| Manufacturer: Apple Computer |
| Suggested Retail Price: $99 |
System Requirements:
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Specifications:
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If you want to connect to the Internet wirelessly, you will need an AirPort card in your computer.Set up:
Installing and setting up the card is easy. Every AirPort ready Mac has a built in antenna and AirPort card holder. You simply install it according to the directions that came with your Mac. Then, install the software and you are ready to go.
Usage:After I installed the AirPort card into my iBook, I turned it on, and was pleasantly surprised. The needed software was already installed and functioning. Using Mac OS X, the computer automatically configured itself for the AirPort card, found the wireless network, and started surfing within minutes.
Later, I went into my wireless router to set up a WEP security. My iBook lost the signal to the router, because it didn't have the WEP password. Finding the network was as easy as opening the AirPort Setup Assistant, selecting the network, and entering the correct password. One quick hint, to enter the password, place a dollar sign in front of it (i.e. for the password '1234', use '$1234').
Now, I was securely surfing the internet without wires, what a joy! But the AirPort card does do some other things, without the need of a separate base station. For instance, you can set up one computer with an AirPort card as a software base station. This feature, only available in OS 9, makes that computer act as a base station, eliminating the need for extra hardware. However, doing this means the designated computer must always be on when you want to use the other AirPort enabled computers for surfing the net; plus the overall range is much shorter.
Another feature similar to the software base station is direct computer-to-computer networks. Just like in the days of a printer cable connecting two Macs, you can now use your AirPort cards to connect two computers together. This way, you can send messages, transfer files, play head-to-head games, and more without the need for wires.
Problems:I didn't encounter any problems while using the AirPort Card.
Conclusion:Wireless networking/surfing the Internet is a great thing. And Apple makes this easy. This card is simple to install and use, the way an Apple product should be.
| Pros | Cons |
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10/10 stars |
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Arbitrary Quote - I finally came up with a punishment for the boy. First, no leaving the house, not even for school. Second, no egg nog. In fact, no nog period! And third, absolutely no stealing for three months!