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WTF? Possible HORRIBLE flaw for Macs?

M

Morisato

macrumors member
Original poster
Feb 10, 2008
40
0
Hi... I just happened to stumble across something that seems to be horrible for macs. I purchased a MacPro 3.0ghz 8core a while back... maybe 4-10 months back. I originally ordered it without a wireless/wifi card and now I am in need of one. I searched the apple store online and couldn't find it sold separately. I called the apple store, and they told me that they have them but they only work with current models... PLUS I would have to haul my system there for them to install it at the store! WTF is that about?? Why can't I just buy the card separately and pop the sucker in? It's not like it's very hard to insert a PCI card into a PCI slot. So... anyone else run into this issue and found a solution? I'm not really interested in moving my system and paying for installation fees -__-
 
Horrible flaw? :rolleyes: You should write for the Inq.

Just buy a wired-to-wireless bridge. I'm using a Linksys WET54G with my playstation2 and it works great.
 
Assuming there are drivers you can pop a PCI or USB wifi card in no problem. The reason they suggest installing it in store is that the Airport cards fits into a much smaller slot on the main board and has the antenna connected to it separately. There's actually no problem in installing the Airport yourself, its just fiddly - google it to find out!

I'm not sure about the current Airport card not being compatible with your gen Pro, but it shouldnt be too hard to find the right one online.
 
Oh. My. God. I had no idea!! I may never buy an Apple product again! :mad:
 
Morisato said:
Hi... I just happened to stumble across something that seems to be horrible for macs. I purchased a MacPro 3.0ghz 8core a while back... maybe 4-10 months back. I originally ordered it without a wireless/wifi card and now I am in need of one. I searched the apple store online and couldn't find it sold separately. I called the apple store, and they told me that they have them but they only work with current models... PLUS I would have to haul my system there for them to install it at the store! WTF is that about?? Why can't I just buy the card separately and pop the sucker in? It's not like it's very hard to insert a PCI card into a PCI slot. So... anyone else run into this issue and found a solution? I'm not really interested in moving my system and paying for installation fees -__-
Click to expand...

4-10 months????? What the hell does that mean?

because it's not that easy - the airport card is quite intricately placed on the motherboard and there are loads of wires that need to be sorted out.

I really don't think it's too unreasonable to have to HAUL(!) your MP to an Apple store and get it installed properly.
 
Actually, my local Apple store out here in Orlando had no problem selling me the Airport separately for my 8 core Mac Pro.

They did mention that it was quite complicated though.
 
fluidedge said:
4-10 months????? What the hell does that mean?

because it's not that easy - the airport card is quite intricately placed on the motherboard and there are loads of wires that need to be sorted out.

I really don't think it's too unreasonable to have to HAUL(!) your MP to an Apple store and get it installed properly.
Click to expand...

Actually, it looks trivially easy for anyone with PC experience:

http://meanderingpassage.com/2007/0...-an-airport-extreme-card-in-an-intel-mac-pro/

Why are you so opposed to Apple allowing people to CHOOSE whether or not they install it themselves? :rolleyes:
 
fluidedge said:
I really don't think it's too unreasonable to have to HAUL(!) your MP to an Apple store and get it installed properly.
Click to expand...

Sure, if your a home user who uses a mac pro to send emails and pictures to grandma and grandpa.

But then, why did u waste so much cash on such a machine for such simple tasks? Most Mac Pro owners (i would hope) rely on their computers. Having to send it in for a day or two is a major inconvenience.

Again, this just proves that apple is not about choice.
 
Just buy the sucker on eBay and install it yourself. That's what I did when I installed new parts in my Mac Mini (including a new bluetooth antenna). Servicing a Mini is ten times as difficult than a Mac Pro, believe me. :)

--Erwin
 
its a mini PCIe wifi card which are also used in the MacBooks. i would much rather have one of these than a PCIe card with an external antenna taking up one of my slots.

this is why the Mac Pro impresses me more and more. but i would never see myself using all of its potential.
 
Re: WTF? Possible HORRIBLE flaw for Macs?

I'd think more of a flaw with the Mac user ...

Apple just considers them too clueless to do the upgrade on their own without damaging their computer.

Mini-PCIe card, a couple antennas and a screw.

Definitely something Tim Taylor would screw up, since it requires a hand tool and some dexterity.
 
I ran into a similar problem when I bought my G5 Quad. I didn't purchase the airport and bluetooth bit and then when I decided I wanted it I found out I had to take it to the Apple store for installation. They ended up having to order the part and I had to take it back again. Now that I have it installed I almost forgot about what a pain it was . . .
 

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Don't feed it - it will get diarrhea and then start telling us how MACS (sorry - just had to capitalise) suck cus they only have one mouse button etc etc etc.
 
ungraphic said:
Sure, if your a home user who uses a mac pro to send emails and pictures to grandma and grandpa.

But then, why did u waste so much cash on such a machine for such simple tasks? Most Mac Pro owners (i would hope) rely on their computers. Having to send it in for a day or two is a major inconvenience.

Again, this just proves that apple is not about choice.
Click to expand...

what are you talking about?
 
If you install it yourself, it voids your warranty and you are charged $99 for the apple care.

just warning you.
 
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