Will Apple release standalone 802.11n enablers for applicable Core 2 Duo/Xeon based Macs?
Will Apple release standalone 802.11n enablers for applicable Core 2 Duo/Xeon based Macs?
Earlier this week, Apple quietly rolled out a new version of the AirPort Extreme Base station that includes support for the yet-to-be-ratified 802.11n wireless standard, which purports data transfer rates of up to 540 Mbps per second (vs. 54 Mbps for 802.11g).
Alongside the announcement, Apple also indicated that enablers would be made available for Macs with built-in 802.11n-capable chipsets, including:- iMac with Intel Core 2 Duo (except 17-inch, 1.83GHz iMac)
- MacBook with Intel Core 2 Duo
- MacBook Pro with Intel Core 2 Duo
- Mac Pro with AirPort Extreme card option
The question is whether this enabler will be made available as a standalone download or be available exclusively with the second-generation AirPort Extreme Base Station.
We've received word from a reliable source that at this point, there are only plans to offer the enabler as bundled with the new Base station. These plans are likely tentative, however.
It also remains to be seen whether or not Apple will include the 802.11n enabler pre-installed on newly shipping Macs.
Feedback? Late-breakers@macfixit.com.
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