Internet connects, but doesn't work properly

Question

I know there are a lot of topics on this, but mine is pretty specific. I'm using a Macbook I bought last August (Model Identifier MacBook4,1) and running OS 10.5.6 (I can't update to 10.5.7 because I`m having trouble connecting. Recently I noticed a bit of lag between the time my computer appeared to connect to networks via built-in aiport (the airport signal would turn dark in the top right hand corner with and show my signal strength) and when the the computer was actually able to transfer data from the internet (i.e. web pages wouldn't load on browsers and other applications faild to load data and stated there was no connection to the interent). It didn't seem to matter much what network I was logging onto (my home network, my school's, or a wifi hotspot. I'm not great with wireless networking, but I've used macs all my life and and know how to use them very well. I could usually fix the problem by quiting all apps and waiting a few minutes or restarting my computer. I recently arrived in Costa Rica to study abroad, and much to my dismay the problem has worsened. There aren't many places to access the interent here, but the school I am studying at and a cafe have wifi. When I try to connect it my computer has three problems. Sometimes it does't recognize the network even when I am right next to the modem where the signal is strongest. When I search for a network enough times it eventually recognizes the network though. Once I find the network when I click to connect it sometimes starts connecting then just stops before connecting. If I click to connect to the network enough times it eventually connects. When I am supposedly connected it my computer can't trasfer data. When I click on Network Diagnostic it at the Network Settings stage a window pops up stating the Network COnfiguration has changed. The internet the works for a minute or two before once again discontinuing the trasfer of data while inciating I am still connected. I have tried restoring network settings to defaults, but this doesn't change anything. Neither network requires a password. Two fellow students with the same model of MacBooks have been able to connect without problems. We've tried looking at all of my settings and haven't been able to figure out what's wrong. I have a nagging suspicion that my airport card may just be shot. I will be here for most of the summer and I'm pretty sure that my waranty expires while I'm here. There is an Apple store in San Jose about 30 minutes from where I'm staying. So my questions are: 1. Does anyone know how to fix my computer, because I would really like to use it to comunicate with my family? and 2. If it is defective can I take it to the Apple store here even though I purchased it in St. Louis, Mo USA (I've found that my battery is defective already though these forums because only one thread had my specific problem with my battery and all the owner's said that you just have to take it to the Apple store and get a new batter)? If I can't take care of the the defect(s) here is there any way to extend my warrenty for a month until I return to the States without paying to extend the warranty 1-3 years (being a student who's already taking out loans to study abroad I don't have much cash on hand nowdays)?

Answer 1

Try connecting to a network with an ethernet cable and see how it performs. If that is also not responding this would indicate a possible software error.
problem with my battery and all the owner's said that you just have to take it to the Apple store and get a new batter)? If I can't take care of the the defect(s) here is there any way to extend my warrenty for a month
Apple does not cover batteries under warranty as batteries do loose their capacity over time. If a battery suddenly stops working then apple may look into that. You would have to speak to apple care about that.
You cannot extend a warranty for 1 month you could purchase apple care and get 2 years of extended warranty. Although if the problem is reported to apple care prior to your warranty expiring then you may be ok, but I stress you would have to talk to apple care directly about this.
Why not take the mac into the apple store I am sure you can make an appointment to see an apple genius anywhere in the world.