14 DAY TRIAL // Following a failed attempt to update folks' AirPort firmware, Apple issued a new AirPort Extreme update this week. The AirPort Extreme Update 2008 – 004 was made available only via Leopard's build-in Software Update mechanism. While users are already reporting issues with the patch, the standalone installer has also appeared on Apple's Downloads page.
Apple's first attempt to resolve issues with AirPort connections when roaming in large Wi-Fi networks was AirPort Extreme Update 2008-003 on October 21. The update was described as “recommended for all Intel-based Macintosh computers running Mac OS 10.5.5.” Apple soon pulled it, for one reason or another. AirPort Extreme Update 2008-004 followed a few days later, holding the same patch. However, as one of our readers also reported, this patch was buggy as well.
"The update causes my MacBook extremely slow in accessing internet through my NetGear router,” middleware wrote. “'2008-004' conflicts with some NetGear wireless routers, in particular, with my WGR614. I tested against the following combinations:
Leopard without 2008-004, with NetGear: Good Leopard with 2008-004, with NetGear: Bad Leopard with 2008-004, with Air Port Extreme: Good Leopard with 2008-004, with an unknown router: Good PC, with NetGear: Good
The 'Bad' means the web access becomes so slow that 9 out of 10 times Gmail could not even show its login page.”
Apple still says that AirPort Extreme Update 2008-004 is aimed at all Intel-based Macintosh computers running Mac OS 10.5.5. Also, the update hopes to resolve the same issues with “AirPort connections when roaming in large Wi-Fi networks,” it is said. Whether or not the standalone installer will do the trick once and for all remains to be seen. Tell us how it worked for you.
Apple always advises users to download and install the latest updates available for their computers. There are (now) two ways to update your AirPort firmware:
1 - Software Update – click on the Apple button, choose Software Update, and then select AirPort Extreme Update 2008 – 004 from the list of available updates.
2 - Standalone Installer – Download AirPort Extreme Update 2008-004 (Free)