Author Topic: Got a Laptop, Now What? (Read 4401 times)

sluggo · « **on:** February 09, 2003, 11:07:00 PM »

Still in the market for a relatively inexpensive Apple laptop. I have several on my ebay watch list. I'll probably try to stay with Kris's suggestion of a Wallstreet, but that isn't necessarily carved in stone. It should be a G3 so that it has the potential to run Jag. I plan on equipping with Airport so that I can hang out in front of the TV with my mutts. I'm thinking I won't need much software, just OS, browser and IM. Therefore a large drive isn't essential. Anyone seen any bargains out there? Not really looking to steal one, but I'll pay a fair price. Thanks again, all.

[ 02-10-2003, 10:08 PM: Message edited by: sluggo ]

acg · « **Reply #1 on:** February 10, 2003, 02:29:00 AM »

Hi,

I am also considering getting another laptop and what I am leaning on is the new 17" powerbook. So, it looks like I won't be needing the services of my trusty Pismo after all...

If you are interested, here are the specs:

Powerbook G3 500 MHz
384 Mb RAM
20 Gb HD
Expansion bay combo drive (DVD - CD-RW)
Original expansion bay DVD
Airport card
2 USB ports
2 Firewire ports
S-Video port + cable
Audio in / out
Ethernet 10 / 100
Internal 56k v90 modem
Mac OS 9.2.1

I haven't put it on the market yet, so if you are interested, make me an offer and we can arrange it. My email is acg@imagine.gr

Thanks

sluggo · « **Reply #2 on:** February 10, 2003, 07:37:00 PM »

OK, halfway there. Just purchased a Powerbook 233 mhz/128 RAM/2gig/SCSI, serial and ADB ports.
Now I have a bunch of Airport bases on the watch list. Anyone have any idea whether I can put an Airport card adapter and Airport card into one of the PC slots? If so, which adapter? Sure hope I didn't jump the gun on this thing.

[ 02-10-2003, 09:47 PM: Message edited by: sluggo ]

swhitset · « **Reply #3 on:** February 10, 2003, 09:35:00 PM »

I don't know the specifics on the laptrop you bought, but as far as the base station goes, you could buy a linksys, D link etc... wireless router. These are cheaper than the Apple base station and support the 802.11b standard.

Steve

kelly · « **Reply #4 on:** February 10, 2003, 10:36:00 PM »

Wallstreet?

http://new.lowendmac.com/pb2/g3series.shtml

PowerBook G3 Computers: How to Identify Different Models

http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=24604

Lots of wireless info in this related dealmac thread.

http://dealmac.com/forums/read.html?f=1&i=...56068&t=1051098

krissel · « **Reply #5 on:** February 11, 2003, 02:13:00 AM »

Um, I think you might have the first version of that line which was refered to as "Mainstreet". An easy way to tell which model it is, is to find out the bus speed. If is is 83 then you have the earlier model which does not have the L2 cache and the better screen. The earlier line has only a single resolution for the three screen sizes 12, 13, 14". The later models have only 14" screens but three possible resolutions and a 66 bus speed. The second version had 4 and 8 G hard drives.

That's not to say this is necessarily a bad machine but it was kind of like a beta version of what became the Wallstreet line. If it runs OK and you didn't spend too much, then it will do for your intended use. I wouldn't count on running X very well, though.

The first link kelly gave you is not very well written to differentiate the models (I remember reading it once before and saying "huh?" to myself) but from there you can go to this page which is a better description of the Wallstreet/PDQ line. (PDQ=Pretty Damn Quick)

[ 02-11-2003, 03:16 AM: Message edited by: krissel ]

JohnKentucky · « **Reply #6 on:** February 11, 2003, 05:08:00 AM »

Another site to check out is Everymac which gives you the specs of all macs. Pretty good site.

sluggo · « **Reply #7 on:** February 11, 2003, 06:53:00 AM »

It may well be a Mainstreet with the memory bumped up. I listed all the specifics that I know in the previous post. I'd already checked the Low End Mac and Apple spec pages and couldn't tell which machine I bought. Guess I have to wait until it shows up to get more specifics.
Kris -If I have to just use 9.2 that will be fine for my purposes. Pretty much just need to use a brower, email and IM.
Steve - Thanks for the idea, I guess it doesn't necessarily have to be Airport - just a wireless that works.
Now back to one of the original questions. Does anyone have an idea on what to use for an adapter for the wireless card? Thanks everyone.
By the way, wonder how it is in Al country? It's a beautiful sunny morning here, but the thermometer out on the deck says -20º. I love NY!

[ 02-11-2003, 07:56 AM: Message edited by: sluggo ]

sluggo · « **Reply #8 on:** February 11, 2003, 07:40:00 AM »

Investigating Steve's suggestion that the wireless hardware doesn't necessarily have to be Apple. I checked out D Link's website.
They have a configurator. Plugging in the info that I have 2 computers currently and wish to add a wireless laptop to the network, they recommend:
DWL 900 Wireless Access Point - $109
DWL 650 PC Card Wireless Adapter - $49
DSS 5+ 5 Port Ethernet Switch - $39

I already have a Linksys router with my iMac and Performa sharing a cable modem and I have 2 extra ports open on it. Would I need the enet switch? Shouldn't I be able to plug the access point (base station) into my router with an ethernet cable and then it would transmit the signal to the wireless card on the Powerbook?
This wireless stuff is totally new to me so I need a little guidance to make sure I don't buy the wrong or unnecessary equipment.

dolphin · « **Reply #9 on:** February 11, 2003, 07:53:00 AM »

Sluggo , I don't think you need the ethernet switch...I am running my Beige G3 tower and a PC laptop with a DL 650+ Card Adapter...and a pc tower with a DWL 120 Wireless USB Adapter...and all works well.

Enjoy!!!

Gregg · « **Reply #10 on:** February 11, 2003, 07:56:00 AM »

Got a Laptop, Now What?

Well, sit down.

sluggo · « **Reply #11 on:** February 11, 2003, 08:20:00 AM »

Thanks Roy. Their configurator has no way of knowing that I already have a router and I only need one wireless connection to run from the current setup. Now I'm just wondering if the DWL 650 card will pop into the Powerbook and if it needs/comes with Mac drivers.

sluggo · « **Reply #12 on:** February 11, 2003, 11:13:00 PM »

Last piece of the puzzle needed. Got the Wallstreet (though maybe Mainstreet as Kris points out) and a D Link DWL 900 Wireless Access Point being shipped.
Now, what do I need for card in the computer? Will an Airport or D Link DWL 650 fit the machine? Thanks for the assistance so far people, I'm almost there.

dolphin · « **Reply #13 on:** February 12, 2003, 07:13:00 AM »

Sluggo ...just reading the quick start manual for the D-Link DWL 650+...and nowhere do I see where it is Mac compatible. Have you checked the D-Link website???
The quickstart manual talks only of Windows XP, 2000, ME, and 98 drivers.
Hope this helps...

sluggo · « **Reply #14 on:** February 12, 2003, 08:28:00 AM »

Roy - An ebay seller claims that the card will work with Powerbook and that drivers are available for download. I'm still very skeptical so I didn't bite.
The D Link Access Point, like Airport is supposed to work with any equipment with the 802.11b standard. So I don't really care whether I have to buy Airport or another brand, as long as it fits into the machine and works.
I think I just made a wise move. I just sent Small Dog an email and asked their tech guy. They're very reputable and I've had positive experiences with them before. Guess I'll just bite the bullet and buy an Airport card from them when I get their recommendation. Airport cards are going pretty high on ebay anyway, at least this way I know I can count on Small Dog if there is a problem.

[ 02-12-2003, 09:43 AM: Message edited by: sluggo ]

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Author Topic: Got a Laptop, Now What? (Read 4401 times)