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06/01/2005, 3:10pm, EDT

Wednesday, June 1st

Apple may employ "WiMAX" in future products

Columnist John Yunker thinks that Apple may be in talks with Intel not about using Pentium processors in Macs, but rather about WiMAX, a next-generation home wireless technology. "There have been lots of speculation about Apple launching an A/V equivalent of iTunes. Now, connecting the cable or DSL modem to the TV is a hurdle we're seeing lots of companies tackle, with limited success." Yunker believes that WiMAX may hold the solution." That's because only WiMAX can stream multiple streams of HDTV content in difficult RF environments to all ends of the home. Apple may be trying to keep on top of the latest technology, as it did in 1997 when it introduced AirPort. "Apple likes to lead with wireless technology, not follow." (Background: last week, the Wall Street Journal reported that Apple and Intel were in talks.)


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3 words:
0
06/01, 3:41pm, EDT
W O W.
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Interesting
0
06/01, 3:45pm, EDT
Good take on the situation :)
Posting Junkie
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Small error
0
06/01, 3:48pm, EDT
Airport was introduced in July 1999 and not in 1997 like the article states.
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WRONG AGAIN
0
06/01, 5:19pm, EDT
WiMax (802.16) is an alternative for last mile access - i.e. a replacement for DSL, Cable, T-1s, etc.

802.11n is highspeed wireless in the home which *could be* the next generation of Airport Extreme (802.11g)

UWB - UltraWideBand is for high speed USB-like wireless connections

...I hate reporters that do NO research on an article whatesoever...this is how rumors get started!!
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Finally!!!
0
06/01, 8:20pm, EDT
This means that the Powerbook G5 must be coming!
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Wrong wrong again
0
06/01, 8:52pm, EDT
Hey jer1122, easy for you to claim no research when you have no evidence otherwise, do you?

Why not WiMax? Intel is a huge supporter for WiMax. Apple is an early adopter of wireless technology. Therefore, Intel and Apple could definitely have discussed WiMax as Shaw claimed. In addition, WiMax can coexist with 802.11a/b/g/n. Who's to say the next generation Mac would not have BT, 802.11g/n AND WiMax?

Perhaps you should stop your knee-jerk criticism?
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Yeah, you know what else?
0
06/01, 9:56pm, EDT
How about an Apple mini tablet with built in Intel wireless that also doubles as a mega PDA that syncs and plays music and videos for many, many, many hours.

Cause you know, Apple wants to be on the forefront of all this type of stuff, right? ;-)
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wimax not mobile
0
06/01, 10:44pm, EDT
Keep in mind that wimax is currently not a mobile product, but requires fixed antenna. This is why its being seen as a "last mile" replacement, as one wimax base, in theory, could cover a good 50 miles or so of coverage. Why would you need such a powerful thing for internal networking? (see artechnica.com for details on this tech). Its currently not meant as a replacement for wifi in the home, because of its current needs.
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WiMax is pure hype
0
06/02, 1:34am, EDT
Sorry, but WiMax using unlicensed spectrum has little to no advantage over WiFi, particluarly for LAN environments.

WiMax has the same power limitations and uses the same RF modulation (OFDM) as 802.11a and 802.11g (WiFi) 802.11n will be significantly better than WiMax for LAN applications. And 802.11 will always be less expensive as it is alreay way down the semiconductor learning curve (at least 5 generations now) and already at the less than $10/chipset volume pricepoint.

WiMax chips are on their first generation and not even available in manufacturing quantities.

Intel is hyping it because it is their (very stupid) attempt to take over the wireless market just as IBM tried to take over the PC market with the MCA bus.

WiMax is to WiFi as {token ring, anylan VG, ATM} were to Ethernet.

WiMax doesn't stand a chance.

And I have done the research as I have been professionally involved with wireless networking on the equipment design, manufacturing and service provider side of things for the last 6 years.
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klinux knee-jerker
0
06/02, 7:32am, EDT
klinux - i figured i didn't need to post my resume of being in the wireless industry for 6 years to get my point across.

but as you can see from rberger and if you follow the link to the original article...i HAVE done my research and know what i am talking about unlike the author of the original article you dink.
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