Apple offers 802.11n enabler for $1.99
updated 01:25 pm EST, Tue January 30, 2007
802.11n enabler for $1.99
Apple on Tuesday morning also released its AirPort Extreme 802.11n Enabler for Mac, which will allow some Macs to use the faster 802.11n WiFi standard. The new software enabler, which allows some previously sold Macs to use the new faster wireless networking standard, is available from the Apple Store for $1.99, despite controversy surrounding the company's decision to charge for the software patch. It works with all Macs with the Intel Core 2 Duo processor (except the 17-inch, 1.83GHz iMac) or a Mac Pro with AirPort Extreme: "Many Mac computers with an Intel Core 2 Duo and all Mac Pro computers with AirPort Extreme can be enabled to access 802.11n-based wireless networks. If you purchased one of these Macs, you can use the AirPort Extreme 802.11n Enabler software to activate this advanced wireless capability."
Apple recommends that users check for existing 802.11n functionality and compatibility before purchasing the enabler, as the company said that the software is already included with the new AirPort Extreme Base Station with 802.11n. Instructions direct users to check their setup (see below), while the company notes that only specific Intel-based Mac hardware is compatible.
The software is available at the Apple Store online.
So....
01/30, 01:44pm reply
... I see that on Apple.com, the tech specs for iMac still say that I have to purchase the enabler ... are they not going to include this in newly purchased machines?
trevc
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Mar 2000
search the internet
01/30, 02:41pm reply
someone will end up uplaoding it soon_
UberFu
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Oct 2002
Won't install for me...
01/30, 03:30pm reply
2.33 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo MacBook Pro w/ OS X 10.4.8.
"You cannot install Airport Extreme 802.11n Enabler on this volume. This volume does not meet the requirements for this update."
Apple's going to spend more that a Buck-99 troubleshooting this...
slytle
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Apr 2002
Fixed
01/30, 04:16pm reply
While on the phone with Apple, I ran software update and a new Airport Extreme update was available. Once this was installed (and rebooted) the enabler ran fine.
slytle
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Apr 2002
what about the older Macs
01/30, 05:53pm reply
does anyone know if the airport extreme card in the older Mac book Pros can be updated to support the "n" standard?
rcoledude
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Apr 2000
my results with a DIR-635
01/30, 05:59pm reply
Hi folks-
I just downloaded the wireless N updater and have mixed reactions. See below.
grace and peace- paul
SPECS: ------------------------------ Computer: MBP C2D Wireless Router: D-Link DIR-635
GOOD RESULTS ------------------------------ The speed is very very fast on page loads. I did a speed test about a month ago , then again just now with the following results:
https://www.speakeasy.net/speedtest/
OLD STATS: (B4 Wireless N) 5004 dn / 478.7 up
NEW STATS: 9315 dn / 20 up
NEW STATS (second attempt): 10285 dn / 282 up
BAD RESULTS ------------------------------ I mainly wanted the N ability for the range. Unfortunately I can barely get the signal outside my home. When I enable some of my wireless signal apps (AP Grapher, CoconutWiFi, some widgets) I lose the signal altogether. AirStatz seems to be the only app that works. And sometimes it just seems to drop in speed intermittently.
Guest
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Nov 1999
ummm,,,, guest?
02/03, 02:16am reply
internet speed test is completely irrelevant with regard to this update. the speed of previous wireless standards far exceeds your net connection's speed, already. the new 'n' standard is multiples faster. a net speed test to test the new wireless protocol is like testing 100 octane vs 89 octane in a kia.
rtbarry
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Aug 2001