Winning performance
In CNET Labs' tests, the AirPort showed winning performance. At 5.2Mbps, its wireless throughput was faster than that of the Linksys EtherFast wireless AP and the Proxim Skyline gateway, with one caveat. Our AirPort benchmarks were based on transferring files between a pair of AirPort-equipped Power Mac G4s. The performance tests run with the other devices used NetIQ's Chariot software on the Windows platform, which makes a direct comparison difficult.
Apple's support for the AirPort is mediocre at best. It comes with a standard one-year parts and labor warranty. Apple offers free, toll-free technical support 7 days a week from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. PT, but it's limited to a measly 90 days. Apple's Web site is a rich resource for technical information, online setup guides, and message boards, where you can share your experiences with other users. At least the company fared well otherwise in our review of its tech support.
The Apple AirPort Base Station 2.0 offers a lot of improvements without raising its price. Educators will like its ease of setup and support for more users. Networking gurus will also like its better security and wider range. Both will appreciate its good performance and stylish looks.
| Throughput tests Measured in Mbps (longer bars indicate better performance) | ||||||||
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| Although the AirPort clearly excels at Wi-Fi throughput, CNET Labs' tests were conducted differently for this comparison. We took the average of three direct file transfers run between two Power Mac G4s running OS X. The other tests used NetIQ's Chariot software on Windows PCs. The clients and routers were set up to transmit at short ranges and at maximum signal strength. |
What You'll Pay
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