There's something wrong with AirPort in my new MacBook Pro!

[jamdr]

Well, I powered on my brand new MacBook Pro and it didn't seem to have any problems, not even a dead pixel. But then I tried to connect to my wireless network and something very strange happens.

It seems to connect, I get all 4 bars of reception, but then the reception starts to rapidly fluctuate between full and none. It's as if AirPort is turning on and off, on and off, very fast and continues like like as long as I keep AirPort turned on. Needless to say, I cannot connect to the internet that way. I have installed all the latest software updates, etc. Does anyone have any suggestions for me? I REALLY don't want to send my brand new MBP to Apple for the next few weeks.

 

[Allotriophagy]

Hmmmm...can other machines connect to it?

Does your router have MAC address filtering turned on? If so, add your MAC address.

That is all I can think of for now.

 

[iW00t]

Try buying one of the new Apple airport extreme routers.

Sounds like a problem with your existing router.

 

[jeremy.king]

Interference maybe? Microwaves, other routers, and wireless speakers amongst other things have been known to interfere, try changing channels on your router and use Interference robustness.

 

[Allotriophagy]

Try buying one of the new Apple airport extreme routers.

Sounds like a problem with your existing router.

Oh yes, I was about to mention that too: spend over $200 on a new router.

 

[jamdr]

I should have specified that I'm connecting to a university network so the problem is not there. Also I just replaced my iBook and it had no problem connecting to the network, always had full reception.

 

[WildCowboy]

Could it be a loose antenna connection?

 

[jamdr]

Could it be a loose antenna connection?

This is what it seems like. I just tried calling Apple and they told me there is nothing they could do because I'm trying to connect to a third-party network. But my iBook is sitting right next to it and it connects fine, as do a dozen or so other notebooks that are used in the house. I guess I'm going to try to take the AirPort card out and adjusting it, maybe it's just not in all the way. Is that easy to do?

 

[jeremy.king]

Is that easy to do?

About as easy as dropping by an Apple store and letting a genius try to connect to an Apple network

 

[jamdr]

About as easy as dropping by an Apple store and letting a genius try to connect to an Apple network

Oh crap, I just looked at a site that describes how to get to the AirPort card and you have to disassemble the whole computer

I thought it would be as easy as it was on the old PowerBooks, but that doesn't seem to be the case. There is no Apple Store near me but when I'm out and about during spring break I may just take the opportunity to pass by one. I love this computer, though. It's an older Core Duo model and everything is absolutely perfect other than this of course.

 

[Allotriophagy]

Is authentication set up properly on the machine? Do you need to install any certificates or anything? Or register the machine with Information Services?

Personally, I would just jiggle it around for a bit then throw it in the bin.

 

[mopppish]

I have the same issue. My ibook G4 was connecting fine to the university's wifi last year, but now with my new MBP, it hardly ever works. I think it has something to do with the new N cards because everyone I know with a C2D Apple laptop has problems, but people with CD models (the old airport card) are fine. Don't know what else to tell you. I haven't had any success yet.

 

[danny_w]

I have the same issue. My ibook G4 was connecting fine to the university's wifi last year, but now with my new MBP, it hardly ever works. I think it has something to do with the new N cards because everyone I know with a C2D Apple laptop has problems, but people with CD models (the old airport card) are fine. Don't know what else to tell you. I haven't had any success yet.

Loads of people are reporting connection problems with the C2D network cards. Just check Apple forums. This is the main thing keeping me from buying a Macbook.

 

[iW00t]

Oh yes, I was about to mention that too: spend over $200 on a new router.

$130

 

[JBazz]

About as easy as dropping by an Apple store and letting a genius try to connect to an Apple network

Second. If there is an Apple store in your area, the best thing to do is to go in and tell them what is up. They will look at it for you and take all the guessing work out of it.