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: Airport Extreme
Summary: 5 Stars
I have a 2003 Dell desk top that is wired to my DSL and I needed a wireless router so as I could connect a new Toshiba laptop to the system. I looked at many systems and read the reviews but was uncertain until I spoke with the Apple people. They assured me the Airport Extreme would work with any brand and not just Apple. They were correct. As with all new systems and not being computer savvy, I contacted Apple for help. Within minutes I was connected to a live person and get this ..... the person was located in the USA! The apple support was fantastic and they had me up and running within a short period. The machine itself receives top marks, works to perfection. I'll be needing a new desktop within the near future and I know which brand it's going to be.Digital camera Review: Airport Extreme
Summary: 5 Stars
I went 100% Apple this year, MacPro laptop and an Apple TV. I bought high speed internet from DSL and I needed to up grade my wireless router. I went to a high end Netgear router for coverage on the recommendation of the cable company. The router was not easy to set up and after I got it working for no reason the signal would drop, even if I was sitting right next to it! I took it back for a full refund and bought an Airport Extreme. It was incredibly simple to set up and it has not dropped the signal once! I am so happy with the product!
Amazon
Digital camera Review: Airport Extreme -- Inital Feedback
Summary: 4 Stars
We were looking for a new computer for my wife, an we made the leap to the iMAC because all the components are integrated into the monitor (thus out of reach of our small children) and the MAC enthusiasts at work rave about it. We made the right choice...once you get used to the differences in the OS, the machine is a breeze. The wife (a non-techie) loves it...and that's all that matters!
My trusty D-Link router began to fail...dropped the wireless signal when the wireless devices were inactive for several hours...so I decided to try the Airport Extreme to take advantage of the iMAC's wireless N and still be able to connect with our wireless G devices (custom built WinXP PC, Dell Inspiron 6000 laptop, and an XBox). The USB port for printer sharing and network storage were also key decision points...and the ability to set up a guest network is a big boonus.
For the tech-minded...the router is connected to a Cox cable modem, my custom PC is connected through the ethernet port, and the iMAC, Dell laptop, and XBox (wirless G, for now) connect wirelessly.
After a week of use (I'll follow up with an update in a few months), life is grand. The iMAC, PC, laptop, and XBox all connect well and the signal hasn't dropped once. I connected an Iomega external drive and an HP PCS 2210 AIO printer via a D-Link USB hub. Both were recognized instantly and transfering files/favorites between the PC and the iMAC via the network drive is a snap. The iMAC prints via the wireless network without a problem, but my PC can't recognize the printer through the Airport...yet (I'm sure a call to tech support will fix this...more on tech support later).
The only markdown I gave this router was for ease of setup. I've set up many wireless networks using several types of routers from Florida to Alaska, and to be honest...the Airport Extreme is the only router I've had to call tech support with. The Airport software utility is not particularly challenging to use, but for some reason, though all of the devices in my house could log into the network...none could access the internet. One 60 min call with Apple support had me up and running. After some standard setting checks didn't fix the problem, they knew enough about the various cable modems to know that powering down my Cox cable modem and removing the battery was not enough to reset it to work with the new router (assign a new IP address)...only holding down the reset button would do the trick. Kudos to Apple support.
Just a couple of comments on Apple support. The 2 tech reps I spoke with were English-speaking Americans (out of Austin TX and Sacramento CA), and neither tackled my problem with the scripted responses I've fought through with 3d world, outsourced tech reps used by other companies. Thanks Apple! My only issue with Apple support is that phone support is only available from 6am-6pm (Pacific Time), and there's no 24-hr web chat like HP, Norton, and others offer. The reps were curteous and knowlegeable, but with small kids, I do most of my tinkering after they've gone to bed...and Apple support is closed.
Bottom line...it may take a call or two with Apple support to get all the functions working the way you want, but it's well worth it. The router is fast, stable, and all of the advertized capabilities work.
Digital camera Review: Airport Extreme Base Station MC340LL/A
Summary: 5 Stars
Set this on edge, and as high as you can, and you won't ever have a range problem.
Not one problem during setup and configuration.
Most excellent!
Digital camera Review: Airport Extreme Base Station met all my expectations
Summary: 5 Stars
I have been looking into a wireless router for my home for several weeks before I committed to the Airport Extreme. It was the least expensive dual-band router I found, and the reviews praising it's ease of installation sold me on it. I have found the the base station meets all of the praise it has been given. Set up took perhaps 10 minutes, and I have not had to concern myself once with it since then. I have two laptops at home, one with 802.11(n) access, and one the currently only has 802.11(g) access, and I love being able to utliize both to their full potential. I would recommend this product to anyone.