Adding Wireless N to a Macbook Pro Core Duo

[movieboy23]

Hey guys,

So I've decided that I want to upgrade my existing home network from G to N to improve the performances of my parents' N-enabled macs - a core 2 duo macbook and a new aluminum imac. Additionally, my sister is getting a core 2 duo macbook this summer with wireless n before she heads off to college. Unfortunately, I'm the only one in the family without an N-enabled mac. I have a Macbook Pro Core Duo, 2.16 GHZ, 2 GB RAM, 100GB HD. I know there are DIY instructions for how to replace my wireless card with an N-enabled one from a mac pro, but I really don't want to void my warranty, especially when I have over a year left before it expires. I was wondering what your suggestions are for adding wireless N to my laptop, either through a usb dongle or an expresscard/34. I'm looking for something that doesn't protrude too far from my laptop and that also will be sure to work perfectly with an airport express base station. Also, I'd like for it to be under $100. Thanks.

movieboy23

 

[AliensAreFuzzy]

I replaced my wireless card in my CD MBP with an N compatable one last year. It cost about $50 and is actually pretty easy to install. And, if you read through all the debates about replacing the Hard Drives in MBPs, you'll find that it doesn't actually void your warranty unless you break something while installing it.

 

[xeux]

Hey guys,

So I've decided that I want to upgrade my existing home network from G to N to improve the performances of my parents' N-enabled macs - a core 2 duo macbook and a new aluminum imac. Additionally, my sister is getting a core 2 duo macbook this summer with wireless n before she heads off to college. Unfortunately, I'm the only one in the family without an N-enabled mac. I have a Macbook Pro Core Duo, 2.16 GHZ, 2 GB RAM, 100GB HD. I know there are DIY instructions for how to replace my wireless card with an N-enabled one from a mac pro, but I really don't want to void my warranty, especially when I have over a year left before it expires. I was wondering what your suggestions are for adding wireless N to my laptop, either through a usb dongle or an expresscard/34. I'm looking for something that doesn't protrude too far from my laptop and that also will be sure to work perfectly with an airport express base station. Also, I'd like for it to be under $100. Thanks.

movieboy23

Replacing the card won't void your warranty. If you have issues just swap it back....

Also it's a very quick upgrade. 15-25 minutes TOPS.

 

[Cybix]

where can you buy an N-card to suit? online? I'll take two.

 

[chrisbeebops]

http://www.amazon.com/Apple-Extreme-Wireless-Upgrade-Kit/dp/tech-data/B00101XJDI/ref=de_a_smtd

Note: This upgrade kit is not officially supported for the MBP. However, many users have posted on http://discussions.apple.com that the card has worked for them.

Installation Guide:
http://www.ifixit.com/Guide/Mac/MacBook-Pro-15-Inch-Core-Duo/Airport-Extreme/85/13/
It is not difficult, just tedious. Keep track of all of the screws and connectors you take out! Be careful when disconnecting the antennas from the airport card.

If you are running Leopard, your card should automatically be detected as supporting wireless-n.
If you are running Tiger and your card is not detected as supporting wireless-n, then you will need to purchase and install the Wireless-n enabler: http://store.apple.com/1-800-MY-APP...c_accessories/airport_wireless&nplm=D4141ZM/A

 

[movieboy23]

How does replacing the wireless card not void the warranty? I'm confused about this.

 

[iTeen]

I think i must be missing something but why not just get the 802.11n enabler from the apple store.
Sorry if i missed something...

 

[CWallace]

I think i must be missing something but why not just get the 802.11n enabler from the apple store.
Sorry if i missed something...

That only works with the Core 2 Duo MacBook (Pro) models. I have an original MacBook with a Core Duo (not Core 2 Duo) and the WiFi card in it cannot support N via software or firmware upgrade - I need to physically replace it.

The OP noted they have a Core Duo (not Core 2 Duo) MacBook Pro, so they are in the same boat.