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This is super news.

I wonder if the new Aiport (Supreme?) card will be compatible with the current Airport Extreme slot. That would be wonderful if we all could upgrade without purchasing a new computer. Somehow, I think it unlikely. :(
 
Diatribe said:
At least a year I think. And about 2 for it to become mainstream, unfortunately.

i wanted to say a year, but i couldn't remember if that was for ratification or for it be official.


aquajet said:
This is super news.

I wonder if the new Aiport (Supreme?) card will be compatible with the current Airport Extreme slot. That would be wonderful if we all could upgrade. Somehow, I think it unlikely. :(

i wouldn't think that its unlikely at all. remember that apple jumped on wireless 'g' when it was ratified and was using it before it was 'official' so i don't think they would hesitate here either. its just a matter of time before they start integration with it.
 
PlaceofDis said:
i wouldn't think that its unlikely at all. remember that apple jumped on wireless 'g' when it was ratified and was using it before it was 'official' so i don't think they would hesitate here either. its just a matter of time before they start integration with it.

Oh, it's a given that Apple will adopt 802.11n. But much like the original airport, I doubt there will be an upgrade path for existing machines. So it's likely we'll all have to purchase new computers if we want to use the n standard. :(
 
aquajet said:
Oh, it's a given that Apple will adopt 802.11n. But much like the original airport, I doubt there will be an upgrade path for existing machines. So it's likely we'll all have to purchase new computers if we want to use the n standard. :(

And new base stations...
 
aquajet said:
Oh, it's a given that Apple will adopt 802.11n. But much like the original airport, I doubt there will be an upgrade path for existing machines. So it's likely we'll all have to purchase new computers if we want to use the n standard. :(

if i am correct, 'n' is backwards compatible with 'b/g' so a new basestation would work with your old machines. depending on the model though, yes an upgrade will be necissary. like the original Airport. i wonder if the new card will fit in the slot for the Extreme cards though. that would be nice. its more standardized now it seems. but it is apple.
 
aquajet said:
So it's likely we'll all have to purchase new computers if we want to use the n standard. :(

Sadly that's probably true, even though the original Airport connection probably had enough bandwidth for 802.11g, Apple decided to make a new connector for it, I'm betting they'll do the same for 802.11n...
 
PlaceofDis said:
i wonder if the new card will fit in the slot for the Extreme cards though. that would be nice.

Well, if it doesn't, hang on to that Extreme card 'cause it'll be worth twice as much after Apple discontinues it.
 
There is no reason that a new slot would be required. The only reason apple has for developing a new slot is to provide one more reason for people to buy a new mac. I hope they don't do it this time. I always find it disapointing when companys develop a propriatary slot for no real reason except to get more money.
 
I hope they don't, but it wouldn't surprise me much if Apple made it so the new card wouldn't work in older computers.

Doesn't really matter to me though, since I never use up the bandwidth of my 802.11b network anyways.
 
atari1356 said:
I hope they don't, but it wouldn't surprise me much if Apple made it so the new card wouldn't work in older computers.

Doesn't really matter to me though, since I never use up the bandwidth of my 802.11b network anyways.

Now that airport is built in on so many (every?) Macs, I dont think it would be as simple as swapping a card anyways.
 
I am kind of surpised that apple did not jump on wireless n like other companies did.

All the major players started pumping out wireless n close to a year ago if not more. apple the only major player who has not got on it earily and they are lagging about 6 months behind the other players
 
Counterfit said:
Well, when they say that, Apple means that they put the card in during assembly.

yeah but i don't know if they changed the way it is on the newer powerbooks actually. i suppose someone with a rev c? or d? (not sure when they became standard) and up would have to open up their battery bay and see if its accessible or not.
 
PlaceofDis said:
yeah but i don't know if they changed the way it is on the newer powerbooks actually. i suppose someone with a rev c? or d? (not sure when they became standard) and up would have to open up their battery bay and see if its accessible or not.

I just checked. It's not accessible.
 
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