I will soon be moving around my entire home network. I have Buffalo equipment now, but would really like to switch back to the ease of use I found with my previous network, my Apple Airport. I am reluctant to buy any new wireless equipment now, though, with the 'N' protocol on its way. I'm wondering if people think it's worth waiting for. I don't do a massive amount of network traffic. The network is really set up so all the computers on the house can be on the 'net. Thoughts? Thanks so much.
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Airport now, or wait
- Thread starter aikomhoch
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How often do you configure your network though? I find AirPorts very easy to use, but that's only relevant a very limited amount of times. Also, if you get the latest 802.11N base station when it comes out, it'll only really be useful if you upgrade all your wireless cards too, which may not be possible in your Macs.
I'd just buy it. I'm not that up to date on different network technologies, but the curent hardware in my house is more the enough. For a family situation, I would just buy it, and if they come out with new ones I wouldn't worry about it. That's just me though. Some people need the newest and greatest.
Hmmm...
Don't get me wrong, I'm an Apple nut for sure. However, when it comes to routers, you're going to want a router with the best upgradeability (future antennas, etc), best wireless range, and newest protocol support. So with that in mind, I'd not get an Airport Extreme router. Get a MIMO / SRX router or a cheap 802.11g router for cheap until the special version of airport comes out for you. Until then, the AE base station isn't too cost effective.
Don't get me wrong, I'm an Apple nut for sure. However, when it comes to routers, you're going to want a router with the best upgradeability (future antennas, etc), best wireless range, and newest protocol support. So with that in mind, I'd not get an Airport Extreme router. Get a MIMO / SRX router or a cheap 802.11g router for cheap until the special version of airport comes out for you. Until then, the AE base station isn't too cost effective.
Thanks
Thanks for your replies; you've all given me plenty to think about. I will admit that much of my reasoning for wanting the Airport system is that I'm an Apple nut. That said, I've configured a few different wireless stations and nothing has come close to the ease of use of the airport. One of the replies above mentions the Airport Express. My intention was still to get the regular Airport basestation, then probably an express as a booster somewhere else in the house. I have to admit that I don't really know the difference between the standard station and the express. Can anyone enlighten me?
Another reason for my pause is that I wondering if the rumored Mactel 'books (one of which I will definitely be buying) will come with Pre-N hardware.
Thanks again,
Michael
Thanks for your replies; you've all given me plenty to think about. I will admit that much of my reasoning for wanting the Airport system is that I'm an Apple nut. That said, I've configured a few different wireless stations and nothing has come close to the ease of use of the airport. One of the replies above mentions the Airport Express. My intention was still to get the regular Airport basestation, then probably an express as a booster somewhere else in the house. I have to admit that I don't really know the difference between the standard station and the express. Can anyone enlighten me?
Another reason for my pause is that I wondering if the rumored Mactel 'books (one of which I will definitely be buying) will come with Pre-N hardware.
Thanks again,
Michael
aikomhoch said:
AirPort Extreme is capable of having 50 clients as opposed to the 10 an Express can have. In addition, the Extreme has an extra ethernet port but the Express has AirTunes. Other than that, they're effectively the same aside from the rather large price difference.
mad jew said:AirPort Extreme is capable of having 50 clients as opposed to the 10 an Express can have. In addition, the Extreme has an extra ethernet port but the Express has AirTunes. Other than that, they're effectively the same aside from the rather large price difference.
The extreme supports upnp which the express does not (can help some with iChat AV), the extreme (bigger model) also supports power over ethernet and installing in a roof cavity. The extreme also supports an external antenna for greater range. The extreme also supports a telephone connection for dial in and out (backup).
Whether these things matter or not is a judgement for each buyer.
Aiport Buying advice
I would suggest you get one now if your main intention is to use it as a net connection. The problem is that wireless technology is moving at light speed - much faster than DSL connection speeds so it doesnt matter if you go for an old model or new - if you only have a 1mb/s net connection like many have (referring to the UK) you may be wasting money on technology not needed. Also beware that third party hardware manufacturers are really struggling to keep up with Apples hardware and software developments as it is. I purchased a D-Link Ethernet modem and Airport Extreme Base-station in September 05 and a week latter following a firmware update to the base-station, I was one of the thousands left with no modem connection until I erased and reset the whole network to the original firmware.
I would suggest you get one now if your main intention is to use it as a net connection. The problem is that wireless technology is moving at light speed - much faster than DSL connection speeds so it doesnt matter if you go for an old model or new - if you only have a 1mb/s net connection like many have (referring to the UK) you may be wasting money on technology not needed. Also beware that third party hardware manufacturers are really struggling to keep up with Apples hardware and software developments as it is. I purchased a D-Link Ethernet modem and Airport Extreme Base-station in September 05 and a week latter following a firmware update to the base-station, I was one of the thousands left with no modem connection until I erased and reset the whole network to the original firmware.