How to Install an Original AirPort Card
The AirPort card is Apple's flagship wireless module. It allows your computer to connect to any active wireless network. The AirPort card is used in nearly every Apple computer. Whether you are using a PowerBook, Mac Mini or Macbook Pro, chances are the computer has some type of AirPort card installed.
Apple's original AirPort card was installed in many of its G3 and G4 computers, including PowerBook laptops and Power Mac G4 desktop models. If for some reason you would like to replace your current wireless card with an original AirPort card, partial disassembly of your computer is required.
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Instructions
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Power Mac G4 AirPort Card Installation
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1
Power down your Power Mac G4 computer. Unplug the power cable from the back of the computer, as well as any external devices.
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2
Rotate the computer so the back panel is facing you. Grasp the side panel release lever on the computer's right panel. Lift up on the lever and lay the right-side panel on a flat surface. The motherboard is attached to the side panel, so be gentle when laying the side panel down.
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3
Locate the AirPort slot near the upper left corner of the motherboard. Pull the existing AirPort card out of the slot and set it aside. Slide the new AirPort card into the slot with the serial numbers facing upward. Push the card into the slot until it is firmly connected.
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4
Tilt the side panel upward toward the computer tower's casing. Press on the side panel until the release lever snaps it back into place. Reconnect all cables and external devices.
PowerBook G4 AirPort Card Installation
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5
Turn off the PowerBook. Disconnect all cables and devices from the computer. Close the display panel and place the laptop face down on a flat surface. Turn the battery's flat-head locking screw counterclockwise or disengage the battery's retention latch. Remove the battery from its compartment.
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6
Remove the Phillips or Torx T8 screws from your laptop's bottom casing. Carefully lift the entire bottom enclosure from the laptop to reveal the components on the bottom side of the motherboard.
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7
Locate the AirPort card slot just below the empty battery compartment. Disconnect the antenna cable from the AirPort card. Tilt the card upward at an angle and pull the card from its slot. Set it aside.
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8
Place the new AirPort card into the empty slot with the serial numbers facing upward. Push the card into the slot until you hear a faint click, which indicates the card is fully connected to the motherboard. Reconnect the AirPort antenna cable to the new card.
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9
Replace the bottom cover and its retaining screw. Replace the battery pack, flip the laptop over, and reconnect all cables to the laptop.
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Tips & Warnings
Wear an anti-static wrist strap while working inside any computer to prevent electrical damage.
References
- Photo Credit white notebook image by Jorge Figueiredo from Fotolia.com
