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Apple tosses in gigabit Ethernet on refreshed AirPort Extreme
While the majority of you are likely scoping out Apple's more noticeable introductions, the firm did manage to provide a subtle, albeit entirely welcome upgrade to the 802.11n AirPort Extreme Base Station. Still priced at $179, the revamped device doesn't change much, as you can still look forward to the slimmed-down design, USB port, and security slot, but those utilizing a wired network will greatly appreciate the four gigabit Ethernet ports. Interestingly, there are still a number of locations in which Apple has yet to update the technical information of the new AirPort, but the tried and true checkout page holds the newly implemented details.[Thanks, iData]
Airport Extreme Base Station now with Gigabit Ethernet
Apple has quietly updated one more product today. Hidden at the end of the iMac press release we find out that the Airport Extreme Base Station now sports Gigabit Ethernet ports (one WAN, 3 for devices) whereas only yesterday they were 100baseT. The Airport Extreme Base Station tech specs haven't been updated on its own site as of yet, but the picture above was snagged from the Apple Store. They are still priced at $179.Thanks, Stephen Chan.
Apple posts Airport update
Last week many, many of you reported problems with wifi since the OS X 10.4.10 update. Fortunately, Apple appears to have heard your cries of anguish and has released the Airport Extreme Update 2007-4. Apple doesn't say much about what the update contains but does say it "is recommended for all Intel-based MacBook, MacBook Pro, and Mac mini computers and improves the reliability of AirPort connections."So, for those of you who had problems, did this fix it?Thanks, Kender!
Apple posts AirPort Extreme Base Station w/802.11n Firmware 7.1.1
If you've got an Airport Extreme Basestation and haven't yet downloaded Firmware 7.1, this is your chance to do that and more. Today, Apple has released Firmware 7.1.1 for the Extreme Basestation with 802.11n. This includes all the fixes from 7.1, plus improved support for: Printers and Routers, VPN, PPPoE, WDS(ACL), WEP(TSN) Localized file naming, port mapping, IPv6, and NAS Improved stability with keychain passwords Improved support for third party applications saving files to a USB disk Improved support for AirPort USB disk stability and power saving, disk read/write performance, disk file sharing and passwords Addressed an issue where Base Station would not request a password when expected Get it while it's hot (though we're guessing this won't be the only "new" release from Apple today).[Via MacMinute]
Pogue tests 802.11n routers, blasts Netgear
In today's New York Times, friend to Mac users and finder of lost loves, David Pogue does a nice user-focused job of reviewing four 802.11n wireless routers (story, video), evaluating performance and ease of setup for the Apple, Belkin, Netgear & Linksys offerings. His conclusion: the Airport Extreme, while slightly more expensive than the other units and lacking Gigabit support on the Ethernet side, is far and away the best performer (up to 90mbit transfer speeds, almost double the best results with the other three routers, testing details in his video) and certainly the easiest to configure and control. He also points out that current Macs are firmware-updatable to 802.11n, while most other PC manufacturers will make you buy a new card to get your speedy on.For the real entertainment, however, check out Pogue's behind-the-story blog post. His experience with the Netgear software installation for a USB 802.11n adapter -- a madness-inducing swirl of EULAs, unsigned drivers, UI design from Graphix-R-Us, and plain ol' Windows user-hostile behavior -- is both familiar and chuckle-worthy.Update: Clarified the 2nd paragraph to note that Pogue's issues with the Netgear installation were specific to the adapter, not the router itself.
Airport Extreme Base Station Update
Apple has just released a new update for AirPort Extreme base stations. The update includes general fixes, security improvements and addresses compatibility for the 802.11n base station. To install this update, you'll need AirPort Utility 5.1 for Mac or Windows. The first security concerns seem to be the AirPort's ability to allow incoming IPv6 connections, which it does by default. The new update changes those default settings to limit inbound IPv6 connections to the local network only. You can check your settings after installing the update by opening AirPort Utility, selecting an 802.11 Extreme base station, clicking Advanced -> IPv6, and making sure that Block incoming IPv6 connections is checked. A second security issue allows file names from a password-protected AirPort Disk to be viewed by users on the local network without a password. This is patched to require validation before file names (not file contents) can be seen.
AirPort Base Station Update 2007-001 for Mac
Apple has released a 2007-001 update for the AirPort Base Station for Mac which "includes general fixes and compatibility updates for the following applications": AirPort Utility AirPort Admin Utility for Graphite and Snow Base Stations AirPort Disk Utility AirPort Disk Agent While Apple's Support Doc says the update covers a range of AirPort Base Station software, MacUser is reporting that this one apparently only updates the latest 802.11n version (AirPort Utility 5.1, to be exact). Either way, I'm about to install it for my 802.11n-enabled station now, and I'm keeping as many fingers crossed as possible that AirPort Disk begins to actually work.[Update: Apple's support doc is titled "AirPort Base Station Update 2007-001 for Mac" (hence my own post's clever title), and I tried specifying that this only updates software in the post, what with the bulleted list that contains nothing but software and the lack of the term 'firmware' anywhere, but to clarify: despite the mention of "AirPort Admin Utility for Graphite and Snow Base Stations" in Apple's announcement, this update allegedly only affects current software/utilities (the stuff that gets installed on your Mac) for the latest 802.11n Base Station.]
How To: Using your Mac as a NAT router
No doubt you know that sharing your internet connection on your Mac is easy. For instance, if want to turn any Mac with a built-in Airport card into a wireless router (e.g. with a cable or DSL modem plugged into the built-in ethernet port), all you have to do is go to the Sharing pane of your System Preferences select it and hit start. However, what if you want to do something a little bit more complicated? In this tutorial I'll cover some other ways for turning your Mac into a router, including over FireWire and adding a second ethernet port via USB (which can be really tricky).
Weekend project - DIY cheap 500GB external drive
Ah, the weekend; it stretches out before you like an open field, waiting to be plowed into furrows of laundry, errands, home improvements and recreation. Of course, for us, recreation = new stuff for our beloved Macintoshes! Ready to load up that shiny new Airport Extreme with some capacious shared storage to hold your iTunes library? Let's see... mix one part Staples $140 closeout deal on 500GB Maxtor PATA internal drive, add in one part external FW/USB enclosure with wicked flame graphics for $30... result: one excellent drive that wouldn't look out of place alongside the Mystery Machine. If you prefer the MacAlly cases (rugged!), there's a free shipping deal on those too.Now, for only $20 more you can have these guys assemble the USB-only case and drive for you, or these guys I've never heard of for only $145... but no pretty flames. Of course, if you want it to actually look good under the base station, then the Newer MiniStack is probably a better bet: the empty USB enclosure is only $60/$40 for an open-box unit, so add that Maxtor for some storage that's both functional AND stylish. Happy shopping!Update: The trend of the comments is decidedly unfavorable towards the reliability of both the Maxtor drive and the Metal Gear case, so: message received. Here's a deal on a cheaper DiabloTek enclosure, which makes up for the extra you'll spend on a Seagate or WD drive. If you'd prefer a SATA drive, there is a Maxtor out there for a strangely low $127, as pointed out by Trojan below.
TUAW How To: Use your iTunes library over AirPort Disk
digg_url = 'http://digg.com/software/How_To_Use_your_iTunes_library_over_AirPort_Disk'; Last September we showed you how to keep your iTunes library on an external hard drive. While doing the same thing over an AirPort Disk with Apple's new AirPort Extreme Base Station sounds like it should more or less be the same situation, there are a couple of new catches to be aware of. Never fear, though - we'll outline what you need to know to truly snip the wires on your iTunes library.First, in order to do this right, we recommend backing up your library before snipping any cables (we also don't recommend actually snipping any cables; they can be expensive to replace). If you haven't gotten into the backup habit yet, Scott's How to Back your music using iTunes 7 tutorial is a great place to start. Now, on with the show.
Xbox 360 and Airport Extreme Compatibility Fix
Better late than never, we have a workaround fix for the compatibility issues we reported earlier this month regarding the new Airport Extreme Base Station and Xbox 360. Go to your Airport Utility, then Option-Click the radio setting button to reveal a drop down menu, from there, select "b/g compatible", not "n (b/g compatible)". That takes away the benefits of an 802.11 n network, but it gets the job done with 54 Mbps. Next up is to Option-Click the button for encryption setting and select "WPA Personal". In DHCP settings under Internet, using the 360's MAC address, reserve an IP so it stays consistent. Finally, in your NAT options, select the 360's IP address as the "Default Host" to prevent any Live functionality issues, and restart your Extreme Base Station. Once you go to the network settings on your System blade, you should see your WPA-encrypted network show up. So your 360 and Airport Extreme can work together with encryption, although you kind of neuter the Base Station in the process. [Via CrunchGear]
Ars Technica reviews the new AirPort Extreme Base Station
Clint Ecker at Ars Technica has produced a four-page review of Apple's new AirPort Extreme Base Station, digging into every nook and cranny of what's new in both the software and hardware. Ultimately, Clint really likes the revamped base station, giving Apple strong marks for a broad, powerful feature set and a slick new admin utility. A couple of major dings, however, come in the form of cost (lesser-featured 802.11n routers can of course be had for cheaper) and having to reboot the station after even some of the most minor configuration changes. Still, it seems like Clint is joining others in welcoming Apple's refreshed base station to the market. After just picking one up myself a day ago, I'm offering two thumbs up as well, though I haven't even touched half of the features I'm planning to - yet. For me, the most exciting feature is AirPort Disk, as I plan on setting up automatic wireless backups for both mine and my wife's MacBooks.
Hack your Core Duo MacBook to 802.11n
Got to hand it to the MacBidouille/HardMac crew, they are not easily discouraged. Rather than accept the perpetual second-class status of the Core Duo MacBook 802.11g Airport Extreme card, they bravely attempted to transplant the N-capable wireless card from a Mac Pro into the forlorn laptop. The result? A fully functional battle station 802.11n laptop, with no apparent ill effects. Well done! (The article goes on to note that they saw full N speed from the card, and that the same surgery could be done on a MacBook Pro.)Is this the sort of surgery you'll want to be performing for yourself? Well, even allowing that you can get your hands on the repair/replacement part for the Mac Pro, it's worth noting that the MacBook disassembly process involves 25 screws of varying lengths and sizes: not for the faint of screwdriver.Thanks to those who sent this one in.[via Digg/MacBidouille]
Hands-on with Apple's AirPort Extreme 802.11n Base Station
Our review unit came a little later than we might have liked, but for anyone in the audience still down with an exhaustive hands-on and setup photo gallery with Apple's purdy new AirPort Extreme 802.11n Base Station, we've got you covered. Click on for our impressions, or check out our photo gallery.%Gallery-1656%
Airport Extreme showing up in retail stores
Several readers have written to tell us that Airport Extremes are on the shelves in Apple Stores (a few California stores, to be exact). I have an authorized reseller by my house (not an actual Apple Store) which hasn't received any, but they're typically towards the end of the list.So, does your local store have Airport Extremes on the shelves, and have you purchased one yet?
Xbox incompatible with 802.11n Airport Extreme
TUAW reader Bryan Hughes writes in to tell us that after many unsuccessful attempts, he was unable to connect wirelessly to his Xbox 360 via the new 802.11n Airport Extreme. Over at a discussion at Apple Tech Support, other users report no problem connecting their Wiis and Playstation 3s to the Airport Extreme network but that the Xbox is another matter. The Xbox 360 apparently will not recognize any network with security, whether WEP or WPA and Microsoft's tech support apparently is telling customers that Apple routers are not recommended. So would you be willing to entirely disable security on your wireless network to connect to your Xbox? That's apparently one way of making the connection work. Some readers report that turning off security and closing their network (not advertising the SSID) and using MAC address filtering work. You can join the Xbox/Airport Extreme discussion here.
Airport Extreme 802.11n base station tested and dissected
We've already seen Apple's 802.11n-enhanced Airport Extreme base station unboxed, but that'll hardly satisfy those more curious about the router's inner working than its shiny exterior. Thankfully, the folks at iFixit ripped theirs apart so you don't have to, also taking the time to run the base station through some benchmarks to see how it performs. On that point, they found that the base station definitely delivered the goods, providing a 10x performance boost and 3x range increase over the non-802.11n base station. In transfer rates, that translates to a speedy 9MB/s in short range tests, and a still-impressive 500KB/s when put to a long-range test, with some 300 feet (and a building) separating their MacBook Pro and the base station. As for that peek under the hood, you can check out another pic after the break, then click through to iFixit for a look at the complete operation.[Via Digg]
Airport Extreme 802.11n Base Station unboxing
Earlier this week Apple made good on its promise to ship its 802.11n Airport Extreme Base Station sometime in "February," and now that it has, the units are starting to appear in local Apple Stores. AppleInsider and Jennifer J on Flickr popped down to their local Store to pick up two of the first Base Stations to go on sale, and for our convenience have posted a bunch of their photos online. Hopefully reports will be forthcoming regarding the real world performance and range of the new Base Station. As for the physical unboxing, it's the standard Apple affair: a sparse box design with an equally minimalist little router sitting inside. For absolute perfection in box design, we still think that Apple should include a little square of bubble wrap: y'know, for the sake of popping them for fun aesthetics.Read - AppleInsiderRead - Airport Extreme photoset on Flickr
First Airport Extreme unboxing pics surface
TUAW reader Mark has just received his Airport Extreme base station, way ahead of schedule. Gasp as he shows you the contents of the box (nothing too shocking). He also compares the new Airport Extreme base station to the old UFO type, so you can get an idea of its size.Check out his site for all the pics.
Apple ships Airport Extremes ahead of schedule
It looks like Apple has been able to produce the new Airport Extreme base stations a little faster than expected. No longer is the estimated ship date 'February,' which is a little vague. The Apple Store now tells us that the base stations will be shipping in 2-3 weeks (mid-February!).Also of note, reader Scott Spencer was informed by Apple that his Airport Extreme would be shipping on or before February 14th. Aww, Apple, what a nice Valentine's Day gift.
