Macbook air question - how to get internet?

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Finch

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#19759 29-Feb-2008 12:08

Hello well i have just recieved my very own macbook air (The new ones). However i am not sure how on earth i connect the internet to it? It has only 4 holes(Power/Charger, 1 for headphones, 1 is a usb port and the other is something which i am not sure of however i dont think it is the net).

I have broadband not wireless using the ethernet port on this laptop to connect to the net - but the apple macbook doesnt have an ethernet port or anything?

Please hep me out im not sure what to do? Do i need to buy something or is the only way for me to connect to the net on macbook air is for me to get a wireless connection?

Thanks in advance for your help :)

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BDFL - Memuneh
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#113745 29-Feb-2008 12:17

The Macbook Air connects via Wi-Fi only. You will need a Wi-Fi router/access point unless you can find a USB ethernet adapter, which will then use the only USB port you have limiting its use a lot.

Finch

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#113746 29-Feb-2008 12:23

Hey thanks for your reply!

Ok well im not very good with computer language so do you have a link to a website eg DSE or noel leeming etc etc that has a Wi-Fi router/access point so i no what im looking for?

Thanks :)

freitasm

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#113747 29-Feb-2008 12:23

What kind of Internet connection you use? DSL or cable modem?

Finch

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#113749 29-Feb-2008 12:26

DSL i think - im on xtras go large if that helps.

On the modem box it says "ADSL Modem"

Finch

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#113755 29-Feb-2008 12:38

http://www.noelleeming.co.nz/computers/accessories/networking/d-link-dwl-2100ap-108mbps-wireless-access-point/prod79060.html

Would this do?

Finch

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#113756 29-Feb-2008 12:45

or this?

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Computers/Networking-modems/ADSL-modems/auction-142592528.htm?p=1

freitasm

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#113761 29-Feb-2008 12:54

Both will do. The One on Trade Me is good because it comes with the Xtra configuration disk.

However, before buying it on Trade Me check Telecom Stores. It looks like it's $199 in store, so I wouldn't pay anything near this price.

It's a good choice for you because you say your knowledge in computer stuff is not that great, so it would be easier to configure. I am not sure it comes with a Mac OS install program though.

The install program guides you step-by-step on how to configure the modem/router to connect to the Telecom Xtra DSL service.

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heavenlywild

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#113763 29-Feb-2008 13:02

freitasm: The Macbook Air connects via Wi-Fi only. You will need a Wi-Fi router/access point unless you can find a USB ethernet adapter, which will then use the only USB port you have limiting its use a lot.

Now this is a surprise! Wi-Fi only? This is bound to make a few people annoyed!

tonyhughes

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#113765 29-Feb-2008 13:02

Stop - wait!! I have a solution.

Will just find the link...

:-)

tonyhughes

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#113766 29-Feb-2008 13:05

Just buy this.

If you need USB for other things, just use a USB hub.

freitasm

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#113772 29-Feb-2008 13:27

heavenly_wild:
freitasm: The Macbook Air connects via Wi-Fi only. You will need a Wi-Fi router/access point unless you can find a USB ethernet adapter, which will then use the only USB port you have limiting its use a lot.

Now this is a surprise! Wi-Fi only? This is bound to make a few people annoyed!

That's why a lot of people wrote negative impressions about this first attempt on extra thin laptops from Apple...

Finch

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#113773 29-Feb-2008 13:30

Thanks for that tony - it seems like a perfect solution :)

I cant buy online however so i will go into some stores this weekend and hopefully get it :)

Thanks to everyone that helped me :)

Finch

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#113774 29-Feb-2008 13:31

i was also suprised - didnt know what to do :(

Once again thanks tony and freitasm :)

freitasm

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#113775 29-Feb-2008 13:31

Well my first suggestion was to use a USB Ethernet adapter... You could have used the Power of Google (TM) to find it...

Anyway, it's a cheap solution, I just don't recommend using USB Hubs for anything that uses power - such as trying to use an external CD/DVD drive and this at the same time probably won't work...

tonyhughes

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#113788 29-Feb-2008 14:36

I think the Air is great - I have used one.

I wouldn't buy one, because it doesn't suit my needs (No optical driver kills it - I need burning and playback on the go).

I don't know why people moan about it... you don't moan about an expensive $20,000 motorbike not having room for more than 2 people, and no roof - you buy what suits you. If you want the roof, and space for five people, you can go and buy a Honda Civic.

The Macbook Air is certain to become an inspiration for similar designs from other manufacturers, and of course 1st Gen stuff is nearly always the worst, even if it looks good.

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