Core 2 Duo iMacs sporting 802.11n cards?

Well, what have we here? Since the IEEE taskforce apparently can't make up its mind about a final 802.11n protocol, some manufacturers have (understandably) just rolled out products based on the current draft(s). An eagle-eyed user has reportedly spotted one such wireless card in a less-than-expected location: within Apple's newest iMac. While booted up into the latest version of Windows Vista, the built-in network adapter was recognized as being of the "Broadcom 802.11n" variety -- not exactly the 54Mbps version we all expected to see. While we aren't certain if there's really a draft-spec card under the hood -- especially since OS X is fairly adamant that it only supports 802.11b/g -- Windows Vista is either uncovering a subtle secret (iTV to support 802.11n?), or else its a bit too sauced up to be taken seriously.

[Via MacRumors]

[Jonathan @ Sep 25th 2006 2:01PM]

Is it possible that it's only doing this under Windows Vista because they haven't got full driver support yet, and that's the "closest" driver it manages to find? Wonder why it wouldn't do it under Windows XP - surely that's been tested?

[Johnny @ Sep 25th 2006 2:10PM]

This isn't really that surprising, Apple just used Broadcom chips that would meet their specifications, it's not uncommon for some components to have more (proprietary) functionality that is disabled by default. Since 802.11n is still not a standard this functionality is still not implemented, and if Broadcom's implementation does not match the 802.11n-standard Apple will probably never provide drivers that can use this functionality.

[bob @ Sep 25th 2006 2:11PM]

apple have control over osx so can make an airport card come up as a donkey if they like, im assuming they will release a software update whenb they release iTV or new basestation, makes sence to me as these would be hard to change after purchase, thank you apple for being considerate :)

[Lee Gibson @ Sep 25th 2006 4:36PM]

...huh?

[Mike @ Sep 25th 2006 4:04PM]

I sure hope so. I'm getting one of these in a few weeks, and I want it to be up to date. (But this is a little more than up to date, isn't it?)

[doi @ Sep 25th 2006 4:06PM]

not surprising as its been noted that the the other intel macs have A/G chips in them and apple doesnt support the 'A' spec.

[The Big Fudge @ Sep 25th 2006 4:13PM]

Vista has the same drivers as XP plus more AFAIK, so I would think it is loading the appropriate driver. (btw Vista rocks!)

[yubastard @ Sep 26th 2006 3:53AM]

you heard that right, Vista rocks... lol I haven't tried but I wish I could!