MBP CD Airport upgrade - possible?

[Faye]

I'm about to switch my screen out (using the info from another thread here) and thought, if I have my LCD removed and access to the antennas, can I effect an upgrade to 802.11n at the same time?

Does anyone know if the C2D Airport part fits the CD? What sort of antenna would I need?

I'm only curious since it's serious surgery for my poor mac already, but I figure this is the best time to attempt it if I'm going to.

 

[TraceyS/FL]

There are no Apple "N" cards to buy at this time. Your dealer might be able to order the parts and piece it together, but i would think it was pretty involved and really not something i would attempt. Sounds like there are 3 antenna's instead of 2, and from what i can figure the network card is part of the motherboard now.

IF you are really going to need to move to N, i would think planning on an external adapter will be the best bet.

I know that it would be WAY over my head to attempt - and i'm not afraid to dig into much

 

[Faye]

I just thought that given I'm going to have the screen dismantled anyway, and therefore ready access to the antennas, it would be the ideal time. You're right you can't just go out and buy one, but I'm guessing that is because there's the 3 antennas requirement. It looks from the ifixit guide as though it's similar to the MBP card..

I've just mailed ifixit to ask them: if anyone knows, they will and they carry all sorts of apple spares. The only scary thing is the screen removal, and I've got to do that to repair my poor mac's broken LCD. You're right, ordinarily it'd be much better just to get something for the expresscard slot.

The reason I thought about it is because I note the ability to add USB storage to the new apple .11n router and at those sort of speeds it would be worthwhile and I could cut my "carbon footprint" (aka save energy) by switching off the linux server which just does file storage, the gigabit switch (only one wired pc would be left) and the airport express (one drive+airport should use less power than all those.. particularly since there are 5 3.5" drives providing the storage in that box at the moment)


Faye

 

[TraceyS/FL]

Let us know what they say!

LOL, i took my Sony apart 2 weeks ago, sat there and said huh, so that is what it looks like on the inside. Then put it back together. I was really hoping to have HUGE amounts of dust in there - the fan has been running non-stop and loud and the computer has been very warm. I need it working until i can get a new Mac and put windows on it (for ONE application i use daily).

I'm very curious though!! OH, and My Dad wanted to update his new HP that doen't have N. He's not a happy camper.

 

[logandzwon]

I've been waiting for the anwser to this question myself!

I haven't done any work on it myself yet, but I agree, they look interchangable, but I have been unable to conferm or deny this. You'll need a wireless card from a C2D, obviously, and probally need to a 3rd antenna. Adding an antenna is much easier then it sounds, I've done it to several IBMs. Just look around for places to route it. Some times you might need to make little knotches route it where you want it. Good luck and keep us informed!

 

[logandzwon]

Any updates? The enabler is out now. =)

 

[Faye]

Should have followed up on this a week ago.

Getting apple parts was impossible. Fortunately the Dell Wireless 1500 is compatible. Install it, use pacifist to install the enabler and Bob's your mother's brother.

 

[MacDann]

Here is the deal on updating/upgrading your CD MBP to an AirPort with 802.11n:

The Mac Pro AirPort upgrade kit is the same AirPort card that goes in the MBP, only the current version has the capability for 802.11n with the enabler that ships with the new AirPort Extreme base station.

The kit is roughly $49.00 if you can find one - PowerMax had them last week - I know because I bought one - however, Apple has figured out what's up and appears to be cutting off supplies or limiting their sale due to the requirement that they be installed by an Apple tech.

The kit is an "Airport Extreme Wireless Upgrade Kit for Mac Pro (MA688Z/B)". There is an "A" version that is no longer available, but it appears that the difference may be the inclusion of the 802.11n enabler software in the "B" kit. I got a "B" kit and it has the CD with the enabler, but I already have a new AirPort base station, so I have the enabler software anyway.

This upgrade kit has the proper card with two antenna jacks - the card in the C2D MBPs has three antennas, although I have been told it will work as well. The card is located just above the hard drive, and is pretty easy to R&R from the looks of service manuals and online tutorials for replacement.

It's an easy and cheap upgrade if you can get an AirPort card. I've been told that a Dell 1500 wireless card will work as well, but I haven't seen the results from anyone trying this. The Dell cards are on eBay for less than a new AirPort card, but that's because many of them are take-outs, from what I've seen.

As mentioned in an earlier post in this thread, I am about to do this swap along with a hard drive swap as well. I'm hoping to do it this afternoon, time permitting, so I'll report back when I have finished.

MD

 

[Faye]

It's an easy and cheap upgrade if you can get an AirPort card. I've been told that a Dell 1500 wireless card will work as well, but I haven't seen the results from anyone trying this. The Dell cards are on eBay for less than a new AirPort card, but that's because many of them are take-outs, from what I've seen.

I did it. It's the same card. Broadcom 94321MC. I can't see how it can get any easier to do it even with the Apple card. I couldn't get any at Apple stores and no service department would let me take one away.


Faye