Support NeoGAF

[cvxfreak]

So I bought a Mac mini today. It's size and my typicial internet/word processing computer use it far more ideal for me than my old desktop. Got a nice monitor to go with it, too.

The Apple Store rep told me that I could use any wireless network with it, but what he didn't tell me was that I needed an AirPort Express.

OK, what? I'm aware that it's basically a glorified wireless router with some nifty functions. I already have a wireless network in my house. So, questions:

- Is the Airport Express the only way to get the Mac mini connected to my current network? I called LinkSys but apparently my USB adapter is incompatible because they don't offer any drivers for Mac OSs. Uh oh. I ask because the AirPort Express is really expensive, especially after what I bought today. An AirPort Card and an AirPort Express will net me over $200.

- Can I just get the AirPort Card and use it with my current LinkSys network? I don't need or want AirTunes.

Thanks.

 

[fausty]

Airport Express or Airport Extreme? One is a small router, the other a wireless card. Yay for Apple and their naming policies... If you bought the Mini raw, you'll need to either use some sort of USB wireless bridge or get the Airport Extreme card installed at the Apple Store - the latter being a better choice (not sure about USB drivers).

Once you get a card installed, the Mini can use any wireless network you have - I'm writing this from a Mini connected to a Linksys Wireless-G Router using 128-bit WEP with no problems.

So, no, you don't need an Express. You might need an Extreme though. Hope this helps!

edit: Oops, just re-read your post. Sorry for explaining stuff you already know.

 

[Cerebral Palsy]

You need an Airport Extreme card for the Mac Mini.

I use a Linksys router myself.

 

[SickBoy]

You might consider a wireless bridge if you're not thrilled about the idea of buying an Airport card (I have no idea what they cost). As for the router, you should be fine with whatever, I'd think -- you shouldn't have to buy Apple's base station.

Original AirPort supported 802.11b and I believe the new card supports g, so they are based on existing standards and not some wacky Mac protocol.

 

[Macam]

The Airport Extreme Card is all you need and it's $79 ($69 with edu. discount). It's ridiculously easy to install, but given that you're dealing with a Mini, you'll want an Apple rep to service it for you. You do not need an Apple Extreme Base Station.

 

[cvxfreak]

Gah, today's been such a damn hassle.

Turns out the local Apple Store doesn't have any Airport Extremes in stock. According to them, the cards they have won't work with a Mac mini, so I have to wait until the end of the month.

What a goddamn waste of time. Yesterday, the rep told me any wireless modem would work, and it turns out LinkSys doesn't make drivers for Macs. Had I known this I would have bought the computer at a later time. Now it's either I keep using my laptop for internet, or reassemble my desktop and old monitor. How fun.

=/

 

[thom]

Comp USA should have a s'load of Airport Express's in stock.

My airport recognizes my Linksys router with no problem.

 

[StrikerObi]

I use my Powerbook with a built-in AirPort card on two wireless networks. It works fine on both. The first is an AirPort Express network I run in my apartment. The second is an old LinkSys Wireless B network. I have no problems with either.

So you will need an AirPort Extreme card in your Mac Mini, but you do not need to run it on an AirPort network. It'll work on pretty much any Wireless B/G network.

 

[Cerebral Palsy]

Why don't you call up Apple and complain? See if you can have them ship one to you.

I would have just ordered your Mini from Apple.com with the airport card already installed.

 

[cvxfreak]

Is there more than one type of Airport Extreme card out there? The Apple Store has cards, they apparently just don't work with Minis. But I can't find any other card online except one, and it might not be compatible with my Mini. My local CompUSA has some in stock thankfully.

Alternatively, does anyone know of a specific external wireless networking brand that works with Macs? I'd try the wireless bridge, but I don't know which brands work.

 

[number386]

Gah, today's been such a damn hassle.

Turns out the local Apple Store doesn't have any Airport Extremes in stock. According to them, the cards they have won't work with a Mac mini, so I have to wait until the end of the month.

What a goddamn waste of time. Yesterday, the rep told me any wireless modem would work, and it turns out LinkSys doesn't make drivers for Macs. Had I known this I would have bought the computer at a later time. Now it's either I keep using my laptop for internet, or reassemble my desktop and old monitor. How fun.

=/

I'm getting deja vu.


I would forego the wireless bridge route, in the end it probably will be a bigger hassle than just getting the airport extreme card. The best course of action would be to call up the apple store speak to the techs at genious bar and request for them to install the airport card, or send it to apple servicing to install it, the turnaround time should be 7-14 days. It probably will cost you around $80-100 for the card and installation fees, I'm not sure if thetechs in genious bar will have it on hand, but the apple servicing center should definetly have them. I'm not sure id the airport card used is the ones sold in stores or a new variety but even if you were able to buy a airport card installing it will be difficult due to it's design, I would not recommend it.

Out of curiosity which model did you get?

 

[MmmBeef]

Airport Exteme cards work fine in a Mac Mini. The problem is that unless you specify either
the Extreme card or Bluetooth when you initially configure it, your Mini will be missing the
daughtercard that connects both the Aiport and Bluetooth cards to the mainboard. It's
pictured below:

Your best bet is going through Apple to get the upgrade.

 

[cvxfreak]

Thanks for your help everyone. I just went ahead and got the wireless bridge. Online works like a charm.

Flying Llama: I got the Mac mini 80GB/1.42GhZ model (the $600 model).

 

[thom]

Enjoy your Mac CVXFREAK.

 

[Jill Sandwich]

You want fries with your mac?

Welcome to the snooty club!

 

[SickBoy]

Thanks for your help everyone. I just went ahead and got the wireless bridge. Online works like a charm.

Flying Llama: I got the Mac mini 80GB/1.42GhZ model (the $600 model).

I assume it's of the non-USB variety? Just curious...