View this article at: http://dev.macnn.com/articles/06/01/13/intel.macs.have.802.11a Friday, Jan 13, 2006 4:15pm Intel Macs support 802.11a ... 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.