Apple AirPort Extreme Base Station user reviews (summer 2011)

Pros I purchased this router as replacement for an older, single band Time Capsule. The advantages over the Time Capsule are the dual bands for my multiple mobile devices (iPhone 4, iPad, iPod Touch), my iMac and MacBook, plus the improved signal range and eas

Cons Price is higher than competing routers. Lack of QoS. Runs hot. Interferes with my 5.8 GHz cordless phones.

Summary The Airport Extreme is an excellent router for Apple users with multiple mobile devices and computers. I replaced my more convenient, but riskier Time Capsule with this router and a new external HD firewired to my iMac for my backups which now run much faster than the older setup that relied on over the air backups. On the other hand, I now have more interference with my 5.8 GHz cordless phones and need to replace them with a new 6 Dect system. Overall, I am pleased with my new router.

Pros Easy to use. Easy to update, Easy to Secure, setting just make sense

Cons Price. Does not include the Audio Ports of the Express model

Summary If you are a Mac User, you really should not look at any other device unless you are an IT geek interested in convoluted configuration dialogs. One of the best reasons to buy an Apple Airport device is the Airport Utility. It makes the configuration and management of the device(s) very easy. It also alerts you to firmware updates without you having to go look for updates. Most home users know nothing about networking and/or proper Router Maintenance. The Airport utility walks you through the set-up and alerts you when you choose settings that might not work.

The Airport Extreme device itself allows for simple network access and sharing support for Apple devices. Many 3rd party devices do not allow Apple Native file sharing especially if you have older machines. The Airport Device also allows you to have a dedicated N-Network and dedicated G-Network which keeps iPhones and iPod touches that only support 802.11g from dragging down the whole network.

While not an inexpensive unit, the simplicity of its interface and rich feature list including printer and drive sharing make it a top pick for any Mac owner.

Pros I had an iPad, a 13 inch MacBook, Samsung network Blu-ray, HP Pavilion 14" laptop, 2 3GS iPhone, 1 iPhone 4 and received better performance by 60% than the Asus RT-N56U. I have Charter communications 60mbs/per second service. Most people have more than

Cons Expensive.