Are all MacBook Airport cards the same

[pfhannan]

The reason I ask is I have a friend that has an older Intel that its range is not too far, can this be upgraded?

[chabig]

It depends on the MacBook model. I've replaced airport cards in many MacBooks. You can find instructions on the web. Airport cards are probably available on eBay.

[pfhannan]

Its a 1.83 GHz Intel core duo.

more details;

Software Versions:
Menu Extra: 6.2.2 (622.2)
configd plug-in: 6.2.5 (625.6)
System Profiler: 6.0.1 (601.1)
Network Preference: 6.2.2 (622.2)
AirPort Utility: 5.6.1 (561.3)
IO80211 Family: 3.2 (320.1)
Interfaces:
en1:
Card Type: AirPort Extreme
Firmware Version: Atheros 5416: 2.1.14.6
Locale: FCC
Country Code:
Supported PHY Modes: 802.11 a/b/g/n
Supported Channels: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 36, 40, 44, 48, 52, 56, 60, 64, 149, 153, 157, 161, 165

-----------

[pfhannan]

So is there a stronger Airport card?

[DeltaMac]

When you say "its range is not too far" - what do you mean?
lose signal completely at 1 meter?
Some signal loss at 50 feet?

You could first try simply reseating the card, and the antenna cables on your existing card. That can sometimes be all that's needed to get better reception.

Here is a replacement Airport Extreme card.
http://eshop.macsales.com/item/Apple/6615048K/
It also is currently at a very nice price!

There are also sites that sell external antenna kits that can help a lot in 'fringe' areas.

Or, there's USB wireless adapters, like this: http://eshop.macsales.com/item/Edimax/EW7711UAN/

[anthlover]

There is also the other end the wireless Router that could be replaced with Stronger. Issue might be interference. Some info on the lay of the land as Delta suggested would be helpful

Distance vs. Reception
Walls (constructed of what)
Different Floor
etc.

How is the Reception within 5 feet, 10 feet, etc.

Have you tried a control. Another laptop at a few different ranges that gets better reception.

Not same. It depends on the MacBook model.

[pfhannan]

Reception is 100', outdoors, no walls. I'm gonna try the Edimax, that could do the trick

[anthlover]

You did not mention what OSX is being run, looks like the drives support 10.6-10.8.

100 Feet is good. I would say nothing wrong. Stronger router might get you better distance. The Eddie might help, never used it. There are other solutions too.

[DeltaMac]

100 feet is as much, or more than you can expect for wifi, using default gear.
More will mean that you need other support, such as external antenna, or extending the wireless network with additional wireless access points.

Most any Mac from 2006 to 2008 can use the card that I posted.
http://eshop.macsales.com/item/Apple/6615048K/

Quote: Compatible with Mac mini (Intel 2006-2007 systems), MacBook Pro 17" (2006-2008 systems), MacBook Pro 15" (2006-2008 systems), and MacBook 13" (2006-2008 systems)

The system that pfhannan asked about is a MacBook2,1 (Late 2006), as the earlier model with that processor speed did not come with an N-wifi card. Even with that older Macbook, the card from OWC would go in that as a replacement.

[chabig]

It's a challenge to replace the cards in those MacBooks, but I've done it several times. Use the iFixit guide: http://www.ifixit.com/Guide/Installi...ort+Card/519/1