Can I add Bluetooth, AirPort, or both to the Mac mini later if I didn’t buy my system with any pre-installed wireless options?
Updated 1/24/05: Not easily. The Mac Mini’s wireless options live on a small daughtercard attached to the system’s motherboard (see photo below). If you order a Mac mini with no wireless options, you don’t get a daughtercard or any external antenna. If you ordered a Mac mini with just Bluetooth, you could perform some serious surgery and install an AirPort card later — but you might need to hack your own antenna for it. It’s probably not worth the drama. You can always seek professional help from an authorized Apple specialist or an Apple retail store if you need to install either or both after the fact. The good news is, the wireless options are upgradeable on this model, so you’re not stuck tomorrow if you opt out of AirPort today. So the short answer to your question is: sometimes. But even if it is possible, we wouldn’t recommend it for the faint of heart. If you’re planning on using Bluetooth or AirPort on the Mac mini at any point during its life, just order it now and save your
