Mac OS Lion: Airdrop doesn’t work on older Macs. Even if they’re running Lion.

Earlier we outlined Airdrop in Mac OS X Lion. Today, we came across a list of supported Macs published by AppleInsider.com.

They write: To use AirDrop, you’ll need a Mac incorporating hardware support for the new feature, which involves Mac models built no earlier than late 2008.

Then they list the supported Macs:
13 or 15 inch MacBook Pro models starting with Late 2008 (MacBookPro5,1) models (aka the Unibody design)
17 Inch MacBook Pro starting with the Early 2009 (MacBookPro5,2) model (aka the Unibody design)
11 or 13 inch MacBook Air from Late 2010 (MacBookAir3,1) models (the revised version offered in two sizes)
13 inch aluminum MacBook models from Late 2008 (MacBook5,1) (aka the Unibody design)
13 inch White MacBook models from Early 2009 (MacBook5,2) (aka the plastic Unibody design)

iMac Early 2009 (iMac9,1)
Mac Mini Mid 2010 (Macmini4,1) models (new flatter case design)
Mac Pro Early 2009 with AirPort Extreme card or Mid 2010 (MacPro5,1)

So why do earlier models that run Mac OS X Lion, not support AirDrop? Apple Insider says it’s because they lack the WiFi hardware features to discover other machines. Bummer to say the least for those using older Macs. It’s old school for all of you when it comes to transferring files. Anyone running in to this problem?

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