First something needs to be clarified, Apple has used to different versions of the intel chip set commonly referred to as the "duo core" and the "Core 2". The "duo core" Intel powered Mac Mini & iMac & MacBook & MacBook Pro are officially not upgradeable to 802.11n wireless speeds. The "Core 2" Intel powered machines are supported. If you are not sure which MacBook Pro you have you might want to consult my guide on identifying which model MacBook Pro you have by clicking here
The wireless card found inside MacBook & Macbook Pro are different, the "duo core" has a mini pcmcia card with 2 antenna connectors, the "Core 2" has a mini pcmcia card with 3 antenna connectors. Hence ordering using a "Core 2" mini pcmcia card might work but which antenna connectors would be used, how would one route or install an antenna for the third connector.
The answer has been found in using the wireless upgrade kit supplied for the MacPro Tower MA688Z/A or the newer MA688Z/B , it also is a mini PCMCIA wireless card and features 2 antenna connector and it supplies the 802.11n bandwith. I have so far upgraded a few MacBook Pros, a MacBook and a 17" iMac all very straight forward. It is worth noting to remember which antenna connector goes onto which side. The MacMini only has 1 antenna connector hence installing the card into a MacMini should be possible but coming up with a second antenna is very adviseable, I have not done a MacMini yet.
As far as Apple's claim to 2x the reception range this seems rather far fetched, my own testing and some feedback from my customers suggests speeds to be much faster but range to be about identical. I have for example tested different apple notebooks side by side and found old white ibooks to have by far the greatest range achieving 4 bars when titaniums or aluminums only achieved 2 bars(except of course they are not ncard compatible).


Picture of just the card above

Here a picture of installed inside a Mac Pro Tower, note the antenna connectors have not been connected. The bluetooth module sits just underneath also without it's antenna connected.
The wireless card found inside MacBook & Macbook Pro are different, the "duo core" has a mini pcmcia card with 2 antenna connectors, the "Core 2" has a mini pcmcia card with 3 antenna connectors. Hence ordering using a "Core 2" mini pcmcia card might work but which antenna connectors would be used, how would one route or install an antenna for the third connector.
The answer has been found in using the wireless upgrade kit supplied for the MacPro Tower MA688Z/A or the newer MA688Z/B , it also is a mini PCMCIA wireless card and features 2 antenna connector and it supplies the 802.11n bandwith. I have so far upgraded a few MacBook Pros, a MacBook and a 17" iMac all very straight forward. It is worth noting to remember which antenna connector goes onto which side. The MacMini only has 1 antenna connector hence installing the card into a MacMini should be possible but coming up with a second antenna is very adviseable, I have not done a MacMini yet.
As far as Apple's claim to 2x the reception range this seems rather far fetched, my own testing and some feedback from my customers suggests speeds to be much faster but range to be about identical. I have for example tested different apple notebooks side by side and found old white ibooks to have by far the greatest range achieving 4 bars when titaniums or aluminums only achieved 2 bars(except of course they are not ncard compatible).
Picture of just the card above
Here a picture of installed inside a Mac Pro Tower, note the antenna connectors have not been connected. The bluetooth module sits just underneath also without it's antenna connected.
Lastly besides just upgrading your duo core Macintosh you need a 802.11n Airport Extreme Router to enjoy the benefits of the extra speed, if anyone on the network uses the slower 802.11 b or g your entire network will slow down hence there are so many people which have upgraded.
Also looking at the Apple card I am almost 95% certain the same card is used in a Dell, if you do a search for Dell Wireless 1500 you will see if you find an auction with good pictures that it uses the same chipset as the Apple branded card. Only catch is the Dell cards are not cheap enough to try yet, but I am sure someone will soon.
Please Rate this Guide, your rating makes this guide mean something. If you believe I should correct or edit my guide in any way feedback is always welcome.
Also looking at the Apple card I am almost 95% certain the same card is used in a Dell, if you do a search for Dell Wireless 1500 you will see if you find an auction with good pictures that it uses the same chipset as the Apple branded card. Only catch is the Dell cards are not cheap enough to try yet, but I am sure someone will soon.
Please Rate this Guide, your rating makes this guide mean something. If you believe I should correct or edit my guide in any way feedback is always welcome.
Guide created: 05/06/07 (updated 02/28/09)


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