With the release of the new AirPort Extreme yesterday Apple now officially supports the 802.11n draft standard. This means that any new computer which sports 802.11n hardware (any Core 2 Duo computer or a Mac Pro with AirPort Extreme) now can utilize the most recent wireless internet technology.
Unfortunately, however, to utilize the 802.11n in your computer you must purchase the new AirPort Extreme for $180 (at least for the time being). According to Apple:
Most new Mac computers ship with built-in 802.11n wireless support that can be easily enabled with the installation of enabler software included with new AirPort Extreme wireless base station.
It’s sure nice of Apple to offer us 802.11n support, but I don’t like that they force me to purchase an expensive new AirPort Extreme to. I’m hoping that an AirPort update will surface soon in Software Update to liberate all 802.11n Macs.
What other 802.11.n devices arre there?
Most companies have routers and access points with N technology...
http://www.linksys.com/servlet/Satellite?c=L_Product_C2&childpagename=US%2FLayout&cid=1144763513404&pagename=Linksys%2FCommon%2FVisitorWrapper
Cheers,
François
So what about the people that have Core Duo Macs? I have an iMac and WhiteBook that is Core Duo. Do I have to buy a new Mac to get 802.11n or can I purchase the Airport Extreme cards for my Macs?
Why is Apple so stingy with information about their own hardware?
The page linked in the article explains that certain Macs already have n capability, but will need a firmware update.
Does my Mac support 802.11n?
These Mac computers support 802.11n in the new AirPort Extreme Base Station using the included enabler software:
* iMac with Intel Core 2 Duo (except 17-inch, 1.83GHz iMac)
* MacBook with Intel Core 2 Duo
* MacBook Pro with Intel Core 2 Duo
* Mac Pro with AirPort Extreme card option
I would expect the enabler to be available as a software update after the new Airport Express base station actually ships in February.
Of course given that 802.11n is a draft specification there is no guarantee that Apple's equipment will actually work with third-party implementations.
I think the wording on the Web page makes it clear that the earlier Core Duo versions of the MacBook and MacBook Pro will not be able to take advantage of 802.11n. Which sucks because I have an original MacBook Pro. I don't believe the Airport card is upgradable in any of the recent machines except the Mac Pro.