Express/Extreme - do they actually have the same coverage?

[ss957916]

Looking on Apple's website, I can't seem to find out how far an Airport reaches.

I'm annoyed that my Airport Express doesn't reach the bathroom in our 1 bed flat (about 20 feet away from the APE) so, since the APE has died (just 14 months after buying it) I thought I'd take the opportunity to but an Express.

But that apparently has radio output of 20dBm - same as the Express. So that's the same reach, am I right?

Also, why doesn't Apple offer Airtunes on the Extreme?

 

[GGJstudios]

It all has to do with your environment. With my AirPort Express, I can carry my MacBook Pro outside and walk about 50 feet away, still surfing the web.

 

[ss957916]

Thanks, but I was looking for confirmation that the Extreme will have the same problems that my Express has (environment accepted).

 

[GGJstudios]

Thanks, but I was looking for confirmation that the Extreme will have the same problems that my Express has (environment accepted).

They use the same technology, so there's no reason to expect they would be any different.

 

[ss957916]

Oh.

That's really annoying. In our flat, the Express has crap coverage. I really thought the Extreme would be better.

We're borrowing a friend's Linksys at the moment which gives us full bars and lightening fast net in every room.

Does this mean we have to buy a non-Apple router? If so that's a (rather odd) shame.

 

[johnnj]

Yeah, that's something I've wondered about, too.

You'd think that with the larger chassis, the Extreme would have at least a larger antenna.

Guess someone with both needs to measure signal strength! 🙂

John

 

[GGJstudios]

I'd say buy whatever router gives you the best performance in your particular environment, Apple or not. I lived for 5 years next door to a TV station... it wreaked havoc with anything wireless I had.

 

[ss957916]

Now I'm wondering why anyone would buy an Extreme - more cash, no Airtunes and same range.

I need to do some research...

 

[GGJstudios]

Now I'm wondering why anyone would buy an Extreme - more cash, no Airtunes and same range.

I need to do some research...

Yes, look at the features and specs. They do different things. Like you can't have AirTunes on the Extreme, etc.

 

[ss957916]

I'd say buy whatever router gives you the best performance in your particular environment, Apple or not. I lived for 5 years next door to a TV station... it wreaked havoc with anything wireless I had.

I'm frustrated cos I love Airtunes. But in every other area, the Express is crap.

 

[GGJstudios]

I'm frustrated cos I love Airtunes. But in every other area, the Express is crap.

I've had excellent success with the Express. Great coverage, reliability, speed and AirTunes, not to mention great portability.

 

[Zeeinnm]

The guy at the Apple store said the coverage was better with the Extreme.

 

[Designer Dale]

Can't this individual use a second Express to extend the coverage he has?

Dale

 

[Hot Snowboarder]

I have a 2007 extreme and a 2009 express.

The extreme can broadcast further than the express.

 

[rotarypower101]

I have a 2007 extreme and a 2009 express.

The extreme can broadcast further than the express.

I would be interested in the details of how you measured this?
And the relative length of each devices maximum distance that you achieved in your environment.

BTW just got back from a 2 day trip at Mt Hood, deep powder for days.

 

[kmaute]

I would be interested in the details of how you measured this?
And the relative length of each devices maximum distance that you achieved in your environment.

BTW just got back from a 2 day trip at Mt Hood, deep powder for days.

You should have stopped by and said hi. I live in Hood River.

The lack of airtunes on the extreme is the only thing that keeps me from buying one. Absolutely ridiculous in my eyes, I need ethernet to stream movies to my PS3.