14 DAY TRIAL // I am sure you remember the previous happenings concerning the AirPort Extreme, but give me a minute to remind them to you - first, there were some rumors about the fact that 802.11n-capable Macs that needed software activation should use an application that is worth about 2$, then we found out that these devices will have a lower data transfer rate in the UK due to legal regulations, and now we got the confirmation of the rumor, as well as the new hardware devices shipping to the customers. Let's take them one by one, shall we?
Yesterday, after the come back of the Apple Online Store to the virtual world, an addition that didn't get as much attention as the new iPod shuffles was the AirPort Extreme 802.11n Enabler for Mac. Priced at 1.99$, this software application allows you to enable 802.11n wireless networks access for Intel Core 2 Duo Macs or a Mac Pro with AirPort Extreme, except the 17 inch, 1.83GHz iMac.
This software enabler comes for free with the new AirPort Extreme Base Station, and if you think about purchasing it, you should see first that your Mac doesn't have the 802.11n enabler already installed. To do this, you have to open the Network Utility from the Applications>Utilities folder, and then choose Network Interface under the Info tab. Now, all you have to do is read the text in the "Model: Wireless Network Adapter", and if it says "802.11a/b/g/n", then you can keep you two bucks safe, but if you can only read "802.11a/b/g", then you need the enabler to access 802.11n networks.
As you probably expect already, the other news concerning Apple's AirPort Extreme is that the hardware device itself featuring 802.11n capabilities is now shipping. The new AirPort Extreme Base Station features a new design that allows you to connect networked computers, printers and a USB hard drive for data sharing and backup.
The Base Station is shaped as a 6.5 inches square that's 1.3 inches tall, features a USB port and comes with a software utility that enables you to set up a network for up to 50 simultaneous users, allowing security restrictions such as Internet access limits for employees or kids.
The new AirPort Extreme Base Station is available through the Apple Online Store, at Apple's retail stores and their Authorized Resellers for a suggested retail price of 179$.