Apple Quietly Releases 802.11n Enabler

[MacRumors]

Along with today's iPod Shuffle line additions, Apple has released the promised 802.11n Enabler for compatible Macs.

The software is available via a software download from the Apple Store for $1.99 unless you buy the Airport Extreme base station which includes the software at no additional cost.

The $1.99 upgrade has been the focus of some controversy. The update had been originally priced at $4.99, but Apple slashed the price after an outpouring of discontent from users.

Article Link: Apple Quietly Releases 802.11n Enabler

 

[bbarnhart]

Wonder how long it will take to find this on the newsgroups?

 

[Warbrain]

The iPod shuffles were only there to keep everyone's attention away...

 

[Stridder44]

Wonder how long it will take someone to hack it (free 802.11n)

 

[iMeowbot]

Wonder how long it will take someone to hack it (free 802.11n)

There won't be any cracking needed.

The software license for the 802.11n Enabler software allows you to install and use it on all computers under your ownership or control.

That's about as lenient as commercial software terms get. Note that you don't even have to own the computers where you install it.

 

[mkrishnan]

That's about as lenient as commercial software terms get. Note that you don't even have to own the computers where you install it.

I'd be willing to buy a copy of the enabler, if, for a few moments, you would all concede that I control the entire world.

 

[failsafe1]

Great now I simply need to get a cheap N router from Circuity City or Best Buy one day

 

[Markleshark]

That's about as lenient as commercial software terms get. Note that you don't even have to own the computers where you install it.

Hmmmmm

all computers under your ownership or control.

 

[hagjohn]

I'd wait to see what happens with Leopard, to see if they just add it in the OS.

 

[Mitthrawnuruodo]

I'd be willing to buy a copy of the enabler, if, for a few moments, you would all concede that I control the entire world.

I'm not sure that is such a good deal... World domination to mkrishnan or cough up NOK 12.50...? hmm...

Hmmmmm

Notice the 'or'...

 

[Stridder44]

That's about as lenient as commercial software terms get. Note that you don't even have to own the computers where you install it.

$1.99 is nothing, but I can wait for Leopard - where, I'm assuming, it will be built into the OS.

 

[roland.g]

I'd wait to see what happens with Leopard, to see if they just add it in the OS.

I'm sure all Macs shipping at this point are enabled.

 

[mkrishnan]

I'm not sure that is such a good deal... World domination to mkrishnan or cough up NOK 12.50...? hmm...

You've always known what the right answer is....

 

[timmillwood]

does this make any difference to 802.11g setups?

more reliable connectivity, faster, more range?

or is the only addition 802.11n?

 

[Xyl]

I'm sure all Macs shipping at this point are enabled.

Nope. From iMac Tech Specs:

Communications
Built-in 54-Mbps AirPort Extreme wireless networking (802.11g standard; 802.11n capable with optional 802.11n enabler)

 

[IlluminatedSage]

i just want to receive my new airport n router. so i don't pay for this. except on the hardware.

new airport looks great. want it already though

 

[MacVault]

If it is indeed true that the $1.99 charge is due to some accounting regulation this seems to set a terrible precedant for adding free features to software in the future. Who decides what is a feature addition and what is a bug fix?

 

[kaeptn]

Hi.
What, if I have two MacBooks with the 802.11n cards (+enabler). Can I use them in Ad-Hoc mode for fast data transfer? How fast would this be?

Thanks,
Fritz

 

[Mulyahnto]

Not that I hear a lot of fuss about it on this message board. But what is actually is all the fuss about..it's only $1.99. To me it seems both fair and appropriate to charge this nominal fee.

 

[timmillwood]

if itunes is free why cant this be?

 

[abadr]

For those having issues with throughput and certain routers, e.g. iMac 24" owners, I'd like to let you now that this makes F all difference. I still get 400kb/s throughput. What a waste of time.

I'm using a Netgear DG834N if anyone wants to know. That's a pre-N router.

 

[gerrycurl]

draft n spec

honestly speaking, i don't find it very useful considering i don't have a wireless 802.11n router. i could go buy one, but it's not even a standard yet. when you buy pre-draft hardware, it's mostly crap, sure they can update the firmware, but that will only give you so much improvement. i really think you're better off buying when the draft is completed and they've found ways to optimize the hardware. take it from someone that bought a netgear pre-draft 802.11g pcmcia card, by the third rev they got it right, the pre-draft version was just a piece of crap that they discontinued immediately. the drivers never worked on xp pro either.

also the apple extreme 802.11n draft airport station sucks ass, 100 Mbps lan, come on, what is this, the nineties?

 

[jhedges3]

What are the odds of coming across 802.11n routers?

Does having it affect speeds on pre-n routers?

 

[mambodancer]

Apple also released a Free demo game of Vortex through the iTunes store.

 

[KindredMAC]

$1.99.... "Fools and their Money....."

There is no reason for people to buy the enabler unless they already have access to an N network. Am I correct people?????

This won't help your new MacBook or MBPro to transfer and recieve data over a current G network any faster.

I don't even believe there are any N routers out for sale yet at Best Buy or CompUSA is there????

If I am wrong about the fact that the N Enabler will not give you any kind of boost to your G Network, please someone, point me to a link that shows me otherwise so I don't sound like a fool.

But otherwise like I said, A Fool and their Money.....

$1.99 isn't a bad cost for anything like this anyways so stop whining if you can't wait for Leopard or to buy an APEXT.