Apple AirPort Extreme Base Station MB053LL/A [OLD VERSION] by Apple Computer
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Digital camera reviews of Apple AirPort Extreme Base Station MB053LL/A [OLD VERSION]
Digital camera Review: A router that works as advertised
Summary: 4 Stars
Overall I'm satisfied with the router so far, but here is my detailed review:
My network setup is as follows:
Cable modem->Linux firewall/router->switch with 3 computers connected->USR wireless G router->another desktop, a Macbook and a Nokia E61i.
The first 3 computers have static IP addresses, along with the USR8054 router. For simplicity I set the wireless router to DHCP for the desktop, Macbook and the Nokia. This means a double NAT, but everything was working just fine, no connection problems whatsoever, no dropped signals!
However, I decided to use some backup drive for the Macbook which connects wireless, and a backup over a G connection takes a really long time. Here, the nightmare started:
I got a Belkin wireless N, it's a new product and it has a USB port for network storage. It's also advertised to work both with MAC and PC, so it seemed to be the perfect choice. After connecting everything, I was not able to make the Macbook recognize the storage, in Windows XP it was working fine, but the transfer to the USB drive was extremely slow, maybe as slow as the wireless connection if not slower...So, back it went, I got the Linksys WRT350. On the specs, it seemed OK, but no network storage port, which I decided to give up...I connected everything and it worked fine, it got a little hot, but I put it on some 1.5" spacers. Anyway, I thought this was the one, but my Nokia phone would not connect! The router was setup to be backwards compatible with B and G! When setting up to G only, the phone would see it and connect. So, no luck with the Linksys either!
Next was the DLink DIR 655, a router with great features, a lot of options, the most from all routers I tried. I setup everything, computers were running fine, but my Nokia didn't see the connection again! I setup the router on G only, and it worked, but again, this was supposed to be compatible with B and G!
I called Dlink, and they told me my phone is not compatible with the router! That's kind of dumb, as it works with G only.
I forgot to mention that I updated the firmware to the latest version on all routers.
So, very disappointed, I decided to get the Airport Extreme. I got a very good price from fonzhende1, brand new item, sealed! Recommended!!!
This took the longest time to configure, due to my network setup and due to the fact that it's the only router complaining about double NAT! I think it would still work, and there is a setting to make it stop complaining about network errors, but I went ahead trying to "make it happy". So, I had to set it up as a bridge, and I had to assign static IP addresses to the desktop, Macbook and Nokia, but all of them work just fine! The only drawback with the bridge setup is that I don't get Gigabit transfer between the desktop and Macbook, but I might change this in the future. The whole thing with the double NAT, is that all computers connected to that router would work at maximum speed (Gigabit) , while the rest would work at 100MB/sec.
Apple has some different settings, which I will not describe here, but the router has to be accessed through Airport application, not through browser like the other ones. Also, advanced features like guest access are missing.
I hooked up a USB drive and I was able to see it under both Mac and Windows, but I wasn't able to use Time Machine yet. It might be possible, but the drive needs to be formated apparently, and I didn't have time to give it a try. I might update the review in the future, about Time Machine setup, etc.
Overall, I am satisfied with the router, it does what it says, not like the other ones, which is really frustrating. I give it only 4 stars, because of missing advanced features.
Digital camera Review: A wonderful wireless router
Summary: 4 Stars
Normally a 802.11n wireless router should not cost more than $90. This Apple Extreme costs close to $180. What? Its price is almost two times more expensive than its competitors.
To be fair, those 'competitors' are not competitors when you put their specifications and this Extreme's specifications side-by-side. This wireless router has a USB port that allows you to print wirelessly to any printer with a USB port or to access files from a massive USB drive. A non-Apple router with similar specifications will eventually cost about the same.
Too bad that the latest Leopard's Time Machine does not allow wireless backup (yet) ... but this is another limitation hopefully to be improved by Apple soon.
I have to take one star off for this product despite its elegant design and wonderful engineering. Why? If you happen to use WPA (and you should) with a short password (less than or equal to 8 characters), the software (called AirPort Utility stored under ~/Applications/Utilities/) will keep complaining that you do not have a valid IP, even though you do. I spent quite a bit of time troubleshooting in the wrong direction as a result of this. I would expect the AirPort Utility software should have warned users of this often-overlooked requirement of WPA passwords [...]
Digital camera Review: AIRPORT EXTREME - A BIT TRICKY TO SET-UP BUT WORKS GREAT AFTER SET-UP
Summary: 5 Stars
The Apple Airport Extreme is a bit tricky to set-up especially if you configure it with a printer and external hard drive, but once up and running, it is truly awesome. I had a little trouble with getting it to accept my ISP's configuration, but after a quick call to Apple Care, it was a cinch. I also had to consult Apple Care for configuration for my external hard drive, but again, after some help, it works wonderful. Printer set-up was easy and smooth.
Again, I recommend this product if you have a newer model MacBook, MacBook Pro, or any other Apple machine that runs OS 10.5 or later (Leopard). Be prepared to spend some time configuring it, but after set-up, it is truly an amazing router that is well worth the extra time...
Digital camera Review: AWESOME
Summary: 5 Stars
Man, this router is as advertised. I have had almost every type of router other than apple for the past 10 years with mixed results. With these old routers setup was frustrating and difficult (even smashing one in a fit of pure rage), signals were dropped, and lifespans were short.
However the AirPort Extreme was so easy to set up that after I was done I said, "Is that it?" Within 15 minutes it was out of the box and broadcasting my new, secure wireless network. We have a variety of wireless devices in our home and all are working perfectly. Plus it has a great warranty and friends I have talked to who have apple wireless routers have said they are still going strong many years later.
In addition to my new iPhone, the AirPort Extreme is another example of why traditional PC users like me are converting to apple products.
Digital camera Review: AWESOME... MAC ROCKS!
Summary: 5 Stars
I'm a MAC user for years now, and this one surprised me. Don't ask me why - I should expect this from MAC products, I know...
I setup a wireless network with my Intel iMac, wireless enabled pc laptop, and Nintendo Wii. The entire system worked flawlessly, and is lightning quick. In not even 30 minutes, the network was up and functional.
I did have to use WEP security, but that is only because the pc's wireless card is old. But the iMac and Wii hooked right up, with no problems.
The only beef I have is the price tag ... a bit steep. However, I had a Linksys wireless router before, and was such a pain in the neck to get just the Mac and pc on the same network. For all the countless hours I spent on their useless tech support, I am happy to pay extra for a product that works.
**BONUS** This device will be covered under your AppleCare extended warranty for no additional charge. Now THAT rocks!