Apple AirPort Extreme Base Station (Simultaneous Dual-Band) (MC340LL/A) by Apple Computer
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Digital camera reviews of Apple AirPort Extreme Base Station (Simultaneous Dual-Band) (MC340LL/A)
Digital camera Review: Actually lives up to the hype
Summary: 5 Stars
I've been doing networks for decades. Since I started programming about 1980, it's not a surprise that I've been part of technology as soon as it's out, and wireless was no different. Been at the bleeding edge since its inception, and i've got a basement full of old access points to prove it.
So I've tried all the flavors, all the brands. Up until this morning, I was most recently using a Belkin, since that was the only one that seemed to work very well with my (at that time) new 13" macbook pro. But the last few days I was having issues with it, drops, couldn't touch my server on my network yet the internet still worked, flaky things like that. Since I wanted to get a new computer anyway, I thought at the same time i'd finally take the expensive plunge for Apple's overpriced entry in this field.
So this morning I got my new 15" macbook pro to replace my 2009 13" macbook pro, and grabbed an airport as well.
Install was simple, it even gives you the chance to duplicate an existing wireless network. You can bridge it or you can extend other networks, the options are all there. And it's very simple since there's no web page or anything, just direct access via the software on the computer from the install CD.
And all day, it has been rock solid with both macbooks, my iPhone, my iPad, my 7 year old's Dell Inspiron 15, even my HP photosmart printer, all are using 802.11n and all are working fine. No drops.
What impressed me the most was the speed. I was never very happy with the Belkin, my file transfer speeds to my windows home server in my basement would average around 6MBps to some peaks at 7MBps. Large file copies took a long time, and if i had a lot of them (say 50 or 60GB) I'd plug it into a gigabit cable in another room and let it do the copy that way.
With this new airport, I jumped nearly 100%. From an average of 6 to an average of 11MBps. I peak over 13. Not bad at all since the Belkin, at an average of 6, was the best I could get at the time (I tried three total, other two were even worse than that). All were always set for 802.11n only, tried all channels, even removed encryption and just used mac filtering to see if it made a difference on them, nothing worked.
This one, it's just fast, out the gate. Wonderful for my file transfers.
Now I wish I would've just bit the bullet and spent the extra on it. I'm a windows guy since they started, and run windows even on my macbooks, but there's something about the hardware that Apple does that just seems to have no peer... That's why I love their laptops so much, they're just designed so well, so functional. And this airport is no different. Worth the extra because it performs better than any other I've ever used.
Digital camera Review: Air Port Extreme
Summary: 5 Stars
Just received my AirPort Extreme Base Station and set it up in our house.
A very god choice to say the least. Easy set up with excellent results.
Used in an area that is about 4000 square feet with more area covered out side the home.
FrankApple AirPort Extreme Base Station (Simultaneous Dual-Band) (MC340LL/A)
Digital camera Review: AirPort Extreme Base Station Solves our issues
Summary: 5 Stars
Prior to installing the AirPort Extreme Base Station, we had been having a lot of problems with deadspots in our house and interference with our neighbors' wifi networks. Since installing the AirPort Extreme Base Station those issues have gone away. It provides fast, interference-free connectivity throughout our house. Installation was easy, and we have two AirPort Express connected to it running AirTunes so that we get music throughout the house.Digital camera Review: AirPort wireless modem
Summary: 5 Stars
As most of the Apple products, this wireless modem is very easy to install and the range is excellent. I am very happy with its performanceDigital camera Review: Airport Best of the Best
Summary: 5 Stars
This is my second personal Airport. Unlike previous wireless "routers", the Airport works. It connects to the source easily (one is connected via cable; one is connected via DSL), and stays connected (no constant resetting). Speed is fast. Wireless connection is extremely reliable, with an extensive range. Expansion is unbelievably easy by adding an Airport Express (or two). Works well cross-platform (with Macs and PCs). My group of friends now all have Airports. All are completely satisfied with the range, reliability, and ease of use.