wireless connection

[perky99]

I was given an old Mac, I book , lap top OSX, 10 3.9 version, Processor is 700 MHZ power pc G3, 640 MB SDRAM
There is more information if needed
Every thing works fine I think except the wireless connection. I have a Linksys wireless G router. So I bought a Aeropad mini 802.11g wireless ethernet adapter for mac/pc, with help, programed and hooked it up, Now the wireless works to about 50 feet from router. Several questions, Is that about the normal distance from the router? Next is that proof that the airport card is bad? assuming its turned on. If so when I acquire another one ,will I be able to remove the old one and install the other (used one) with no programming, as you all can probally tell I know very little to none about computers.
These used cards can be obtained through Ebay ,Craigs list and so on
I,m told this is a very old computer for computers 2002 I think, I,d like to get it going as best I can so I can play with it and who knows some day trade in my PC for a Mac
Thak you

 

[CPTMuller]

Is that about the normal distance from the router?

Every router is different, and depending on the walls/signal interference there is nothing to say that it is not normal.

Next is that proof that the airport card is bad?

Not neccesarily unless you mean that the airport card can't connect (I think those cards are Wireless B though, which may be why it wont connect.).

If so when I acquire another one ,will I be able to remove the old one and install the other (used one) with no programming

Yes. You might have to install some new software, but it should be simple stuff.

I,d like to get it going as best I can so I can play with it and who knows some day trade in my PC for a Mac

 

[perky99]

wireless

Sorry, don,t know what wireless B is

 

[CPTMuller]

Sorry for the slow response. Wireless G is a slightly different frequency (Faster at about a 54mbps speed) and Wireless B is slower (11mbps as far as I know) and I've heard that the signal can carry further.

In short a wireless B card (such as the one that I suspect is in your laptop) cannot communicate with a wireless G Router, where as the card you added to your computer probably supported at least wireless G if not B as well.

 

[perky99]

O.K. That kind of make sense . I guess I,m stuck with the wireless B in my lap top, So what do I need to do to get this thing to work? I do appreciate all the info, and taking the time to help me, even tho I,m not computer swift, I do have some one that is.
When I go to About this Mac, and under airport card, it says wireless network not available. Any idea,s from that?
Thanks Perky99

 

[CPTMuller]

http://store.apple.com/us/product/M8881LL/A?fnode=home/shop_mac/mac_accessories/airport_wireless&mco=MTMyNjg
In theory buying one of these (and installing it) would work. I think short of that you are stuck using the Aeropad wireless adapter you bought at the store.

 

[perky99]

Good news, I bought a airport card through Amazon, it arrived yesterday and my son in law installed it and its working fine now. I don,t know full distance yet but I got full power at about 150 feet, just another toy for this retired guy.
Again thanks a lot for your help, My son in law was impressed with you,knowledge and willingness to be helpful.
Thanks Perky99

 

[CPTMuller]

Sure thing, glad to hear that you eventually found a good solution.