I agree but they are pretty useless unless your Mac uses 802.11ac.
Correct but the newer chipset might improve n-standard as well. With double the antenna and 3 dedicated for 5Ghz, it is possible you'll get more stable connections, even without the AC.
If they did THAT then they'd have to explain why they didn't include TB and have to fend off all of the ' Even Apple thinks TB is a dead end. " comments.
All that wasted space, but still only 3 GigE ports, only one USB port that too USB2! What's with the odd trash can type design?
USB 3 or TB is worthless if the internal chipset doesn't carry data faster. Apple has a known record of using crappy IO chipset in Extreme.
Meaning that even if they had USB 3 support, it doesn't mean the speed is going to max out at USB 3's speed, it'll be maxed at the chipset's limit. So, if the hard drive can do 100MBps, the Extreme with USB 3 can still limit it at less than 30-40MBps because that's all it can do.
Unless Apple picks a high quality and speedy chipset, it's pointless to have USB3.
What is up with this vertical monstrosity? Did iOS7 consume all of Apple's creatives including product designers?
It has double the number of antennas, it has to be tall to allow those antennas to work properly and to allow for beam forming. Many new routers are heading this way in terms of tall design.
Will older devices see a boost in speed as well?
No, you'll most likely see more stable connections, less drops and so on because of the newer and improved chipset. Only the 802.11ac devices will see a huge boost in speed.
If the beam forming works on N as well they might. Otherwise I wouldn't think so.
Nah, I don't think so either because it's Apple we're talking about. They're not going to mess with the older parts. It's easier to focus on providing beam-forming on 802.11ac only.
I love that everyone who is complaining about the "tall" look, hasn't once thought about putting this on its side...
There's a reason for the tall design, it's to give room for more antennas and to beam-form better. You'd want it to stand tall and provide better reception.