![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() In preparation for testing, we wanted to connect the MacBook to an existing 11n, Revision 2.0 network based on Linksys’s top-of-the-line Dual-Band Wireless-N Gigabit Router (WRT600N). The other components are all Windows-based or network-only devices–wireless laptop and desktop, wired desktop PC (all Windows XP), Vonage (VoIP) gateway, network hard drive, and USB hard drive. The test bed included a MacBook Pro, Apple’s high-end 17-inch-monitor laptop, a beautiful machine that comes equipped with a Draft 11n adapter. In fact, the problems began before we even plugged in the AirPort, and continued. But in our mixed Windows/Mac test facility, the process was far from bump-free. Setting up and running a basic wireless network using the AirPort Extreme should be–is certainly designed to be–very simple, and many users may find it so. The AirPort Extreme, a low, flat, book-sized device with integrated antennas, is reminiscent of both Mac and iPod.But if you live in the Windows world or in a mixed environment? Does the AirPort Extreme perform any better than other Draft N routers? Does it play nicely with Windows devices? If nothing else, you get elegant Apple industrial design to match your other gear. If you’re a Mac-ite, opting for an Apple-branded Wi-Fi network is probably a no-brainer. We had a chance recently to test its latest router product, the AirPort Extreme ($180), a Draft 11n, Revision 2.0 unit with four 10/100 Ethernet ports and a USB port for connecting a hard drive or printer. After all, HP, Lenovo et al are content to leave Wi-Fi to networking specialists, such as Linksys.īut Apple is in the Wi-Fi business and has been for a while. Unless it was because the Mac needed special treatment in a wireless network environment. We never understood why Apple, a computer manufacturer, wanted to get into the Wi-Fi business in the first place. Pros: Elegantly simple configuration wizard, superb Apple industrial designĬons: Irritating, but resolvable, set-up and configuration issues in mixed Windows/Mac environment, average performance Average performance coupled with set-up and configuration issues in a Win/Mac environment mar the otherwise elegantly simple AirPort Extreme experience. ![]()
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