Buying a Macbook, question about wireless internet

Hi everyone, I'm soon going to purchase a Macbook, just the $999 one. I have it for school and living in my apartment. Soon we're going to get a wireless ISP, not sure who we're going with yet. However my roommates also have laptops, not macs though. they have a toshiba and a netbook. My one roommate has a few wireless routers. I think one is Linksys, not sure what the others are. Just wondering how well my Macbook will link up to wireless routers that aren't the "airport" routers.
I just remember having trouble trying to get my iMac hooked up to wireless internet a few years back. We tried using a Linksys then. My iMac's OS is version 10.4.11, fyi. I think the real trouble was that I'm not very knowledgeable at all when it comes to networking, haha.

adsfushi72 wrote:
The MacBook can use any router that a PC can use.
This. We have a Mac Mini (no wireless - connected via ethernet), an eMac (same), a MacBook (connected both wirelessly and via ethernet) and a MacBook Pro (same).
All use the same D-Link wireless router.
And when I was using the MacBook (just got the MB Pro today, so...), I never had a problem connecting to networks in airports (the kind with planes, not Airport routers, LOL), coffee shops, universities, etc..
tl;dr: You shouldn't have a problem!

Similar Messages

Looking to buy, but questions about wireless

I am hoping to buy a macbook very soon, but I have some questions about the wireless. I have heard that you can only use an apple router for the wireless, but already have a regular Linksys router. Is this going to be a problem?

I have been using a Linksys with Macs for two years and never had a problem.

Question about Wireless Design and Controller

Hi Everyone,
Although I am not new to Cisco, I have somewhat limited experience with Wireless in general. I was hoping to get your help with the following:
We currently have a total of 8 1130AG, 4 on each floor. They were configured a few years ago, and now we are looking to update the design a bit. Each AP has its own SSID, and just provide internet access. Looking at the configuration, I noticed that they are not configured to use proper channels, just random channels (9, 10, 11, instead of 1, 6, 11, etc.). I noticed that when I roam between one AP to another, I lose about 4-8 pings before I re-establish connectivity again.
Here are my questions:
1. Do I need a controller in order to use just one SSID for the whole setup instead of the 8 seprate ones we currently have?
2. Will the controller helps in providing seamless transition when a client roams between AP's?
3. Is it normal to loose connectivity roaming around?
4. Can I reconfigure the current setup to use just one SSID and provide better transition between AP without the use of a controller?
5. Which controller would you recommend?
We don't have a need to anything fancy ,I am aware that I can enable multiple SSID, VLAN's, etc. Just trying to keep it as simple as possible, yet reliable.
Your input is appreciate.
Thanks

1. With 8 AP's only, a WLC would be nice-to-have but not necessary. You can configure WLSE and it will do some limited functions.
2. This depends on the signal strengths, wireless coverage and configuration. If you enable WLSE, for instance, and you have no wireless black spots, then roaming should be no issues.
3. See #2.
4. You can configure multiple SSID (up to 16 are broadcasted) but if one AP doesn't have the SSID you use for roaming, the association will drop when the client tries to join that particular AP. It's like mobile phone towers. If your carrier is not in the area, you sure won't be able to use your mobile phone in that area.
5. For 8 1130 APs, I'd recommend the smallest of the lot: 2106 with either 6, 12 or 25 AP licenses. I'd recommend you the 25 AP licenses. If your finances allow you something bigger, then consider either the 4402 (25 AP licenses) or the 5508.
Cisco 2100 Series Wireless LAN Controllers
http://www.cisco.com/en/US/prod/collateral/wireless/ps6302/ps8322/ps7206/ps7221/product_data_sheet0900aecd805aaab9.html
Cisco 4400 Series Wireless LAN Controllers
http://www.cisco.com/en/US/prod/collateral/wireless/ps6302/ps8322/ps6307/product_data_sheet0900aecd802570b0_ps6366_Products_Data_Sheet.html
Cisco 5500 Series Wireless Controllers Data Sheet
http://www.cisco.com/en/US/prod/collateral/wireless/ps6302/ps8322/ps10315/data_sheet_c78-521631.html

Question about wireless access

I'm thinking about buying an Airport Extreme for my dorm so my two roommates and I don't have to bother with ethernet cables. Once the base station is set up, will I have to leave my laptop connected to it in order to access the internet, or will the base station function on its own (meaning, can I set up the base station and have it stand alone as a wireless station connected to our dorm ethernet port)? Thanks.

Once you have configured the Airport base station then it will work fine and no computer needs to be left on (unlike when you share an internet connection).
iFelix

A few questions about the internet & Wi-Fi

i am getting a ipod touch for christmas, but i need to know a few things first.
how does the internet work? is it on Wi-Fi? where do you need to be to connect to Wi-Fi? like, can you get a reciever, or whatever, to put in your house, or do you have to go to an airport or some place that has Wi-Fi to be able to use it? if you can use it in your house, where do you get a reciever thingy from?
okay well thank you if you answer my question(s).

this is the one i have
http://www.amazon.com/Linksys-WRT150N-Wireless-Router-4-Port/dp/B000MANHJE/ref=p dbbs_sr1/104-8142157-7722356?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1193967317&sr=8-1
i like linksys best, but belkin makes routers too. also if you went with the wireless G router instead of the wireless N it might be cheaper but you'd lose some speed (i think). i know its a pain in the butt to buy this stuff to connect. i remember when i bought my mini i spent 4 hours screwing with it before i had to run to best buy at 10 pm and buy windows XP!

Generally questions about Wireless connection

I have a Toshiba notebook, and it has wireless lan card. It pops up says it has found a connection, then it says to connect but when I connect and its finding the connection it pops up and asks for a network key?
What is this?
It also comes with blue tooth.
Any help on this please!

Hello crazyanimal,
it seems like you are trying to connect to your neighbours wireless network.
Networks usualy are protected by a personal code (passphrase) to prevent the FREE use by unauthorized people.
If you want, you can also go and buy a wireless device for your home and start to explore the internet or your other
computer wireless.
I am sure you will enjoy the wireless experience this way.
Regards
electrochain

Getting a new macbook, questions about transferring files with Time Machine

I now plan to switch computers to one of the new Macbook pros. Since I now use Time Machine, I'm planning to just upload the backup to the new computer when I get it. the backups are able to be transferred to a new one for an upgrade right?
Also, I had to switch hard drives once about 2 years ago, and when I did, the backup DVD I made for my iTunes didn't remember which of my ~2000 songs are checked and which aren't, leaving me to have to do it manually over the course of a few weeks. Will Time Machine do this for me?
I'm also running Leopard atm, will there be any problems uploading all the info since the new computer will be running Snow Leopard, and the backup was made through Leopard?

falkner09 wrote:
I now plan to switch computers to one of the new Macbook pros. Since I now use Time Machine, I'm planning to just upload the backup to the new computer when I get it. the backups are able to be transferred to a new one for an upgrade right?
Not via a full system restore. You want to use +Setup Assistant+ when the new Mac first starts up. You can transfer directly from the old Mac, or it's backups. See [Setting up a new Mac from an old one or its backups|http://web.me.com/pondini/AppleTips/Setup.html] (or use the link in *User Tips* at the top of the +Snow Leopard > Installation and Setup+ forum).
Firewire from the old Mac will be fastest, by far. If you use your network, connect via Ethernet cable; wireless will take an eternity.
Also, I had to switch hard drives once about 2 years ago, and when I did, the backup DVD I made for my iTunes didn't remember which of my ~2000 songs are checked and which aren't, leaving me to have to do it manually over the course of a few weeks. Will Time Machine do this for me?
It should.
I'm also running Leopard atm, will there be any problems uploading all the info since the new computer will be running Snow Leopard, and the backup was made through Leopard?
That's what +Setup Assistant+ is all about; it transfers everything except the old version of OSX.

Disable question about opening internet downloaded content?

Hi all,
Is there anyway to disable the question snow leopard asks you about to open content that you downloaded from the internet?

HI,
If you diable that warning, you could be asking for problems... might want to read here.
http://www.macosxhints.com/article.php?story=2009081808315511
If you still want to diable that dialog go to Safari/Preferences and select the General tab.
Deselect: Open "safe" files after downloading.
Carolyn
Message was edited by: Carolyn Samit

White vs black macbooks (question about the material)

Hi, I'm trying to buy my first mac and I am really excited. But I'm not sure if I should get the black or the white macbook (same specs). Any advice is appreciated.
I've heard a lot about how the new Black Macbooks have a different finish than the white ones - matte compared to the glossy finish. In layman's terms, basically all I have learnt is that the black ones have a lot of stains on them. But I would think that the white ones get dirty pretty fast. Also I've read some reviews where some folks have said that the black has a different keyboard ... I tried both of them out at an Apple store and didn't notice much of a different.
Is there really that much of a difference between the two colors? If there isn't, I'd like to get the Black one just cuz it won't get dirty that quickly.
Any thoughts? Thanks for your time

I just went through the same dilemna. I had to decide whether paying $200 more for 40GB more of hard drive space and the black color. (The 40 GB is only worth $75 so you are paying $125 for the black color.) I ended up choosing the black. Sure, it smudges easily, however, that is really easy to clean. As for the scratches, once they are in the white ones, they are pretty much there for good. The black ones, you have a great chance of buffing them out if it is just a surface scratch.
I didn't need the 40GB of space, however, the black looks really cool, classy and professional and is easier to keep clean. Plus it accentuates the glowing apple far better than the white one. It really sounds like you want the black, so GO FOR IT!
2.16 Intel Core Duo MacBook (Black) Mac OS X (10.4.9)

Question about Verizon Internet

I am thinking about using Verizon internet for my laptop at home. I have heard of this thing that you plug into your laptop and you just pay for it and get internet that way. Does anyone know what that's called or what I am talking about, because I can't find anything like that on the Verizon website, and I know it exists because I knew someone that had it.

Does the term "Dongle" or "3G/LTE Modem" ring a bell by any chance? I believe what you're talking about may relate to mobile Internet that can be reached wherever you can get cell phone service, generally. Check Verizon Wireless or another wireless carrier for these.
Typically, if you can get Cable or DSL, or heck FiOS for that matter and you're not always on the road and away from home you're better off getting a fixed connection at home and using Wi-Fi rather than replacing what you have now with a mobile internet solution. Internet delivered to your home through a Cable, whether stranded copper, Twisted Pair Copper, Coaxial Copper, or Fiber Optic is often significantly faster and cheaper for what you get, and more consistent. I would suggest going this route if you're going to also be pushing or pulling any significant amount of data from the Internet as mobile data packages are often limited to Gigabytes a month with steep overages.
========
The first to bring me 1Gbps Fiber for $30/m wins!

Questions regarding wireless internet

Many questions...
1. How do I know if I have an airport card installed? I don't remember if it was installed when we got it.
2. We received a hand me down Belkin 54g and wanted to connect our to computers (g5, PC) to it. What, if anything, do I need to do to get my computer ready for this? I know I need to get the drivers from their website but I seemed to be having problems, so I wasn't sure what was going on.
Sorry for the juvenile questions, but I have never done this and have no idea how. Thank you.

Advanced, Welcome to the discussion area!
1. How do I know if I have an airport card installed? I don't remember if it was installed when we got it.
Run System Profiler and see if it has any AirPort information.
We received a hand me down Belkin 54g and... What, if anything, do I need to do to get my computer ready for this?
I'm assuming that this is a wireless router...??
If your G5 has the AirPort Extreme built-in then it is all set.
I know I need to get the drivers from their website...
There are no drivers needed.

Question about Wireless Controller and LAG.

I have a Wireless Controller 4400.
When I configure the controller with LAG, I have to connect the controller to a L3 switch?
If I connect the controller to a L2 switch the LAG works?
Some one can tell me something about this?
Thanks in advance,
Rui

Copper? so you are using rj-45 Gb SFPs on the controller. If that is the case, what is the speed of the switchports on the 2960?
I use the rj-45 Gb SFPs on our 4402s and they work fine connected to Gb rj-45 ports on the switches.
Also, check out the following:
http://www.cisco.com/en/US/docs/wireless/controller/4.2/configuration/guide/c42mint.html#wp1116136
"Using the CLI to Verify Link Aggregation Settings
To verify your LAG settings, enter this command:
show lag summary
Information similar to the following appears:
LAG Enabled
Configuring Neighbor Devices to Support LAG
The controller's neighbor devices must also be properly configured to support LAG.
â¢Each neighbor port to which the controller is connected should be configured as follows:
interface GigabitEthernet
switchport
channel-group mode on
no shutdown
â¢The port channel on the neighbor switch should be configured as follows:
interface port-channel
switchport
switchport trunk encapsulation dot1q
switchport trunk native vlan
switchport trunk allowed vlan
switchport mode trunk
no shutdown

Question about wireless keyboards

I have a question. On the wirelesss keyboards, are there two usb ports because on one side it looks like theres a power button, but whats on the other side? I hate wires and batteries but Im not sure what to get.

Ha!
I've finally found an answer to someone's question on these forums! If you agree, please click the "solved" button (or whatever it is) so I can finally get a credit for answering one question.
The left and right sides of the wireless keyboard are shown on this page:
http://www.apple.com/keyboard/
Just click the images to enlarge them. It looks to me like the one side of the keyboard has a power button and the other side has a place to insert the batteries.

Before I buy a Macbook questions...

Hello,
I am tired of my PC crashing. My 3 year waranty is out. Macs don't get viruses like PC's right? Do they still crash?
I would be downloading, saving and burning, videos and music. Do I need to upgrade the hard drive from 80 GB to 120 GB? What about the amount of Ram? I would also be using Microsoft Office for school.
I was thinking as accessories I was going to get one of those red zip up cases and one of those keyboard silicone protectors. I am also looking into one of those iskins.
While I was researching this, I found an article saying that the second generation Macbooks no longer have the heating problem. Is this true?
Also does anyone have video or pictures they have taken with their isight camera so I can see the quality?
Thanks.
Amy

Hi Amy,
Macs are not immune from crashing, but it is rare. I have a Macbook (since end of November), which I am loving, but it is slightly more prone to crashing than my old iBook, in that it has twice refused to wake from sleep (but this is out of hundreds of wake-from-sleeps, as during the day I don't shut it down, I just close the lid. It flawlessly wakes immediately on opening the lid 99.9% of the time, but with the iBook that was 100%). The operating system has once frozen during use, the second day I had it, no problem since. Generally on Macs if a programme does freeze it is only the progamme that crashes, not the whole system, so you can force quit that programme then reopen it (this has happened, 2 or 3 times).
No problems with viruses etc, though there is always the threat in the future...
I have 1 GB of RAM and it works fine, but I think this is the minimum: 1/2 GB is too small. I use Microsoft Office and it runs very well. The first Office programme I launch after switching on there is a slight delay - takes about 15 seconds to start sometimes, as it is still running through Rosetta, this will improve when they give us the new edition of Office for Mac later this year, as that will be written for the new Intel processors. After that documents and any other Office progammes starting is lightening fast. I did get 120 GB hard drive as I've run out of hard drive space on previous computers.
I don't have a keyboard protector. A sleeve seems sensible, and there are quite a few available for different styles. The one I use is from this site:
http://wrappers.typepad.com/ipod/applemacbook_linensleeves/index.html
but they are an English firm so that may not suit you.
I haven't had any heat problems with the Macbook. I only occasionally use it on my lap, when I do for a while it gets quite warm, but never so much I've been uncomfortable. I've never used it for more than about 1/2 hour on my lap. I've been using it for about 3/4 hour now and I've just felt underneath and its only warm.
I don't know how to show you pictures. I find the camera pretty good, clear and sharp, with all sorts of daft special effects built in if you fancy.
Hope that helps,
Bob

Macbook AirPort and Wireless internet

I was on the college campus wireless in the middle of class when my AirPort connection stopped. I got reconnected to the guest network and had full strength, but Safari would say that I wasn't connected to the internet at all.
Since it's the campus wireless, I don't know of anyway to restart a hub or anything.
Does anyone know what could have happened and how I can fix it?

Option click the wireless icon, in upper right menu bar>> open Wireless Diagnostics.

Buying a Macbook, question about wireless internet

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