Apple ships AirPort Extreme 802.11n router, busts out $1.99 802.11n Enabler

Looks like those new shuffles weren't the only thing to pop up on Apple's store this morning, Apple has also finally released that AirPort Extreme 802.11n Enabler we've heard so much about. We figure there's been enough drama at this point, so just suffice it to say that if you have a MacBook C2D, MacBook Pro C2D, Mac Pro with AirPort Extreme or a C2D iMac that isn't the 17-inch 1.83GHz model, you can fork over your two bucks and update right now to glorious draft-n wonderment.

[Via AppleInsider]

Update: Apple let us know that you can't identify systems with the Network Utility; the 802.11n capability only shows up if you've used the software update, so know your mac and get the update if you need it. Also, the $1.99 update is considered by Apple to be a site license, so you can upgrade all the machines in your home with the single $2 purchase (if you didn't alright sign up for the router). Not bad!

Update 2: It wasn't entirely clear before, but the launch of the Enabler coincides with the launch of the AirPort Extreme today, too. Don't let the "Estimated Ship: February" on their site fool you, Apple is definitely shipping now.

[Javaflash @ Jan 30th 2007 11:26AM]

You folks @ Engadget are addicted to lighting fire around oil fields.

[LS @ Jan 30th 2007 11:27AM]

erm...call me a PC thicko (on second thoughts don't), but why are apple charging for a device software update?

[andy @ Jan 30th 2007 11:31AM]

My guess is because they can.

[chenry @ Jan 30th 2007 11:31AM]

$2.49 for Canadians.

[Stephen @ Jan 30th 2007 11:39AM]

They are charging because of an accounting rule - basically, because it wasn't an advertised feature or specification when you bought your product.

Also, checking out the Network utility info does not confirm if you are able to install the update - it won't say "n" until you install the enabler. Your best going to Apple -> About This Mac.

-Stephen

[Liqwid @ Jan 30th 2007 11:58AM]

If you're considering on purchasing the new Airport Extreme, you get the enabler free.

[Hohlraum @ Jan 30th 2007 12:00PM]

Why is apple charging for this? Cuz they know all the drones will pay for it, thats why.

[Judd @ Jan 30th 2007 12:00PM]

No, the accounting GAAP (generally accepted accounting practices) excuse that Apple gave is just that - an excuse.
http://arstechnica.com/journals/apple.ars/2007/1/23/6719
http://users2.wsj.com/article/SB116925153861582055.html?mod=todays_europe_money_and_investing

If anything, they're charging you to make book keeping more convenient for them, not because of some magic rule. That said, its $1.99 - too bad they feel the need to charge you for your already bought hardware, but I won't lose sleep over it.

[KaosDG @ Jan 30th 2007 12:00PM]

I guess I'm $1.99 richer, since my MBP doesn't have the N capable hardware (plain ol' Core Duo).

But, I suppose I'll be out ~$2000 since I need the latest and greatest?

[dov @ Jan 30th 2007 12:07PM]

lol.. ridiculous..
all Apple users should pay for the air they're breathing while they use their Mac..

[ckarasiewicz @ Jan 30th 2007 12:09PM]

Does anyone not realize that Apple could have just gone and made everyone that purchased a MacBook C2D, MacBook Pro C2D, Mac Pro with AirPort Extreme or a C2D iMac go and buy a new wireless card, or even a new laptop to get 802.11n? They did this as a courtesy, so forking over $1.99 shouldn't be that big of a deal to anyone for a software update, since they included the 802.11n draft for free in their laptops.

[Pete @ Jan 30th 2007 12:17PM]

Would you rather pay $49 for a new Airport 11N card.. or would you care to pay $1.99 to upgrade the 11G card you had already purchased. I say the $1.99 is a bargain.

It's a no brainer. Why are people so bent on this?

[walk2k @ Jan 30th 2007 5:04PM]

"Send errors 14"
"Receive errors 147"
WHOOPS looks like it doesn't work very well either.

[Andy C. @ Jan 30th 2007 12:23PM]

"It's a no brainer. Why are people so bent on this?"

Because Windows fan-boys are always looking for every opportunity to twist a good thing into a negative when it comes to Apple. I think it's their inferiority complex that makes them act this way.

[Andy C. @ Jan 30th 2007 12:20PM]

"If you're still unsure if it'll work with your model, just open up Network Utility, click the Info tab, select "Network Interface (en1)" (just like in the screencap above) and look for 802.11 a/b/g/n."

That is incorrect Engadget. Network Utility will only show 802.11 a/b/g/n if you have already installed the patch. You should correct the article.

[Jose Marques @ Jan 30th 2007 12:35PM]

Ok call me dumb but I have a core duo macbook pro 2.16Ghz which went booted in bootcamp shows up that I am now connected at 108Mbps (PRE N OR MIMO) but when I run the updater it tells me this is not suitable for my macbook.... £2.12 gone down the damn drain,

[Nick @ Jan 30th 2007 1:09PM]

You're an imbecile - the article clearly states this is for the CORE TWO DUO - not the normal Core Duo.

£2 down the pot due to your own stupidity.

[greg @ Jan 30th 2007 12:36PM]

i got a couple things to say. if you dont like apple and dont have an apple then dont post and complain.

second $2.00 is cheap. when people bought their macbooks they didn't not pay for the drivers so now they must. if you look at the specs when they bought it no where did it say wireless n!!! so $2 is better than a new $40 wireless card!!!

[Glancing Aft @ Jan 30th 2007 12:50PM]

I want my $2!!!

[Jose Marques @ Jan 30th 2007 1:23PM]

When it works in windows surely it should work in osx, so I wouldnt call myself an imbecile...il leave that for you and apple.

[Jake @ Jan 30th 2007 1:32PM]

I have an netgear n router, is this upgrade a propietary upgrade that only works with Airport Express products or does this solution work with Netgear and Linksys N routers?

[diet lava @ Jan 30th 2007 1:34PM]

One thing everyone should remember is that, for the most part, going from g to n will not make your internet connection faster. DSL and cable internet connections max out at a couple megabits per second...around 7Mbps. That's where the bandwidth bottleneck lies. If you have a 1.544Mbps connection, even a ten gazillion Mbps wireless router will not be able to deliver more than 1.544Mbps from the internet. Now, if you have a dozen or more computers associated to the same wireless access point, then n will make a difference. Also, the distance factor comes into play. Just want to make sure everyone's expectations are correctly set.

[Jake @ Jan 30th 2007 1:55PM]

Companies selling n routers say you get 5x the speed than a g router. After I downloaded the software I went to the Apple website and tried streaming some Hd movie trailers to see if they would download fast enough so I could watch the trailer while it downloaded. Just like in the g mode my viewing caught up the stream causing the video to buffer. Isn't n suppose to let you watch trailers without buffering?

[Spencer @ Jan 30th 2007 2:02PM]

Pretty much, this is useless for internet access as you are limited by your connection to the internet. Truth is, 802.11B is faster than most people access the internet, so a step up to .11N won't change it. It will, however, change the speed at which you connect locally.

[Matt @ Jan 30th 2007 6:01PM]

802.11g operates at 54 Mbps. The fastest consumer connection I know of tops out at 50 Mbps. The limiting factor is the pipe coming into your house. Unless you're on a T1, you're not likely to see a difference switching from g to anything faster.

[telepheedian @ Jan 30th 2007 1:58PM]

Site license? Does bittorrent count as a "site"?

[ShortFuse @ Jan 30th 2007 2:13PM]

I'm assuming they're doing this to get a number as to how many people are interested in 802.11n and have the hardware to use it

[Brett Belcastro @ Jan 30th 2007 2:38PM]

What's the deal with shipping today Engadget? I placed an order on the day they were announced and my order status says: Ships by: Feb 28, Delivers by: Mar 2

[tavaris @ Jan 31st 2007 7:45AM]

engadget got me all excited too...I checked my order status for the new Airport Extreme Router and it still says ship date Feb 28th.

[Kirko @ Jan 30th 2007 4:43PM]

@ Andy C.

[Kirko @ Jan 30th 2007 5:41PM]

@ Andy C.

[Mike D @ Jan 30th 2007 9:47PM]

Actually, 802.11g after overhead is only about 25Mbps of bandwidth. If you have a 50Mbps connection at home (FIOS I imagine), you are never going to see that speed on pure 802.11g.

[asher @ Jan 30th 2007 6:11PM]

bit torrent anyone?

[noob @ Jan 30th 2007 7:05PM]

what i don't understand is how with a belkin n1 router, macbook pro with n wireless the stupid ass airport express still stutters...

the airport express is one of the most poorly conceived devices for streaming music since it only works without hickups like 50% of the time.

[Emiliano @ Jan 31st 2007 6:28AM]

Since when do you pay for drivers??????????????

when you pay for hardware, drivers are a given - they come free (err u paid 4 tha hardware). Can anyone please gimme 1 godamn example that you had 2 pay for drivers! And ill have a good sleep 2nite. suck it apple, u cheap bastards!!!!

[iain @ Jan 31st 2007 8:41AM]

Apple's charging $2 to cover what will be a slew of tech support calls. The installer says it won't work with my HD -- and it's a brand new MBP C2D! So far the $2 has been the cheapest part of this waste of time!

[Muller @ Jan 31st 2007 4:52PM]

Be advised that you must install the Security Update first in order for the installer to work. Run Software Update before installing, kiddies.

[ragade @ Feb 11th 2007 8:27PM]

Wait, so does this mean my imac normal core duo, so does this mean I cannot use this... what a drag...

[tom_squick @ Feb 12th 2007 11:42AM]

Sigh, I guess there isn't any alt ernative he says as he whips out the internet wallet.

[WillGonz @ Feb 15th 2007 2:59PM]

The $1.99 charge is so that everyone will have something to complain about. I mean quit griping about it. If Apple was trying to make a buck they wouldn't make it a site license. Basically you could buy the software once and install it on every mac at all your sites.

Oh and very frustrating....it took 20 minutes for Windows Update to figure out what updates I need. On my Mac at home it does it in 30 seconds. My Windows machines limp around while my MACS run so smooth.