[BamaGuyDM]

I was looking to upgrade my wifi card from the stock Dell 1390 802.11g card to a 802.11n card. I am currently running OSX so I reviewed the posts in this forum and noted some people have posted the pre 2008 Apple AirPort Extreme card (MA688Z/B) works. I also found posts indicating the MA688Z/B card does not work with the Dell Mini 9, but the 2008 version of the Apple AirPort Extreme card (MB363Z/A) works instead.

I believe the MA688Z/B is the equivalent of the Dell 1500 card meaning it uses a broadcom chipset. I assume the MB363Z/A has a broadcom chipset as well, but I did not see a Dell equivalent.

Does anyone know whether both, either or neither card works with the Dell Mini 9?

[wolfhound0023]

I can definitely confirm that the Apple MA688Z/B works on the Mini-9.

I installed the wifi -n card that I purchased from Amazon a couple of days ago and it is function perfectly.

[bhaase1]

Yes, the card MA688Z/B works on the mini, you may be able to buy it at the apple store as its a part for the mac pro. its like 50 bucks.

---b

Originally Posted by wolfhound0023

I can definitely confirm that the Apple MA688Z/B works on the Mini-9.

I installed the wifi -n card that I purchased from Amazon a couple of days ago and it is function perfectly.

[DaoFerret]

Everything I've heard says it should work fine (including multiple people on this forum backing it up ).

If you want to order on-line, then you can grab the part from:
http://www.powermax.com/parts/show/a-ma688z__b (on the west coast)
or http://www.jr.com/apple/pe/APP_MA688Z_SL_B/(on the east coast)

Both for ~$50 (and both reputable vendors ).

Add Shipping&Handling and it'll probably be in your hand inside a week or so from either place

... I've bought things from J&R a lot in person since I live in NYC, but I've got mine on order from Powermax (so I wouldn't have to pay sales-tax, and because I wanted to try them out since they seem like a great source for OSX/Mac supplies).

[BamaGuyDM]

Thanks for the replies. Do any of you know whether or not the MA688Z/B can go into monitor mode?

[GreyPaint]

Does the Airport Extreme have 2 or 3 antennas? i.e can it simply replace the Dell card?

[1Rustle]

Here us what I bought off ebay, even though they were used, I thought $18 a piece free shipping was a deal!!!!! :lol:
Plug and play in OSX 10.5.6 and they even provided me with the new antennas. NOTE: The leads from the mini did not
work, so I needed the ones they shipped. I just tucked the others up in side the chasis and wrapped the new ones up and around the components. Again, Plug N Play......

Genuine Apple Broadcom 802.11n BCM94321MC MiniPCI-Express WiFi Wireless LAN Card

Package Includes:

Apple Airport Wireless WiFi Card MA688Z/B BCM94321MC
Free antennas included
A 30-day warranty is included
FREE SHIPPING included
Condition: USED

Features:
Model No:BCM94321MC
Only for PCI-E Slot ,Support 802.11 a/b/g/n,270M

Compatible :
MacBook, MacBook Pro
Mac mini (Needs Dual Antenna for N capacity)
iMac 17" and 20"
Mac Pro (all 2006/2007 models) (This card is not compatible with the 2008 model Mac Pro)

[Carlos]

Originally Posted by GreyPaint

Does the Airport Extreme have 2 or 3 antennas? i.e can it simply replace the Dell card?

The Airport card has 2 antennas. I installed one in my Mini 9. Works great.

[BamaGuyDM]

Has anyone experienced higher temps with the Apple Airport Extreme wifi card? When I am using wireless connectivity, my card, and as a result also the area around the card on my mini 9, gets really hot. I noticed the original card did warm, but this new card gets hot. Anyone else have the same experience with this card? (MA688Z/B)

[jeffryscott]

Originally Posted by BamaGuyDM

Has anyone experienced higher temps with the Apple Airport Extreme wifi card? When I am using wireless connectivity, my card, and as a result also the area around the card on my mini 9, gets really hot. I noticed the original card did warm, but this new card gets hot. Anyone else have the same experience with this card? (MA688Z/B)

I seem to be. Just installed one this a.m. and can notice a difference.