Upgrading Core Duo MacBooks with Apple 802.11n hardware

Sox

Sox

Power Member
Owners of Apple's Core Duo Mac notebooks who are bummed over a lack of 802.11n wireless support within their systems may find some consolation in learning that they can overcome the limitation with some determined jury-rigging.


While the new AirPort Extreme is backwards compatible with 802.11g, running it in hybrid 802.11g/802.11n mode immediately degrades performance of the wireless network for g-based devices. So the only logical solution, so say the clever gents over at MacBidouille, is to find a way to upgrade those Core Duo Macs with an 802.11n card. And that is exactly what they did.

In moving its Core Duo MacBook and MacBook Pro to Core 2 Duo models with support for 802.11n, Apple made a significant architectural change in that it shifted the internal wireless modules from a 2-antenna solution to a 3-antenna solution. Immediately that eliminates the possibility of dialing up an Apple repair specialist for an extra Core 2 Duo wireless module for the swap.

On the other hand, MacBidouille discovered that the 802.11n module in the Xeon-based Mac Pro was nearly identical -- in terms of both connectivity and its 2-antenna configuration -- to the modules that shipped with Core Duo MacBooks and MacBook Pros. A quick warranty-voiding disassembly later, the site's editors had swapped their MacBook's wireless card with one from a Mac Pro.

"After restarting the machine, the Airport module was recognized without any problems," the editors wrote in their explanation of the hack. "We put in the CD provided with the Airport [802.11n] base station, and it allowed us to install the new AirPort Utility as well as activate 802.11n without any difficulties.



Following the upgrade, which is also possible on the MacBook Pro, the 802.11n equipped Core Duo MacBook was reportedly able to sustained maximum transfer rates of 8.9 MB/s when interacting with another Mac which had been connected to the AirPort Extreme via Ethernet.

For those Core Duo Mac owners looking to follow suit in performing their own 802.11n surgery, one of the most challenging aspects may be obtaining a wireless module from the Mac Pro. But unlike the modules used in 802.11n MacBooks, which can only be obtained through exchange with Apple, those for the Mac Pro can be ordered through an Apple Authorized Repair Center.

Of course, an ensuing daunting task entails disassembling and then reassembling the MacBook without causing chaos. MacBidouille has posted step-by-step instructions for a 13-inch MacBook. However, users may find additional clarity in disassembly guides for the various MacBook and MacBook Pro models published by the upgrade specialists over at ifixit.
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Fonte
 
Boas mas isto é só pra quem possa ter (eventuais) problemas com esse tipo de ligação n é? Pois eu tenho um MB de 13'3" e uma rede wireless em minha casa e na faculdade que estou sempre a usar e n tenho qualquer tipo de problemas a navegar nem a fazer downloads...

Cumps Juan Baptista
 
[Space-Man];1444372 disse:
Boas mas isto é só pra quem possa ter (eventuais) problemas com esse tipo de ligação n é? Pois eu tenho um MB de 13'3" e uma rede wireless em minha casa e na faculdade que estou sempre a usar e n tenho qualquer tipo de problemas a navegar nem a fazer downloads...

Cumps Juan Baptista
Clicar para expandir...


Não, é mesmo para poderes usar o protocolo N.
 
upgrade aos portáteis da apple:

Next Generation Intel Platform (Santa Rosa) Tracking For May

Sunday February 25, 2007 11:04 AM EST
Posted by longofest

TG Daily reports that Intel's next generation mobile platform, code-named Santa Rosa, is currently tracking for a May release.

The platform will feature many improvements over today's incarnation found in the iMac, MacBook, and MacBook Pro. While the processor will remain of the Core 2 Duo "Merom" variety and will top out at 2.4 GHz, the front side bus speed will be increased to 800 MHz.

Also, systems that use integrated graphics (MacBook, Mac Mini) will stand to see a big boost from Intel's latest graphics technology. The GMA X3000 will implement several important graphics features in hardware and support pixel and vertex shader models 3.0, whereas GMA 950 only supports pixel shader model 2.0. This improvement will no doubt be a boost for casual gamers and for Apple's desire to include even more impressive visual effects in their systems.

Lastly, Santa Rosa will feature Intel's flash caching technology, code-named Robson. The technology should bring better system performance, especially in the areas of battery life, system startup, and access of frequently used applications.

fonte: macrumors
 
Epá fazer este "upgrade" acaba com a garantia.

Eu continuo a achar que isto foi uma valente bofetada nos que tornaram a mudança para intel um sucesse (e não é so por eu ter um CD) ora vejam, se eu, assim como muitos outros nao comprasem MB/MBP's CD o upgrade nao vinha tao cedo.

Enfim tomei uma má escolha
 
Nao me parece que andar a escarafunchar um airport na oficina la de casa seja uma coisa saudavel para a garantia.

Pois isso requeria abrir um MBP nao?
 
ahhh....estás a falar do 802.11n...ok....é que eu postei uma notícia sobre o upgrade do macbook para o Maio...

Sim, tens razão..

Em relação à passagem para Intel, partilho a mesma opinião. Sabes, nos últimos dias tenho testado um macbook e, para falar a verdade, tenho ficado um pouco desapontado com a velocidade do computador ..... aquilo parece-me um pouco lento.....
 
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