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Asus giving certain notebooks the draft-N love
So you've just picked up your new Airport Extreme router, and now you want a laptop that can handle those higher draft-N speeds. Well chances are good that you're gonna pick up a MacBook to fill the void, but if for some reason you're craving an ODM notebook, Asus is reporting that it's now got your back. As of today, the company will begin shipping select laptops with Intel Next-Gen Wireless-N-endowed chipsets, giving the mostly higher-end models the ability to stream some pretty bandwidth-heavy HD content. According to Asus, the S6Fm, V1Jp, W2P, VX2, and W6Fp are all getting the 802.11n treatment, specifically Intel's latest, power-sipping chips. Toss a 3G wireless card in one of these bad boys, and you've got yourself some of the best wireless connectivity that money can buy. [Via laptoping]
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.
Intel's built-in 802.11n Mini PCI card gets official
We realize that Intel has probably waited about as long as it possibly can on this not-yet-ratified 802.11n deal, but on the very day we see some rare signs of life in the 802.11 task force, Intel is making its own draft-spec 802.11n Mini PCI card official. While we've known that Intel would be backing the protocol for some time now, the company has just announced that the 4965agn card (backwards compatible with a/b/g networks) will be replacing the existing 3945abg card and should be shipping on most Vista-equipped laptops. Intel claims that its new card will offer up "five times the performance, twice the range, and greater battery life" than its predecessor. Additionally, the firm launched the "Connect with Centrino" campaign, which will force vendors such as Asus, Belkin, Buffalo, D-Link, and Netgear to pass Intel's own line of testing in order to receive its coveted seal of approval, which is just begging to cause inoperability problems whenever 802.11n goes final. Users interested in getting the latest WiFi chip in their Centrino package can look for that (probably large) palm rest sticker signifying that it's certified starting this week, and if you're completely bored interested, you can click on through to see a demonstration video on how Intel tests its own Connect with Centrino program.
802.11n going up for approval once again
Sure, they say the third time's a charm, but at this point, all "charm" in the grueling 802.11n ratification process has evaporated. Moving ever-so-slightly ahead of schedule, the IEEE's 802.11 working group has "unanimously approved Draft 1.10 of the 802.11n WiFi spec," and has now passed it along to the entire membership of the IEEE for final approval. Of course, we've certainly been down the unfortunate road before, but hopefully the folks in charge will give it the thumbs-up we all need to sanely move on with our wireless lives. Notably, there's "no set timeline" for when it expects an approval / denial decision, but if the membership does give this draft the green light, "it will be the final 802.11n specification." Now, let's all cross our collective fingers for some positive (and hasty) decision making.
Airport Extreme launched: draft 802.11n and USB hosting now supported
It may not bring the thunder like an Apple iPhone but the Airport Extreme does bring draft-N of the 802.11 WiFi standard. That means up to 5x the speed and 2x the performance of traditional WiFi networks which should deliver a bit of a rumble to the living room or office. It also support legacy 802.11a/b/g giving it full 2.4GHz and 5GHz coverage. It also features AirPort Disk, a USB host port around back allowing you to share an external USB hard drive over your wireless or wired network. Or just attach a USB printer and share that, your choice. Best of all, it should work with the unannounced, but apparently real, 802.11n draft hardware in your recently purchased Mac -- look for a software update to roll soon. By February anyway, when the Airport Extreme ships for $180.
Apple to unveil 802.11n Airport Extreme X2, X4 at Macworld?
Alright, deep breaths, we might have us some actual pre-Macworld Apple news here, and we don't want anybody passing out on us. It looks like Apple is indeed hopping on board the 802.11n bandwagon, with its own draft-N devices going by the name of Airport Extreme X2 and X4. We're not positive what's the difference between the two versions (though we're sure X4 will be bringing twice the Xtreem of its counterpart) but it could have something to do with that DualBand 802.11n technology which showed up in Linksys' new WRT600N, with 2.4GHz and 5GHz frequency support to bust up on interference -- just a guess though. This news comes to us courtesy of a loose-lipped Macworld Expo "Advanced Wireless" session description, so it could very well be one of strongest rumors we've heard yet of an actual Macworld product launch from Apple -- let's just hope there's at least one more thing.[Via Digg]
Linksys launches WPSM54G print server, WRT330N draft-N gaming router
Linksys wants to get in on some of the early show announcement action as well, by launching not one but two WiFi products before we all hit the CES show floor on Monday morning. The first is its WPSM54G 802.11g WiFi print server (pictured), which supports scanning, faxing and copying on various multifunction products from companies that include Canon, Dell, Epson, HP and Lexmark. Linksys isn't messing around with this one, and will sell you a print server right now direct from its website for $120. The second of the product pair is the WRT330N Wireless-N Gigabit Gaming Router, a draft-N device that's loaded up with four gigabit Ethernet ports and a single gigabit WAN port. By using its built-in "Quality of Service" software, it'll give gaming and VoIP packet traffic the highest priority to minimize latency. The WRT330N also supports WPA2, WPA or WEP encryption, can be used as a DHCP server and has an SPI firewall. If you can spare a pair of Benjamins right now, Linksys and its retail partners will send one your way -- your gamer friends won't know how they got fragged so fast. Check out the crazy antenna design on the next page.Read - WPSM54GRead - WRT330N
SMC ships trio of draft-spec 802.11n networking gear
It looks the barrage of draft-spec 802.11n gear being released isn't slowing down anytime soon, and helping the yet-to-be-ratified protocol gain more ground is SMC. Making good on its promise to ship draft-N gear, the networking company has reportedly launched the Barricade N, which utilizes "multi-antenna MIMO support" to connect at rates of "up to 300Mbps," sports a four-port Ethernet switch, and can automatically prioritize duties such as music / video streaming to keep things skip-free. Complementing the new router are pre-N versions of the company's EZ Connect CardBus and PCI wireless adapters, which will give your lappie or desktop the ability to take advantage of the ultra-speedy 802.11n standard. All three devices are purportedly available right now, with the Barricade N selling for $120, the PCMCIA adapter demanding $80, and the PCI card costing $90.
D-Link DWA-643 Xtreme N Notebook ExpressCard gets by FCC
Looks like D-Link has hopped on the draft-N bandwagon and slammed the pedal down, as it's been releasing a flurry of 802.11n-compatibile gear of late. Yet another piece of kit that should hit US shelves soon is the firm's DWA-643 Xtreme N Notebook ExpressCard, which has just received that coveted stamp of approval from the FCC. The card sports backwards compatibility with 802.11b/g networks, WPA support, and works solely on Windows machines -- of course, this shouldn't bother you Apple laptop owners that much anyway. Per usual, the FCC isn't one to spill the beans on pricing or availability details, but we shouldn't have to hold out too much longer now that it's crossed the biggest hurdle.[Via Laptoping]
Buffalo intros USB-equipped AirStation Nfiniti Giga draft-N router
Aside from the fact that Buffalo has nearly worn its own AirStation moniker thin with all these router releases, the reviewers say it's got a good thing going, so we've no qualms with it busting out yet another offering in the Nfiniti lineup. The AirStation Nfiniti Giga sports the same basic design and feature set as the, um, non-Gigafied version, but boasts a USB port for retro machines (or stripped ultraportables) that lack at Ethernet port. Still, the unit reportedly supports the draft-spec of 802.11n as well as 802.11b/g, packs a built-in 4-port Ethernet "hub," and claims to offer "up to 80Mbps" through the air. So if you're digging the trio of antennas and need a USB port to boot, you can pick up this router later this month for a surprisingly high ¥34,800 ($295).[Via Akihabara News]
Qualcomm swallows Airgo, announces first 802.11n Draft 2.0 chipset
As we edge ever closer (right?) to finally seeing a finalized 802.11n protocol, companies are shoving (sometimes in secret) draft-spec 802.11n kit into their products to take advantage of the here and now. Taking yet another baby step towards the goal, Qualcomm is releasing a fourth-generation chipset, dubbed the AGN400, to take advantage of Draft 2.0 of the IEEE 802.11n standard. The chipset itself was crafted by Airgo, who just so happened to be acquired by dear Qualcomm in one fell swoop, and also features Airgo's True MIMO Gen-N technology. Although Airgo has had its quibbles with backwards compatibility in the past, this device will supposedly play nice with all previous 802.11s, including the earlier draft of 802.11n and the typical trio of 802.11a/b/g. Reportedly ready to fit a "full array" of interface buses for OEM products, this Draft 2.0-compliant chipset purportedly provides "significantly better performance, a greater feature set, and enhanced interoperability" over the previous rendition. While pricing details weren't discussed, it should be ready for the world to see by CES, while True MIMO Gen-N products should be available by "the first quarter of 2007."[Via PhoneMag]
Corega brings its ugly stick to 802.11n party
Nothing much to see here, just Corega doing its thing with a no-frills 802.11n router and PC card. The CG-WLBARGE router and CG-WLCB144GE card both sport XSPAN technology for multiplex usage of the MIMO antennas, resulting in some fancy "3x3 communication," which sounds no different than what you'll be getting from any other recent 802.11n offering. What is lacking is that fancy guarantee ASUS has for its new draft-n products, meaning late-in-the-game IEEE revisions could render your setup obsolete in a few months. But with looks like these, that wouldn't necessarily be a bad thing.[Via Akihabara]
MacBook Pros also shipping with secret draft-N cards
So it looks like Apple's engineers decided to throw another little treat into the latest generation of MacBook Pros along with those zippy new Core 2 Duo processors -- just like the recently spec-bumped iMacs, these Merom-powered MBPs also feature a dormant 802.11n wireless card. With iMacs now rocking draft-N from Broadcom and D-Link Rangebooster chipsets finding their way into the laptop line, speculation is running rampant that the upcoming iTV media extender will also feature the next-gen WiFi standard. Since the current version of OS X doesn't support the yet-to-be-ratified protocol, there's not much that Mac owners can do at present with this newfound knowledge, though it is nice to know that your expensive new toy is probably future-proofed for that MIMO goodness. To find out if Apple was sneaking features into any other hardware, we decided to crack open a 5.5G iPod to see if anything draft-N-related was hidden inside that product too, but all we learned was that prying the case off with a knife can lead to bloody fingers and a broken DAP.[Via TUAW]
D-Link announces Draft-N router, cards, adds WiMAX router
It's been a little while since we've heard from D-Link's WiFi department, but boy have they been busy. The D just released four new wireless products, including two Draft-N wireless cards: one for your desktop (DWA-552), and one for your laptop (DWA-652), a'course. But if you're gunning for something that is a little cooler, you could get your 802.11n on with the DIR-655 WiFi Draft-N gigabit Ethernet router (pictured). D-Link also touts its "Intelligent QoS Technology" so that your network traffic can be prioritized -- so there's less of a chance that your Skype call to your loved one across the world will drop while you've got multiple downloads going. If those three weren't enough, D-Link has also entered the "WiMAX consumer premise equipment" market, with its WiMAX router that combines the new wide-area wireless standard and traditional WiFi in the same box. And if you really want to know the nitty-gritty, this one supports WMAN and PHY protocols, as well as adaptive modulation. Still, in all of its excitement, The D neglected to tell us when nor how much we'll need to fork over to get our grubby hands all over any of these shiny wireless devices.Update: A few astute commenters have pointed out that we read this one a little too fast. The press release states: "D-Link's new Xtreme N Gigabit Router (DIR-655) and optional adapters are available now at select retail outlets and will be available from D-Link's extensive network of value-added resellers, distributors and retail outlets and at www.dlinkshop.com this quarter. The manufacturer's suggested retail prices (MSRP) are $199.99 for the router, and $119.99 each for the Xtreme N Notebook Adapter (DWA-652) and Xtreme N Desktop Adapter (DWA-552)."[Via TGDaily]Read - Press releaseRead - DIR-655Read - DIR-552Read - DIR-652Read - WiMAX router
Lenovo ThinkPads bring biometric HDD encryption, Merom, and draft-N
While fingerprint scanners on laptops are becoming all the rave lately, from what we can tell most of them don't encrypt and decrypt data with the swipe of a finger. Today, Lenovo announced that all new models in the ThinkPad 60 series will include Ultimaco's SafeGuard Easy 4.30, software which enables the option of biometric hard drive encryption that meets the FIPS 140-2 certification -- what the Feds require for government-purchased encryption products. On the Core 2 Duo side, models T60, T60p, R60, R60e, X60, Z61t, Z61p and Z61e are getting the bumped processor treatment, while the same laptops, plus the X60s, (but not including the Z61e) are also to be offered with 802.11n. Lenovo told us that all of these new features are due out later this month, but we don't yet know how much of a premium they'll fetch; we'll keep you posted as soon as the intel comes in. [Via The Associated Press]
ZyXEL jumps into the Draft-n game with new MIMO router
Most of the big names have already busted out their own MIMO Draft-802.11n routers, but that doesn't mean there isn't plenty of room for the minor players to give Draft-n a shot, and ZyXEL's new NBG-415N Wireless Broadband Router sounds like a decent offering from the Taiwan-based company. They're claiming speeds of up to 300mbps for the $160 unit, and they've got some "StreamEngine" tech from Ubicom to prioritize certain types of data. The router also packs a USB port for WCN connectivity of printers, media players and the like. We should be seeing this one near the end of the month, along with laptop (PCMCIA) and desktop (PCI) versions: the NWD-170N and NWD-370N which go for $100 and $120 respectively.
ASUS provides compatibility guarantee for draft-n products
Despite the disappointing speed and range improvements we've seen from draft-n products so far, there's no denying 802.11n is the future of WiFi, and that means consumers looking for a speed boost who join the draft-n bandwagon do so at their own peril, risking hundreds of dollars on a wireless router that could very well prove incompatible and obsolete in a year or so. Well, router manufacturers have to sell something while they wait for the WiFi Alliance to get off its butt and approve a draft of the 802.11n spec, and ASUS is taking the draft-n game to a new level by guaranteeing future compatibility with the final 802.11n spec "whether in the form of firmware or hardware updates." ASUS is covering their WL-500W and WL-100W routers, both powered by "Intensi-fi" tech and claiming speeds higher than 100Mbps. The upgrade program covers all units purchased before the end of '06, and will last for 3 months after the ratification of the final spec -- which should happen sometime this century.
802.11n getting prelim certification in March 2007
Starting in March 2007 the Wi-Fi Alliance will start certifying next-gen WiFi products, which puts us at ease a little bit. As CNET reports, the ultimate goal is, of course, to make sure that all the prelim 802.11n stuff out there plays nice with each other, which currently can mess up existing legit WiFi networks. For those of you who haven't been keeping score at home, 802.11n has been fraught with total confusion since the beginning. Back in May 2006, the IEEE rejected the first 802.11n draft by a wide margin, failing to garner a simple majority, let alone the required 75 percent supermajority. Later that month, Glenn Fleishman at Wi-Fi Net News told us that Task Group N received around 12,000 comments on the proposed draft -- compared to the 2,000-some that most drafts generate -- which is another very bad sign. Unfortunately though, it still looks like the real deal officially official final ratification won't be done until 2008. The short version? Just to be safe, stick with your current WiFi setup until there's a new man in the White House, ok? [Via Wi-Fi Net News]
Dell offering draft-802.11n card for notebooks
Like many consumers, Dell is getting a little sick of waiting around for the IEEE's Task Group N to pull it together and roll out a final version of the next-gen WiFi standard, so the company has decided to start offering its own draft-802.11n card in all XPS and select Inspiron laptops. As you're probably already aware, 802.11n will be a wireless networking protocol that uses MIMO technology to offer greater range and speed than traditional 802.11a/b/g networks, but has been famously bogged down by delays and questions of interoperability. Dell's implementation comes in the form of its redundantly-named Wireless 1500 Draft 802.11n dual-band wireless card, which utilizes Broadcom's Intensi-fi flavor of draft-N -- available in such products as Netgear's RangeMax Next lineup -- to provide those desirable performance boosts. Usually we'd recommend that you wait to take the plunge until the dust settles and a final standard is announced, but since that may not happen in our lifetimes and Dell's backwards-compatible card is only $59 (or less, plus the cost of a router), it doesn't sound too risky to give this option a try.[Via Notebook Review]
Haier, Metalink show off draft-n-equipped TVs
It's been over a year since we first spotted Metalink's draft-802.11n components designed for networked home theater gear, and now it seems that the company has finally found a partner willing to include the technology in a slew of next-generation products. Known as WLANPlus, the chipset family is poised for integration into TVs, DVRs, and DVD players from Chinese manufacturing giant Haier -- perhaps best know around here for the pen-like P7 cellphone -- which will allow consumers to broadcast multiple high definition streams around the house thanks to draft-n transfer speeds in excess of 200Mbps. The two companies revealed their partnership at this year's SINOCES, where Haier had several WiFi-equipped TVs on display in a multi-room setup meant to simulate simultaneous streaming in a household environment. GigaOM points out, however, that it may be awhile before we see actual products stemming from this deal hit the marketplace -- if we ever see them at all -- as Metalink doesn't seem to be in the best financial shape, having already lost $4.1 million in the first quarter of this year alone.[Via GigaOM]
