[Rab Mush]

Heya. I want to get a new "n" router and I'm thinking about the Airport extreme. My only problem is, when I look at the compatibility chart on Apple's website, it looks like it only works with Macbooks with core 2 duo processors.

Does that mean that I'm out of luck when it comes to the Airport Extreme, or just that I'll have to wait for a few months until Apple updates them?

Thanks!

[frdmfghtr]

I can't find the chart you are referring to, so I'll take a guess:

The Airport Extreme supports 802.11a/b/g and the draft 'n' standard. I think what you saw by "compatible" referred only to the 802.11n compatibility, as the Core 2 Duos support it with the 802.11n enabler that comes with the AE. Any wireless computer (Mac or PC) that uses 802.11a/b/g should work with it.

Macs from the Core Duo line and earlier don't have 802.11n capability built in so they can't use the new standard, but will work using one of the earlier standards.

I think that answers the question. If I'm wrong, I'm sure somebody will chime in.

[Simon]

Originally Posted by Rab Mush 

Does that mean that I'm out of luck when it comes to the Airport Extreme, or just that I'll have to wait for a few months until Apple updates them?

No. The AirPort Extreme will work with any AP enabled Mac.

However, it will only transmit in n mode when connected to an n-enabled Mac (the C2D MBs for example). If you have an older MB it will work fine, but in g mode. You can BTW mix n, g, and b devices on the AP Extreme network if you configure it properly (basically just don't set it to n-only).

[Rab Mush]

Ah, that sucks. Guess I'll have to wait to get a new Mac before I can enjoy the n routers speed.

Edit: That is unless there is any way to update my macbook to n?

Another edit: Well, I guess there is.

Upgrading the MacBook Pro Core Duo to 802.11n Wireless Connectivity