I want to get the newest Airport Extreme... and would love to save some money. I don't see any model numbers or anything like that on the apple online store for the refurb airports... anyone have a better way of finding out?
I actually used to have the model you mention in my apartment. The range couldn't reach all the way in the far corner so I used an Airport Express to extend the network. However, I got the newest 3x3 version, and I no longer need the Airport Express! So performance wise, i don't notice a difference, but range wise, it's much improved. I want the extended range of the new model so that's that. Anyhow, I ordered the new one!You might want to check out this thread. I'm glad I was able to get the FB763LL/A. It's been a rock solid performer with very good range. It's dual band and I have seen no reports of any real improvements with the "newer" 340. Streams great to my PS3 (a big plus with the new Netflix streaming) and has never dropped out on any of my devices. Very robust signal.
My Airport Express (g) was struggling (iMac, Powerbook, PS3, Wii, 2 iPhones, streaming music) limited range and dropouts were somewhat common.
Besides, I kind of like buying from the refurb site. Every refurb that I have gotten has been perfect. I somehow have this perception that the goods have been thoroughly and individually checked, repaired, and tested by a technician. Even more so than the production line versions. Wishful thinking?
I sure have had good luck with refurbs so far.
hickster
I just chatted with an Apple Store rep and they said that the one listed in the refurb store is the newest Oct. 2009 model. They attributed the different model number to it being a refurbished product. I am a bit skeptical...
That was me. I copied the model # from my invoice (purchased 24 days ago) then checked the invoice and they differed. There was another issue with the telephone sales rep lying about delivery times and such that already had me going (it could have taken a month if she had not said I'd get it in 3 days).This is not untrue. It is the newest dual bad but not the newest design. Take skorpien's advice above.
The change of model number will be the first letter. With the US store, it's from M to F. The following letter and 3 digits will be the specific model number. As the latest AEBS (new) is MC340LL/A, logic states that the refurb will have a model number of FC340LL/A. As you have an FB763LL/A, it's actually a refurb of the MB763LL/A. While that is indeed a dual band version, it is not in fact the latest revision with the extended range. Sorry to say, but you were lied to.
Edit: what happened to the post that stated the guy had FB763LL/A?
Edit: what happened to the post that stated the guy had FB763LL/A?
I noticed that too.. Strange.
[...]Oh and you all aren't crazy, I had my post removed until I understood why I was looking at an invoice with an FB763 and an order form with a FB340 #.