Updated: Apple releases security update for AirPort Extreme

Posted January 27, 2007 at 02:00 AM by Doug Berger

Section: Apple, Communications, Broadband Cards, Computers, Laptops, Networking

After a big stink was made about Apple charging customers $4.99 (then later $1.99) to activate the 802.11n functionality on their MacBooks, the company has finally announced the update for free.  In my opinion, it was always their intention to release it for free, but they wanted to see how much hype they could generate off of charging for it.

Update: Everybody calm down while we figure out what this news really is.  It looks like it’s just a security update - and we were therefore misinformed.  Here’s an excerpt from the linked page:

About AirPort Extreme Update 2007-001 The perfect wireless solution for home, school, and business. As it blankets your space with a blazing-fast, secure wireless network, it opens up a world of possibilities for home entertainment, backups, printing, and more. With the AirPort Extreme Base Station, you and up to 50 of your friends, colleagues, or family members can enjoy a robust wireless network offering up to five times the performance and up to twice the range of networks created with the earlier 802.11g standard.

[Thanks, everyone for catching the mistake!]

The confusion lied mostly in that the update page has an advertisement for their AirPort Extreme router.  As you can see, it mentions you can enjoy 802.11n speeds on your AirPort Extreme Base Station router.  Eventhough this has nothing to do with the MacBook 802.11n upgrade, we still stand firm on our position that charging for it is ridiculous.  Check out the product page.

Download Apple’s 802.11n firmware update for MacBook / MacBook Pro Via [Notebook Review]