apple news/media reports
01/13/2006, 4:15pm, EST
Friday, January 13th
Intel Macs support 802.11a WiFi
The new iMacs are shipping with 802.11a WiFi standard, despite previous statements by Apple execs that there was no need to use that particular specification, and a lack of mention on Apple.com's iMac features page. Devices based on the 802.11a standard operate in the 5GHz frequency range, creating a wireless zone about 300 feet in radius in which users can exchange files and data at 55mbps -- about five times faster than 802.11b Wi-Fi networks. The 802.11a specification differs from others in that it provides 12 non-overlapping channels-- 8 for indoor use- that enable more access points to cover the same physical location without interfering with one another. Owners of new iMacs and MacBook Pros will be able to connect to and browse third party access points using 802.11a as well as 802.11b and 802.11g. The new Mac Book Pros with 802.11a WiFi will not ship until later next month.
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It's important to note that future mac laptops, coming in june, will have the next revision of "Inte Wireless Pro" which also includes, 802.11n, WiMax, and EV-DO, EDGE connect for cellphones. It's very impressive.
And how well does 802.11a connect to a 802.11g hotspot?
Apparently, this wireless chipset supports a,b and g standard hotspots but a and g are not compatible with each other.
A pure 802.11a card can only connect to 802.11a basestations. However, since the new Macs support A and G, you could use A at home to avoid interference, then G when at a Starbucks. There isn't any manual changing, you just would click the Airport menu and select a wireless network.