OS X USB WiFi ?

Posted by: andy

OS X USB WiFi ? - 30/10/2005 14:51

When I bought my Mac mini I went for the one without built-in WiFi and Bluetooth, a decision I now regret.

I want to get a USB WiFi adapter for it, but I can't seem to find any that support OS X. Does anyone know of any ?
Posted by: hybrid8

Re: OS X USB WiFi ? - 30/10/2005 15:05

Here's some info I found...

"I picked up a Dlink DWL-122 USB 802.11b adapter about two weeks ago, works just fine. It is one of the only USB wireless adapters that I could find that has driver support for Mac OS X."

http://www.macosxhints.com/article.php?story=20050201091946184

Then there are also Ethernet to Wifi adapters which should work but cost more.

Bruno
Posted by: wfaulk

Re: OS X USB WiFi ? - 31/10/2005 19:10

You can get the adapter after the fact. It's no more expensive than having ordered it that way in the first place. And if you have an Apple Store close by (I don't know if they exist in the UK) they'll install it, too.
Posted by: tman

Re: OS X USB WiFi ? - 31/10/2005 19:15

Quote:
You can get the adapter after the fact. It's no more expensive than having ordered it that way in the first place. And if you have an Apple Store close by (I don't know if they exist in the UK) they'll install it, too.

There are three Apple stores in the UK now. Birmingham, London and Bluewater so far.

An external USB WiFi dongle would be cheaper than getting Apple to install the part. There is no point in trying to install it yourself. Whilst the procedure isn't too complicated (paint scrapers excluded) it is difficult to get the parts and if you've got a mini without Bluetooth and WiFi then you're missing the mezzanine board that they plug into.
Posted by: wfaulk

Re: OS X USB WiFi ? - 31/10/2005 20:02

I mean that Apple offers the whole shebang as an upgrade. I literally took my Mini into the local Apple Store left it (and $100 or so) with them, came back an hour later, and it had WiFi and Bluetooth built in. I don't know that that's available in the UK, but I don't see why it wouldn't be.
Posted by: tman

Re: OS X USB WiFi ? - 31/10/2005 20:12

Quote:
I mean that Apple offers the whole shebang as an upgrade. I literally took my Mini into the local Apple Store left it (and $100 or so) with them, came back an hour later, and it had WiFi and Bluetooth built in. I don't know that that's available in the UK, but I don't see why it wouldn't be.

I know what you meant. I just said that it is cheaper to get a USB WiFi dongle and that you can't save money by buying the Apple part and fitting it yourself.
Posted by: wfaulk

Re: OS X USB WiFi ? - 31/10/2005 20:34

True and true.
Posted by: andy

Re: OS X USB WiFi ? - 04/11/2005 15:54

Quote:

"I picked up a Dlink DWL-122 USB 802.11b adapter about two weeks ago, works just fine. It is one of the only USB wireless adapters that I could find that has driver support for Mac OS X."



I was about to order one of these when I suddenly realised it was only 802.11b, bugger.

My main use for the card is to stream recorded TV shows from my server via SMB, so 802.11b isn't really going to cut it.

I guess it is going to have to be an Ethernet-WiFi bridge, running a cable or getting an Apple upgrade.
Posted by: drakino

Re: OS X USB WiFi ? - 04/11/2005 20:49

The DLink DWL-G122 is a 802.11g adapter that works in OS X 10.2-10.4. Links to the drivers are in this Mac OS X Hints article.
Posted by: andy

Re: OS X USB WiFi ? - 05/11/2005 05:47

Ah, ok. I hadn't noticed the extra "G" in some of the model names mentioned.

I see however that there are also lots of people (both on that article and elsewhere) having problems getting it working.

I think I'm going to go with the Ethernet bridge option, it will probably be easier in the long run.