or do I have to use one specifically for the Mini?

If nothing cheap internal is possible, do you think an off-the-shelf USB wireless dongle would work for the Mini? I don't really wanna go this route, since she has the keyboard in one port, and her Shuffle in the other, but I guess I could get a hub, and then it's just messy... anyways. Any ideas?

Thanks for any tips or advice!

 

[EricNau]

It isn't easy getting into the Mini. Apple made sure of that. If you want internal, your best bet is taking it to Apple.

Your cheapest bet would be to get a USB wireless adaptor. I've seen them as small as flash drives. Just pop one in the back and you won't even know it's there.

If she has an Apple keyboard, it has 2 built in USB ports that she could plug her shuffle into.

 

[livingfortoday]

If she has an Apple keyboard, it has 2 built in USB ports that she could plug her shuffle into.

Actually, the Shuffle needs a powered USB port in order to work, and the keyboard ones aren't, so I have to stick it in the Mini directly, or a powered USB hub.

 

[EricNau]

Actually, the Shuffle needs a powered USB port in order to work, and the keyboard ones aren't, so I have to stick it in the Mini directly, or a powered USB hub.

Oh, in that case I would buy a cheap, power USB hub, and a wireless USB adaptor.

 

[livingfortoday]

Okay, one more question, I guess. Where could I find a cheap USB Wireless adapter that's also Mac compatible? I've given up on not blocking the Shuffle's USB port, she can unplug the internet when she needs to get online.

Any recommendations?

 

[EricNau]

Wow, to be honest, I can't find one that says it is mac compatible. It might work anyways, because OS X has many drivers pre-installed, but there aren't any guarantees. Most routers are Mac compatible, it's just the USB adaptors.

I would go to the nearest bestbuy or circuit city and just ask 'em.

 

[ChrisA]

Oh, in that case I would buy a cheap, power USB hub, and a wireless USB adaptor.

That combo is almost what Apple wants for an internal card. Look on the Apple web store where it says "SALE". The card is available for $69. Yes, it's a "refurbished" card but apple offers the same as new warenty and support.

 

[EricNau]

That combo is almost what Apple wants for an internal card. Look on the Apple web store where it says "SALE". The card is available for $69. Yes, it's a "refurbished" card but apple offers the same as new warenty and support.

Will Apple charge for installation?
- - I assumed they would, but if they don't, definitely just do that.

 

[livingfortoday]

That combo is almost what Apple wants for an internal card. Look on the Apple web store where it says "SALE". The card is available for $69. Yes, it's a "refurbished" card but apple offers the same as new warenty and support.

So could I just go ahead and put in an Airport Extreme card in the Mini, or does it need a special assembly like the BT & AE ones they're selling for $99?

 

[EricNau]

According to MacWorld, it requires some serious surgery to install an Airport Card in a Mac Mini, including making your own antenna, etc. And although opening the case does not void your warranty, anything you break by opening it up, is not covered.

I Highly recommend that you DO NOT open it up.

 

[EricNau]

Can I add Bluetooth, AirPort, or both to the Mac mini later if I didn’t buy my system with any pre-installed wireless options?
Updated 1/24/05: Not easily. The Mac Mini’s wireless options live on a small daughtercard attached to the system’s motherboard. If you order a Mac mini with no wireless options, you don't get a daughtercard or any external antenna. If you ordered a Mac mini with just Bluetooth, you could perform some serious surgery and install an AirPort card later -- but you might need to hack your own antenna for it. It's probably not worth the drama. You can always seek professional help from an authorized Apple specialist or an Apple retail store if you need to install either or both after the fact. The good news is, the wireless options are upgradeable on this model, so you're not stuck tomorrow if you opt out of AirPort today.

Link (scroll down about 1/3 the way)

 

[livingfortoday]

Dang. Well, I'll just have to look around for a cheaper alternative, then.

Thanks for your help!