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News Archive for Monday, December 3rd, 2012

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2012 Macs: USB 3.0 Interference with Bluetooth/2.4GHz WiFi:
I've seen some complaints about poor Bluetooth performance with 2012 Mac Minis that used USB 3.0 hard drives. (And could also affect 2.4GHz WiFi.) I noticed this paragraph (bottom of page) on the subject in an Apple support doc on Using USB 3 devices on Mac computers FAQ, although from the wording it seems targeted to the USB 3.0 equipped Mac Notebooks but that may be due to the fact it was written before USB 3.0 Mac desktops were available:

"I sometimes have difficulty with Wi-Fi or Bluetooth devices when USB 3 devices are attached to my computer. What could be wrong?
Some USB 3 devices, hard drives in particular, can generate radio frequency interference that can cause Wi-Fi and Bluetooth devices operating in the 2.4GHz band to have issues communicating with your computer. Do not place hard drives or other USB devices behind the rear of your Mac near at the hinge of your screen. The antennas for Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are located there, and USB 3 devices placed there may interfere with your wireless connections. See this white paper for more information."

The linked white paper (PDF) at usb.org on the subject is from Intel - USB 3.0 RF Interference Impact on 2.4GHz Wireless Devices.

Update: (Dec 6th, 2012)
OWC posted a Late-2012 Mini BT module DIY shielding video in their blog.

  

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