Apple today released a draft 802.11n version of its AirPort Express mobile base station. The new version has all of the features of its predecessor and now incorporates a dual-band draft 2.0 802.11n radio.
It is available now for $99.
Nilay Patel's take on Apple's latest variation on the Airport Extreme:
Hardware: Basically an Airport Extreme with a hard drive inside.
Performance: Hogs the network when it's backing up.
Features: Backups only. Can't use as a general-purpose NAS.
Apple today introduced Time Capsule, a networked backup appliance that automatically backs up everything on one or more Macs running the latest Leopard OS.
Time Capsule comes in 500 GB and 1 TB versions and looks like an Apple Airport Extreme. It works in conjunction with Leopard's Time Machine feature to continuously and automatically back up all networked Macs via either Ethernet or wireless LAN connections.
It also is a fully-functioning dual-band (single radio) draft 802.11n wireless router with built-in USB print server. Other features include three gigabit LAN and one gigabit WAN Ethernet ports and support for WPA/WPA2 and WEP wireless security.
Time Capsule will be available next month for MSRPs of $299 and $499 for the 500GB and 1TB versions.
With good wireless performance, gigabit ports and built-in print and file servers, Apple's Airport Extreme Gigabit has a lot to offer both MacOS and Windows users.
With some fairly simple hacking, Jim Buzbee turns the Apple TV into the best media player he's seen yet.
The Apple TV provides a best-in-class user experience. But, as usual, you have to play by Apple's rules.
Cisco and Apple today announced that they have resolved their dispute involving the "iPhone" trademark. Under the agreement, both companies are free to use the "iPhone" trademark on their products throughout the world.
Both companies acknowledge the trademark ownership rights that have been granted, and each side will dismiss any pending actions regarding the trademark. In addition, Cisco and Apple will explore opportunities for interoperability in the areas of security, and consumer and enterprise communications.
Other terms of the agreement are confidential.
Wi-Fi Networking news reports that the AirPort Extreme Base Station with 802.11n is now shipping. The software enabler required to update existing Macs that have 802.11n technology built in is included with the $179 Extreme gateway. The enabler can also now be purchased from the Apple Store for $1.99.
Full story on Wi-Fi Networking News
Apple and Cisco issued the following statement today regarding the iPhone lawsuit:
"Apple and Cisco have agreed to extend the time for Apple to respond to the lawsuit to allow for discussions between the companies with the aim of reaching agreement on trademark rights and interoperability."
Steve Jobs directly confirmed to one questioner that Apple would charge for its 802.11n enabler for existing Macintoshes. A reader who prefers to remain anonymous forwarded to Glenn Fleishman of Wi-Fi Networking News the mail he sent to Steve Jobs, Apples CEO, and the reply he received. He included mail headers so that I can confirm the mail is legitimate.
The reader asked Jobs whether press reports were in error that Apple would charge $5 for an enabler that would turn on the 802.11n functions in most Core 2 Duo and Xeon systems shipped in 2006. Jobs replied, simply, Its the law, which would confirm that the Sarbanes-Oxley requirement that seemed bizarre to me is, in fact, correct.
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