Can I use a Wireless PC Card (or USB Wireless Adapter) in a MacBook Pro...

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Posted:
in Genius Bar edited January 2014
Hi All,



Can I use a Wireless PC Card (or USB Wireless Adapter) in a MacBook Pro with a malfunctioning internal AirPort Card?



My friend's MBP has a poorly-functioning AirPort Card (weak signal) due to it being dropped.



Instead of taking it in to be fixed properly, I was wondering if a Belkin/Linksys/whatever Wireless PC card could take the place of the current AirPort Card?



None of the cards I've researched offer Mac software/drivers, and a couple of the online manuals I've read strongly advise against using a Wireless PC Card in a laptop that already has an internal wireless card installed.



Would the WPCC show up in the "Network" Settings like the original APC does? Should I remove the original APC from the "Network" list before inserting a WPCC? Is there any chance of it working without the proper drivers?



Also, I opened the MBP to see if the antennae had been loosened by the drop, but they were in place.



Thanks in advance!

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  • Reply 1 of 1
    mrtotesmrtotes Posts: 760member
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by wilco View Post


    Hi All,



    Can I use a Wireless PC Card (or USB Wireless Adapter) in a MacBook Pro with a malfunctioning internal AirPort Card?



    My friend's MBP has a poorly-functioning AirPort Card (weak signal) due to it being dropped.



    Instead of taking it in to be fixed properly, I was wondering if a Belkin/Linksys/whatever Wireless PC card could take the place of the current AirPort Card?



    None of the cards I've researched offer Mac software/drivers, and a couple of the online manuals I've read strongly advise against using a Wireless PC Card in a laptop that already has an internal wireless card installed.



    Would the WPCC show up in the "Network" Settings like the original APC does? Should I remove the original APC from the "Network" list before inserting a WPCC? Is there any chance of it working without the proper drivers?



    Also, I opened the MBP to see if the antennae had been loosened by the drop, but they were in place.



    Thanks in advance!





    Perhaps look at replacing the Apple part yourself:



    http://www.ifixit.com/MacBook-Parts/...Card/IF185-057



    or alternatively talk to these guys about alternatives (this USB 802.11n solution certainly mentions MacBooks)



    http://www.macwireless.com/html/prod...rds/11nUSB.php
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