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August 10, 2006

internet

AirPorts showing sign of delays?

Posted Aug. 10, ’06, 9:16 AM PT by Dan Moren
Category | Internet

airportextreme.jpgSo, what exactly is the deal with Mac Pros and AirPort? When I noted that the new professional level desktop didn’t come with Wi-Fi standard, a host of people commented that neither did the Power Mac—apparently, corporate environments often like to disable wireless Internet, probably for security reasons.

Still, you’ll notice if you go to the Build-to-order page for the Mac Pro that adding an AirPort card to the Mac Pro sends your shipping time from 1-3 days to 2-4 weeks. The same thing with the retail stores, according to Derik. Plus, according to While Supplies Last, the retail price of the AirPort Extreme card has dropped to just $39.

So whither the wireless? A product shortage? Possible, but none of the other Macs seem to be experiencing the same delay—of course, they all come with AirPort standard. Thus, it stands to reason that the part being used by the Mac Pros is different from the part being used by the other Macs. This is the part of the game where I throw out a wild speculation like: Apple’s got new wireless cards stashed somewhere.

Problem is, I don’t believe it. The next jump in the wireless standard is 802.11n which, as we’ve covered extensively over at Gadgetbox, has been mired in delays as the IEEE re-drafts the specification. I don’t see Apple as likely to jump on the “Draft-N” bandwagon, but it’s been quite a while since we’ve seen a revision in AirPort—the 802.11g AirPort Extreme is more than three and a half years old. Might Apple have something up their sleeves?


3 Comments

iolaire Author Profile Page said:

Please note that the $39 Airport Extreme card mentioned at While Supplies Last is a refurbished model which previously sold for $59. Thanks for the mention.

August 10, 2006 11:17 AM
Dan--the man said:

Intel and WiMax 802.16? Probably cheaper that way, and it would be an advance.

August 10, 2006 12:06 PM
Bradley Dichter said:

Apple pioneered the use of built-in wireless networking, so it's historically apt to release product based on uncertified standards. Even if they did offer a pre-N solution for the Mac Pro, they could be waiting for a shipping solution at the other end, new base stations. There is no report of three antennas in the Mac Pro, so it's not ready, but for a new card.

August 11, 2006 11:35 AM

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