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Upgrading first gen MacBook to wireless draft-n

C

connorxxl

macrumors newbie
Original poster
Mar 5, 2007
17
2
Hi,

I want to upgrade my first-generation MacBook with a new (draft n) wireless card. Made some research here in the forum (very helpful), found the instructions.
But I have problems finding the right card. Some posts mention an Apple Airport card for MacPro (MA688ZM/A), but I can't find that one in the Apple Online store, only an "AirPort Extreme Card" which does not mention draft n or MacPro.
I tried to buy a card in London (Regent Street store), but the guy didn't want to sell it (MacPro Airport card) without installation, and did not believe that this card also fits in MacBooks... really annoying.

Or does anyone know any store in London/online stores in UK selling this card?

Many thanks for your help.

Chris
 
No, don't have a draft-n router yet, will buy one after the update, Linksys.

Fixit is quite expensive... the card in the Apple online store is not the right one?

Thanks.

Chris
 
Hi,

a friend can order the Airport card (MA688ZM/A), I hope it's the right one.
Easier than getting the Dell card.

Looking forward to get higher speed!

Thanks for your help.

Chris

PS: Any recommendations for a draft-n router? Linksys?
 
what about the antennas? I thought the "n" macbooks had an extra antenna that the first macbooks didn't have?
 
They make Draft N mini-pci express with 2 antenna connections. The Dell 1500 only has 2. So do the ones apple puts in the Mac desktops.

joebells said:
what about the antennas? I thought the "n" macbooks had an extra antenna that the first macbooks didn't have?
Click to expand...
 
Does the Dell card use the same chipset as the Apple card? i.e., will the dell card work in my macbook core duo if I install it and get the n enabler from apple?
 
Apple has cards that use both chipsets. The Wireless cards that come on Apples MBP use the Atheros chipset. The cards that come in the MacBooks and Apple desktops use Broadcom chipset.

If you use the Dell wireless card in your Mac, the N enabler will work fine.


rjtroester said:
Does the Dell card use the same chipset as the Apple card? i.e., will the dell card work in my macbook core duo if I install it and get the n enabler from apple?
Click to expand...
 
Yah, you can definitely find the cards on eBay. Specifically, I got the one made for Mac Pros. I believe most Apple Stores would not sell it to you, since it is not a user-replaceable part, hence why they would want to install it. But a Macbook is not a Mac Pro, so there.
I personally installed the Mac Pro part in my MPB a few months ago. After modifying the Enabler (changed the package contents. You can also use Pacifist), I was able to enable the N card.

And to answer another poster's question, typically there should be 3 antennas (for the MIMO), bought I guess you can get by with two.
 
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