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General discussion

Best router to connect new and old Mac

Apr 5, 2005 2:08PM PDT

We have an IBook G4 using OS 10.3.8 and an older IBook G3 using OS 9.1. Want to set up a wireless network just for internet and e-mail use. I can tell from the Apple site that we need OS X to administer a network if I get Airport Express or the Extreme Base station. If I set up the G4, which has an Airport Extreme card, as the administrator, will the computer using OS 9.1 will be able to use the network?

Someone recommended I get a LinkSys WRT54G. What would be the advantages or disadvantages of that vs. the Airport Extreme Base Station or Airport Express? What kind of speeds would each computer get? Range is a big concern--would that differ? I'm a total novice and tend to think the Apple products might be easier to set up, but there is a big price difference. Thanks.

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"Best"
Apr 5, 2005 9:43PM PDT

That would be the Cisco products that you can connect up with fiber optics either now or later. I'm always unsure when the "best" is asked for since that may have not been the real question.

As to the rest of us, the Apple products are a great idea and the Linksys works too.

As to advantages, you will need to read a review on each and see what items you feel are important. I will not dissect these two same function devices since I could have it up and running with either box. That's it, to me it's just a box to get the network share of the internet working. Neither have any advantage to me.

I do think the Apple unit with Airtunes would be a nice touch.

Bob

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Best router to connect new and old Mac
Apr 6, 2005 10:44AM PDT

Thank you. That's helpful info.