TOPIC
This article provides answers to the following questions regarding AirPort Wireless Communications.
2. What Apple systems are wireless capable? 3. Will my iBook work with third-party 802.11 wireless products? 4. What effect does AirPort have on the iBook battery life? 5. Can I turn AirPort off in my computer? 6. What version of the Mac OS do I need to use AirPort? 7. How much does it cost to add wireless capability to my iBook? 8. Who should install the AirPort Card? 9. Do I have to decide I want wireless capability when I buy my system, or can I add it later? DISCUSSION Question 1: Can I add wireless communications capability to iBook? Answer: Yes. You can purchase an AirPort Card and install it yourself. Question 2: What Apple systems are wireless capable? Answer: iBook comes with an antenna already built in; all you need to add is an AirPort Card. PowerBook computers can use a PC Card to communicate with an AirPort network. Check the specification sheet to determine compatibility with other products. Question 3: Will my iBook work with third-party 802.11 wireless products? Answer: iBook works with third-party access point products that conform to the IEEE 802.11 standard and use Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum (DSSS) modulation. Question 4: What effect does AirPort have on the iBook battery life? Answer: The AirPort card does require battery power, however, because the computer itself draws much more power than AirPort does, there is minimal impact during normal use. If you want to maximize battery life, you can turn off power to the AirPort Card (through its Control Strip module) when you aren't using it. Question 5: Can I turn AirPort off in my computer? Answer: Yes. The AirPort Control Strip module allows you to turn off the AirPort Card. You may want to do this if you are on an airplane or don't need to use AirPort capabilities. Question 6: What version of the Mac OS do I need to use AirPort? Answer: You'll need Mac OS 8.6 or later. Question 7: How much does it cost to add wireless capability to my iBook? Answer: In the United States, the AirPort Card has a suggested retail price of US $99, from the Apple Store. The AirPort Base Station has a suggested retail price of US $ 299 and can also be purchased from the Apple Store. Question 8: Who should install the AirPort Card? Answer: The AirPort card is designed for user installation. By following the instructions that come with the card, you simply plug the card into the appropriate slot in your computer and run the installation software, which walks you through setup. You may feel more comfortable having an authorized Apple service provider install it. Question 9: Do I have to decide I want wireless capability when I buy my system, or can I add it later? Answer: If you don't choose wireless capability as a build-to-order option when you buy an iBook, you can easily add it later on. Simply order an AirPort Card from the Apple Store. You may also choose to purchase an AirPort Hardware Access Point if you intend to have wireless Internet access at home. Refer to the following articles for the remaining questions and answers: Article 58414: " AirPort Wireless Communications: FAQ - Part 1 of 3 " Article 60422: " AirPort Wireless Communications: FAQ - Part 3 of 3 "
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| Document Information | |
| Product Area: | AirPort |
| Category: | AirPort Software |
| Sub Category: | Reference |
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