Computers & Networking

[griffy]

I'm going to be introducing wireless connectivity to my home network, and although the actual system requirements of the D-Link Wireless USB adapter says that it's for Windows, I was wondering - is that true? Will it not work for my older Mac laptop? I've purchased "Windows" peripherals before that I've successfully used on a Mac, so I was wondering if the same case might apply here as well.

Thanks!

[hockeycanuckjc Trusted Contributor]

Hopefully a mac expert can come on here and suggest something for you regarding your tech question.

[TheLexMachine]

The answer would be no. If it doesn't say so on the box, it's pretty much a given. In your case, a lot of the newer stuff claiming to be Mac-compatible probably won't work on your older G4 system due to the hardware and software differences.

[griffy]

Well, since I only paid $20 for the adapter, I decided to go ahead and keep it and give it a try. Now that I've got a new battery for my laptop, I can finally try out the adapter tonight.

After Googling "DWA-130 Mac driver" I was quickly and easily directed to a download for the driver. So I guess I've answered my own question, which would be Yes, the DWA-130 does appear to be Mac friendly even though it does not say so on the box. I did learn that it depends on which revision of the unit one has though; Revision A is not supported by a Mac driver, while B and C are.

I guess the "proof will be in the pudding" tonight when I install the driver and the adapter and see if I can't get my little old laptop to connect with my DIR-6165 Wireless N Router. It's a whole new world we're living in when you've got a house that's completely wired for a network, both hard-wired and now wirelessly, but doesn't even have wiring for a telephone land line to it. What's more, is that I haven't missed the land line one single bit in the 4 years I've lived in the house!

[aznlilboi1987]

so long story short, it works?

[griffy]

So long story short, I found a driver and I'll find out tonight for sure if it works. Now that I know there's a driver, there's no reason it shouldn't.

[aznlilboi1987]

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Hawking+Technology+-+Wireless-G+USB+2.0+Network+Adapter/8454549.p?id=118...

this one works with macs

[griffy]

But it's Wireless G, not N

[aznlilboi1987]

wow no appreciation!

[griffy]

lol

hey you're not in Fresno, are you? Waiting for a hoodie in the mail from me?