Any way to legally upgrade MBP Core Duo to N?

[sprynmr]

Anyone know if there is anyway to upgrade my MBP 17" core duo to wireless N? I would really appreciate the speed, and my base station is N... but I don't want to void my warranty, especially when I'm thinking about buying the extended warranty.

Best,
Robert

[cmaier]

Originally Posted by sprynmr

Anyone know if there is anyway to upgrade my MBP 17" core duo to wireless N? I would really appreciate the speed, and my base station is N... but I don't want to void my warranty, especially when I'm thinking about buying the extended warranty.

Best,
Robert

http://store.apple.com/1-800-MY-APPL...More=D4141ZM/A

[EricNau]

Originally Posted by cmaier

http://store.apple.com/1-800-MY-APPL...More=D4141ZM/A

That only works for Apple notebooks featuring a Core 2 Duo processor.

[MacinDoc]

Belkin Wireless N Router and ExpressCard.

[f1]

Originally Posted by cmaier

http://store.apple.com/1-800-MY-APPL...More=D4141ZM/A

The enabler will not work in the Core Duo MBP. Unfortunately I think you're out of luck. Apple does not sell Airport Cards for the MBP because they all come with one preinstalled. Maybe if your airport card dies and it needs to be replaced you might end up with one with n capabilities by that's hihgly unlikely.

[tdhurst]

Short answer: no.
Long answer: noooooo


Sorry, not possible.

[MacinDoc]

Did the last 2 posters even check the link I posted? You just need to put a wireless N ExpressCard in the MBP's ExpressCard slot.

Can't guarantee you won't have to buy the matching router though.

[ehurtley]

Originally Posted by MacinDoc

Belkin Wireless N Router and ExpressCard.

MacinDoc is correct. If you want to avoid voiding the warranty, an ExpressCard is your only option. (Although you can do it without buying the whole router.)

If you're willing to open your notebook, you can try to find Apple part number 661-4060 or 603-9452-A or MA688, (I've seen all three,) which is for the Mac Pro AirPort card. It uses the same physical connector inside the computer (mini PCI Express,) and has the same antenna connectors as the Core Duo MBP, and Mac OS X recognizes it as a valid Apple 802.11n card just fine.

Installing it may or may not void the warranty. Should you have issues with the card installed, I would definitely put the original card back in before taking the computer to Apple.

Unfortunately, even though the list price for the Mac Pro AirPort card is only about $49, stores that are willing to sell it to you 'bare' charge a noticeable markup. (I've seen it for over $100.)

[cmaier]

Originally Posted by EricNau

That only works for Apple notebooks featuring a Core 2 Duo processor.

oh, sorry. i misread and thought he said core 2.

[creator2456]

The expresscard is the only way without opening your mbp.


Has anyone done the upgrade to their airport card? How hard is it (scale 1-10, 1 being it can be done in your sleep, 10 being sweating balls hoping it works)?

[crzdmniac]

I'd say it's easier than upgrading the hard drive, just pop the top, it's on the left side above the hard drive. Remove the antennae, and I believe there's only one screw, and it will pop up.