Apple ships 802.11n AirPort Extreme
updated 10:55 pm EST, Wed January 31, 2007
New AirPort Extreme ships
Apple today began shipping its new 802.11n-based AirPort Extreme Base Station, only a few weeks after it was announced at the Expo and slightly ahead of its previously anticipated late February timeframe. Apple confirmed shipments of the revamped $179 wireless access point in an email to customers and began telling others that they can expect shipments within the next few weeks. "Apple today began shipping our new AirPort Extreme Base Station (802.11n)," the company wrote in an email to one MacNN reader. "We are delighted to tell you that we plan to ship your AirPort Extreme Base Station (802.11n) two weeks earlier than we had anticipated. We now plan to ship your product on or before Wednesday, February 14. No action on your part is required." Earlier this week, the company offered users of some Intel Core 2 Duo-based Macs the ability to enable the faster, more advanced wireless protocol on their Macs through a software enabler available from the company's online store for $1.99.
Supporting up to 50 users, the device offers up to five times the performance and twice the range of 802.11g networks. On the back, the device offers a USB port for connecting a shared printer or for sharing a USB-based hard drive with other networked users. It also includes a three-port router for wired connectivity.
The dual-band device can be setup to work on either the 2.4GHz or 5GHz spectrum, reducing the chance of radio interference, the company said. It requires Mac OS X 10.4.8 for setup/administration and shared network storage functions; Mac OS X 10.2.7 or later or Windows XP is required for shared printing; it ships with an one-year limited warranty.
I am wondering...
02/01, 09:23am reply
...If I do not have the 802.11n extrene base station, does it make sense to download the $2 software update? I do have the right 'puter, the iMac core 2 duo and I have a network with one of those plug in jobbers called the Airport Express. Should I save my money and get a cuppa joe at Starbucks instead?
Faceplant
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Jan 2003
re: question
02/01, 10:18am reply
The enabler is included according to the product page on the store:
"CD with AirPort Utility (Mac and Windows), 802.11n Enabler for Core 2 Duo and Xeon-based Macintosh computers (except 17-inch 1.83GHz iMac), Bonjour for Windows"
Jonaziz
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Jul 2006
But...
02/01, 10:25am reply
...I have no intention of getting the 802.11n base station, so is it a waste of time to DL the SW update?
Faceplant
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Jan 2003
well...
02/01, 11:13am reply
...the enabler is solely to enable 'n', and you don't have an 'n' network. so unless you just want the thrill of seeing a progress bar, SKIP.
rtbarry
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Aug 2001
Yes
02/01, 08:12pm reply
You should buy it so that you have the latest stuff - that's what Mac users do!
TailsToo
Mac Elite
Joined: Jun 2004
Should I stay or should I
02/02, 10:10pm reply
if your hardware supports it, you don't intend to get the new router/AP, and you can afford $2.00 (plus tax), then go for it. I did it. It's painless. Now. If only I had an "N" capable access point in my usual locales... :P Whatever. lolz
Flying Meat
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Jan 2007