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http://www.insanely-great.com/news.php?id=1049
Wireless: It's just easier on a Mac
By ron carlson, Insanely Great Mac
October 2nd 2002
Yes, Apple's 802.11b widgets are more expensive, but you'll spend a lot less time
implementing them
NewsFactor is running short write on the relative merits of generic PC and
Apple-branded 802.11b networking components. The wireless market is one of the few
bright spots in the otherwise limp IT industry.
"It's probably the biggest consumer change we've seen in [terms of] using the
Internet," Forrester research director Carl Howe told NewsFactor.
As pointed out several times by NewsFactor, "PC" 802.11b hardware is relatively cheap
and plentiful. Nevertheless, given that a tiger is more likely to change its stripes
to chartreuse polka-dots than a PC will become user friendly, turning those
inexpensive parts (i.e. $120 access point and $80 network cards) into usable network
is entirely another matter in and of itself.
Although wireless home networking is steadily gaining steam, installing such a network
still presents serious technical challenges for an average user. "What I'm hearing is
that non-techies are still having a hard time deploying them on their own," IDC
analyst Alan Promisel told NewsFactor.
Despite the fact that Apple's AirPort components are often more expensive than
comparable PC networking equipment, a Mac network is easier to set up. "With all Mac,
it's nice and integrated, which is not true if you build it yourself," Howe said.
Think again
An obvious point missed by NewsFactor is that users can reduce their end-price by
mixing Apple's Airport cards (i.e. easy integration into Macs) and an inexpensive
third-party access point. Remember, the fundamental tenet of 802.11b -- it's an open
standard. And, even Apple's iteration is compatible with most third-party parts.
Yes, there are exceptions, so do your homework. And, if you're wondering where to
start, you might try MacSense and their Xsense line of wired and wireless products,
which offer Classic and X compatibility.
One particularly nifty widget from MacSense is their Aeropod, which is a plug-n-play
USB 802.11b device that's cross platform compatible. I can't vouch for its quality or
usability, but it is advertised as being "Airport interoperable" and sells for $199
(SRP).
In related news, Apple has updated its Airport software (X only). You'll need to run
Software Update to download it as this update is currently not available on the
company's download page.
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