Wireless Nirvana

[rdowns]

Spent the day yesterday taking full advantage of my new iMac with BT and Airport/Airport Express. Also reduced a lot of clutter.

Airport Express- Plugged it in and set it up to extend my network. Took all of a minute or so. Toslink to stereo system and wireless iTunes. Removed cassette deck and CD player (can always use DVD player if I need to) from stereo shelves (a Tivo will take that space) Plug in HP 1012 and wireless printing. HP now in a cabinet in living room wall unit. Freed up desk space, lost 2 wires and gained printing capability for my iBook.

Desktop - With the clean look of the iMac, decided I had to do something about all the damn cable mess. Also have a Toshiba laptop I use for work on the desk. Bought one of those wooden cubes at Target and installed casters on bottom so it is easily moved.

Inside the cube, which has a door, I put my cable modem and its power brick, D-Link router (needed to connect laptop) and its power cord, speaker power brick, laptop power brick and a good surge protector. Damn thing is a mess but you can't see it. Airport .b base station on top of the cube. External FireWire drive next to it (its power brick in the cube) and a pretty white Apple thin FireWire cable up to the back of iMac. If I need to get at anything in there, all I have to do is wheel it out.

My desk now looks like my mother cleaned it. Set of JBL Creature IIs (wires all hidden in a cable track I attached to back lip of desk), iPod dock and Logitech MX 1000 dock. The cable track has the few cables from the cube routed through it. Where they pop out, they go right into the hole on the back of the iMac.

5 hours to do all this.
Only 2 visible wires on desk (iPod dock and mouse for laptop)
Priceless!

[toughboy]

5 hours to do all this.
Only 2 visible wires on desk (iPod dock and mouse for laptop)
Priceless!

you are as minimalistic maniac as I am!

[johnnyjibbs]

Bluetooth mouse and AirPort Express has reduced my cable clutter for my PowerBook down to just the power (which I can obviously sometimes eliminate). Now, when are they going to figure out safe power transmission over the airwaves? :p :D

[wrldwzrd89]

Spent the day yesterday taking full advantage of my new iMac with BT and Airport/Airport Express. Also reduced a lot of clutter.

Airport Express- Plugged it in and set it up to extend my network. Took all of a minute or so. Toslink to stereo system and wireless iTunes. Removed cassette deck and CD player (can always use DVD player if I need to) from stereo shelves (a Tivo will take that space) Plug in HP 1012 and wireless printing. HP now in a cabinet in living room wall unit. Freed up desk space, lost 2 wires and gained printing capability for my iBook.

Desktop - With the clean look of the iMac, decided I had to do something about all the damn cable mess. Also have a Toshiba laptop I use for work on the desk. Bought one of those wooden cubes at Target and installed casters on bottom so it is easily moved.

Inside the cube, which has a door, I put my cable modem and its power brick, D-Link router (needed to connect laptop) and its power cord, speaker power brick, laptop power brick and a good surge protector. Damn thing is a mess but you can't see it. Airport .b base station on top of the cube. External FireWire drive next to it (its power brick in the cube) and a pretty white Apple thin FireWire cable up to the back of iMac. If I need to get at anything in there, all I have to do is wheel it out.

My desk now looks like my mother cleaned it. Set of JBL Creature IIs (wires all hidden in a cable track I attached to back lip of desk), iPod dock and Logitech MX 1000 dock. The cable track has the few cables from the cube routed through it. Where they pop out, they go right into the hole on the back of the iMac.

5 hours to do all this.
Only 2 visible wires on desk (iPod dock and mouse for laptop)
Priceless!
I guess I should consider getting Bluetooth installed in my next Mac, then. My iMac doesn't have it.

[G4-power]

My desk now looks like my mother cleaned it. Set of JBL Creature IIs (wires all hidden in a cable track I attached to back lip of desk), iPod dock and Logitech MX 1000 dock. The cable track has the few cables from the cube routed through it. Where they pop out, they go right into the hole on the back of the iMac.

5 hours to do all this.
Only 2 visible wires on desk (iPod dock and mouse for laptop)
Priceless!

Wow, congratulations! I have a cable mess so big under the office table(desk) that I wonder how the G4 tower can get any air. We fixed the cables into neat whaddayacallit...well neatly anyway. I guess there's at least 50 meters of cable there, at least 10 USB cables etc. etc.

My first computer I shall own all by myself (this PM is my dad's) is going to be a 'Book, and it'll have BT and AP Ext. for sure.

BTW, I'm quite interested in both your mouse and speakers. Do the Creatures II's sound good? I understand they're quite a bargain with a low price for such sound performance. And the MX 1000, isn't that the laser-mouse? I just yesterday bumped into one at the mall and hevaily tried to get my mom buy one. I suppose the laser is good enough, but what do you say about the wireless technology? It isn't BT, but is it fast enough, I mean, does it lag at all? have you tried games with the mouse?

From the Logitech website: "Fast RF™ cordless
Cordless performance that equals USB corded connection" Is this true?

[rdowns]

Wow, congratulations! I have a cable mess so big under the office table(desk) that I wonder how the G4 tower can get any air. We fixed the cables into neat whaddayacallit...well neatly anyway. I guess there's at least 50 meters of cable there, at least 10 USB cables etc. etc.

My first computer I shall own all by myself (this PM is my dad's) is going to be a 'Book, and it'll have BT and AP Ext. for sure.

BTW, I'm quite interested in both your mouse and speakers. Do the Creatures II's sound good? I understand they're quite a bargain with a low price for such sound performance. And the MX 1000, isn't that the laser-mouse? I just yesterday bumped into one at the mall and hevaily tried to get my mom buy one. I suppose the laser is good enough, but what do you say about the wireless technology? It isn't BT, but is it fast enough, I mean, does it lag at all? have you tried games with the mouse?

From the Logitech website: "Fast RF™ cordless
Cordless performance that equals USB corded connection" Is this true?

I replaced a set of Altec Lansing ATP-3 with the Creatures. Very happy with the sound. Mainly got them to match my iMac.

MX-1000- only been using for 2 days but I feel it's the best mouse I've ever used. I'm not a gamer so can't speak for any lag. Seems a bit more responsive than the Microsoft wireless it replaced but that could just be the "new toy" effect.

[G4-power]

MX-1000- only been using for 2 days but I feel it's the best mouse I've ever used. I'm not a gamer so can't speak for any lag. Seems a bit more responsive than the Microsoft wireless it replaced but that could just be the "new toy" effect.

I see, what about the software on the CD? Did you install it? Does it work okay, I mean can you enable all the fancy buttons? I'm especially interested in the left-right "scrolling" buttons.

[Jovian9]

Any pics?

[wrldwzrd89]

Any pics?
I'd like to see pictures of your setup too, rdowns!

[rdowns]

Good excuse to play with iPhoto. Wicked fast compared to my old G3/600 iMac.

Here you go

http://homepage.mac.com/rdowns/PhotoAlbum6.html

For whatever reason, the thumbnails don't display on page. Run the slide show to see them.

[wrldwzrd89]

Good excuse to play with iPhoto. Wicked fast compared to my old G3/600 iMac.

Here you go

http://homepage.mac.com/rdowns/PhotoAlbum6.html
Nice. I like what you've done to minimize the cable clutter. My setup is nowhere near as neat. I've got a whole mess of cables around and behind both my Mac and PC, plus a bunch of other stuff on my desk, like CD cases with CDs inside that I'm not currently using.

[rdowns]

Nice. I like what you've done to minimize the cable clutter. My setup is nowhere near as neat. I've got a whole mess of cables around and behind both my Mac and PC, plus a bunch of other stuff on my desk, like CD cases with CDs inside that I'm not currently using.

Thanks. Now let's see if I can keep it this neat.

[rdowns]

I see, what about the software on the CD? Did you install it? Does it work okay, I mean can you enable all the fancy buttons? I'm especially interested in the left-right "scrolling" buttons.

Installed software and all buttons can be configured. Left-right scrolling works (awesome feature, I use it a lot in Excel at work with Msft. Wireless). I particularly like pushing the scroll wheel to double click and the application switching button.

[G4-power]

Installed software and all buttons can be configured. Left-right scrolling works (awesome feature, I use it a lot in Excel at work with Msft. Wireless). I particularly like pushing the scroll wheel to double click and the application switching button.

Ooo. Wow. Now I really gotta get this mouse, or even the quite-similar not-laser corded MX510.

[blackfox]

Nice set-up rdowns... but it is almost too minimal. I mean you need some fancy-looking stuff with blinky lights around, don't you?

I like the idea of that cube, however, I might pick one up myself. I also find garbage bag ties priceless for cord-management (or electrical tape).

I like the trash can too...very Apple-themed.

[Diatribe]

Nice. I always try to reduce cables to a minimum. Now if Apple could just get that wireless Firewire out, I could free my Powerbook of some other cables like Ext. HD(how fast does wiFW actually go? Does anybody know?) or the iPod dock.
And I am still waiting for the MX1000 to go BT :D Hurry Logitech. :p

[SiliconAddict]

I really wish someone would come out with WIFI speakers.

[Diatribe]

I really wish someone would come out with WIFI speakers.

I think BT would limit this as you could only play stuff at a certain bitrate... but wireless FW should definitely be able to handle even lossless. But this might be well off. We'll see when Apple puts it in their computers and then maybe 1 or 2 years later... :(

[SiliconAddict]

I think BT would limit this as you could only play stuff at a certain bitrate

BT yes. But standard 802.11x (a.k.a. WIFI) should be able to handle just about any audio thrown at it. After all they Apple does have the airport express.

I'd like to see Apple come out with an 5.1 surround sound 802.11b/g speaker setup. There has been a few instances where I've taken my laptop. (Sorry for now it’s a PC. Come on Apple give me my G5 17" PowerBook damn it!!) Anyways I've taken my laptop over to a friends house hooked up the projector I have and had to drag along the speaker setup I have that is a PITA since I have cables strung all over the floor. An 802.11b/g setup would be sweet.

[johnnyjibbs]

I really wish someone would come out with WIFI speakers.
AirPort Express hooked up to digital speakers via Toshlink = WIFI speakers. What more do you want?

[G4-power]

And I am still waiting for the MX1000 to go BT :D Hurry Logitech. :p

Yes, I know we're not here discussing mice but BT would limit the MX 1000 fastness because it's much slower than Fast RF. But yes, it would make it compatible without the "dock" and it'd be better than the MX900 BT because of all the laser-goodness 20x more accurate tracking.

[wrldwzrd89]

AirPort Express hooked up to digital speakers via Toshlink = WIFI speakers. What more do you want?
Too bad I don't have a Toslink-enabled computer yet. I would love a setup like that.

[SiliconAddict]

AirPort Express hooked up to digital speakers via Toshlink = WIFI speakers. What more do you want?

Unfortunately, unless a hack has been found, the only thing that goes through AE is iTunes. Can you get normal system sounds to go through AE? And even then there is a whole heck of a lot of dicking with setting it up. I mean slap the AE into a power outlet. Connect the speakers to the AE. Connect the power to the speakers. Etc. Etc. Etc.
Vs a solution with an integrated WIFI chipset (Think PDA chipset so its way low powered.) and all you simply have to do is plug in your speakers to the outlet and away you go. For configuration purposes there is a USB port on the side of the speaker that you plug into your laptop for initial configuration (e.g. setting up the AP specifics such as WEP/WPA settings)

[johnnyjibbs]

Unfortunately, unless a hack has been found, the only thing that goes through AE is iTunes. Can you get normal system sounds to go through AE? And even then there is a whole heck of a lot of dicking with setting it up. I mean slap the AE into a power outlet. Connect the speakers to the AE. Connect the power to the speakers. Etc. Etc. Etc.
Vs a solution with an integrated WIFI chipset (Think PDA chipset so its way low powered.) and all you simply have to do is plug in your speakers to the outlet and away you go. For configuration purposes there is a USB port on the side of the speaker that you plug into your laptop for initial configuration (e.g. setting up the AP specifics such as WEP/WPA settings)
The problem with that is the 1-2 second lag you get with the WiFi, which is pain in the arse enough with iTunes when you want to scrub through a track to a certain point. The delay on system sounds or DVD playback would be prohibitive.

[G4-power]

The problem with that is the 1-2 second lag you get with the WiFi, which is pain in the arse enough with iTunes when you want to scrub through a track to a certain point. The delay on system sounds or DVD playback would be prohibitive.

Oh yeah, I didn't come to think of that lag.
Pretty annoying, think yourself playing something like Unreal Tournament 2004, you hear distant footsteps, turn around and be dead.
Though, there is indeed a hack for AirPort Express, the Norwegian programmer who hacked the DVD DRM did it. Here's a TechNewsWorld (http://www.technewsworld.com/story/35835.html) article about it.

[Diatribe]

Yes, I know we're not here discussing mice but BT would limit the MX 1000 fastness because it's much slower than Fast RF. But yes, it would make it compatible without the "dock" and it'd be better than the MX900 BT because of all the laser-goodness 20x more accurate tracking.

How much slower exactly is BT compared to fast RF? Is it really that much of a difference?
It's just, I do not mind the dock to charge it, I just don't want to carry it around every time I want to use the mouse...

[Diatribe]

BT yes. But standard 802.11x (a.k.a. WIFI) should be able to handle just about any audio thrown at it. After all they Apple does have the airport express.

I'd like to see Apple come out with an 5.1 surround sound 802.11b/g speaker setup. There has been a few instances where I've taken my laptop. (Sorry for now it’s a PC. Come on Apple give me my G5 17" PowerBook damn it!!) Anyways I've taken my laptop over to a friends house hooked up the projector I have and had to drag along the speaker setup I have that is a PITA since I have cables strung all over the floor. An 802.11b/g setup would be sweet.

Oooh which evil notebook brand is it? :D
Yep, that would be pretty awesome, but as mentioned by you too; there is a lag now through AE. And there would be most likely a lag in those also. I'm no tech expert but this could pose a problem if you need fast, responsive sound output.

[Palad1]

Unfortunately, unless a hack has been found, the only thing that goes through AE is iTunes.

Airport Express' public key has been extracted from iTunes by Jon Johansenn some three months ago. That means anybody can stream to Airport Express now.

http://nanocrew.net/blog/apple/revairtunes.html

[G4-power]

How much slower exactly is BT compared to fast RF? Is it really that much of a difference?
It's just, I do not mind the dock to charge it, I just don't want to carry it around every time I want to use the mouse...

I got no idea. Just what I have heard. It makes a difference if you're a gamer, but not otherwise. Fast RF is better because it works at the same refresh rate as USB, 125 Hz. That means 125 times per second. Hardcore gamers though, at least on the PC side use PS/2 (up to 200 Hz) or "clock the USB bus to 125, 500 or 1000 Hz.

I know, charging with the dock makes sense but if you're a laptop user the BT mouse is a good option so that you don't need to lug the dock around.

[SiliconAddict]

Oooh which evil notebook brand is it? :D



*Sighs*
Toshiba Satallite 15" display - 850Mhz - 384MB RAM - 40GB HD
My primary laptop for right now. Its my iTunes laptop since the thing has some very nice speakers and even a sub on the bottem of it.


Dell Latitude 13" display - 500Mhz - 256MB RAM - 40GB HD (I own 4 batts for this one. Its my if-I'm-away-from-the-house-a-long-time-I-don't-have-to-worry-about-power laptop. I get aprox 2-2.5 hours off of each battery so going a full day without access to a charger is not a problem. :)


I want a 17" POwerBook badly but I just can't. I'm a techhead. I know the spec difference between the PowerBooks and a Pentium M based laptop. I can't in good conscience shell out $3,000+ on a laptop that I know isn't top of the line in the marketplace anymore. So I wait...suck in this hell between ageing computer hardware and a new PowerBook. The only thing keeping me sane is my company just purchased a new IBM Thinkpad for me so I can survive for the time being on that. I seriously hope Apple gets something. ANYTHING that does for the PowerBook what the G5 did for the PowerMac because IMHO it so needs it its not even funny anymore.

Sorry for getting so off topic there.

[Diatribe]

*Sighs*
Toshiba Satallite 15" display - 850Mhz - 384MB RAM - 40GB HD
My primary laptop for right now. Its my iTunes laptop since the thing has some very nice speakers and even a sub on the bottem of it.


Dell Latitude 13" display - 500Mhz - 256MB RAM - 40GB HD (I own 4 batts for this one. Its my if-I'm-away-from-the-house-a-long-time-I-don't-have-to-worry-about-power laptop. I get aprox 2-2.5 hours off of each battery so going a full day without access to a charger is not a problem. :)


I want a 17" POwerBook badly but I just can't. I'm a techhead. I know the spec difference between the PowerBooks and a Pentium M based laptop. I can't in good conscience shell out $3,000+ on a laptop that I know isn't top of the line in the marketplace anymore. So I wait...suck in this hell between ageing computer hardware and a new PowerBook. The only thing keeping me sane is my company just purchased a new IBM Thinkpad for me so I can survive for the time being on that. I seriously hope Apple gets something. ANYTHING that does for the PowerBook what the G5 did for the PowerMac because IMHO it so needs it its not even funny anymore.

Sorry for getting so off topic there.

I don't know, you have a point but only with the processor and then only with the frontside bus. This is the only weak point of this powerbook. Graphics chip is great, HD is great(unless you want a much smaller 7200), backlit keyboard is unique, BT, AE AND it's by far the lightest in its category. So if you're talking about the processor fine, the rest is pretty much top of the line. Especially when you take all of that into consideration and compare it to another PC notebook.
But I do feel your pain with that Toshiba monster, although it is self-inflicted after all, you know? :p

[Macs R Us]

Well its a wireless Mac (ADB Mac) with out a AirKey ADB Wireless Kbd/mouse... A Plug for my self:)... But Its much better then the PC's version of wireless...:)

[wrldwzrd89]

Well its a wireless Mac (ADB Mac) with out a AirKey ADB Wireless Kbd/mouse... A Plug for my self:)... But Its much better then the PC's version of wireless...:)
Huh? What? Was this post supposed to be in reply to something, but you forgot to quote that poster?

[Macs R Us]

Huh? What? Was this post supposed to be in reply to something, but you forgot to quote that poster?

What are yu saying?... I'm dumb:)...

[wrldwzrd89]

What are yu saying?... I'm dumb:)...
Okay - in the "quoteless post", as I shall refer to it, there's an "its" that doesn't refer to anything. That's why I'm wondering what the quoteless post was in reference to.