Airport Extreme: Worth The Upgrade?

is new airport extreme worth it

The Apple AirPort Extreme Base Station is a Wi-Fi router that promises faster performance and an improved range. While it is more expensive than its competitors, users have praised its reliability and ease of use, especially for those with Apple devices. However, some have criticised its lack of features and customisation options. So, is it worth the upgrade?

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Apple's new Airport Extreme Base Station is faster and more reliable than its predecessor

The new Airport Extreme Base Station also boasts a new design, which is more compact and elegant than the previous generation. The device is taller, with a rectangular tube shape, and has an elegant appearance more akin to a jewellery box than a networking device. The base station also features a tiny status light on the front that glows green when everything is working as it should and changes colour to indicate that the device needs attention.

The new Airport Extreme Base Station is easy to use and offers solid performance. It is simple to install and set up, making it a good choice for those who want a reliable and consistent connection without the hassle of complex settings. The base station is also compatible with non-Apple routers, which further adds to its convenience and flexibility.

While the new Airport Extreme Base Station may not offer many additional features compared to its predecessor, it provides a significant improvement in terms of speed and reliability. For those seeking a simple, elegant, and high-performance solution for their Wi-Fi needs, the new Airport Extreme Base Station is a worthwhile upgrade.

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The new model has a new design, but the same functions and features as the previous model

The new Apple AirPort Extreme Base Station has a completely new design. Instead of the traditional squarish tile shape, it now looks like a rectangular tube standing 6.6 inches tall and 3.85 inches wide. This means it has the same footprint as the second-generation AirPort Express but is much taller. The new design is elegant and compact, more like a jewellery box than a networking device.

The new model has the same ports and setup process as the previous model. It also has the same functions and features as the previous model. The only difference is that it does not have internal storage. The new AirPort Extreme is easy to use and offers solid performance. It is one of the fastest and most reliable Wi-Fi routers to date.

The new AirPort Extreme is a good choice for home users, especially Apple fans who own 802.11ac-enabled devices. It is beautiful, easy to use, and offers great performance. However, advanced users should look elsewhere for more features and customization. The new model is also slightly more expensive than its peers.

If your current AirPort works fine, you may not need to upgrade to the new model. There might be better range with the new one, but if you don't have that issue, you can save your money. The main advantage of the new AirPort Extreme won't be realized unless you have brand new Macs with 802.11ac hardware.

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The new Airport Extreme is easy to set up and use, but it lacks customisation options

The new Airport Extreme is a sleek and elegant device, with a tall rectangular tube design. It is a compact router that offers solid performance and fast Wi-Fi speeds. The setup process is familiar, and it is easy to use, making it a good choice for those who want a simple and reliable router.

However, it is important to note that the new Airport Extreme may not be the best option for advanced users or those seeking customisation options. While it excels in performance and ease of use, it lacks the flexibility offered by some other routers on the market. The device has been criticised for having limited features and functions, particularly when compared to similarly priced products.

For example, the Airport Extreme does not support Time Machine backup or media streaming via USB storage. Additionally, some users have noted that the management interface has been "dumbed down", removing various useful controls present in other routers. If you are seeking a router with extensive customisation options, there are alternative options available, such as the Asus RT-66U or Netgear routers, which offer more advanced features and controls.

Ultimately, the new Airport Extreme is a solid choice for those who prioritise performance, reliability, and ease of use over extensive customisation options. It is a simple and elegant solution for users who want a reliable Wi-Fi connection without the complexity of advanced settings. However, if customisation and advanced features are a priority, there are other routers on the market that may better suit your needs.

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The device is expensive, but its performance and aesthetics may justify the cost

The Airport Extreme is a pricey device, but its performance and aesthetics may justify the cost for some consumers.

While the Airport Extreme is expensive compared to other routers on the market, it offers a sleek and elegant design that sets it apart from its competitors. Its compact size and rectangular shape give it a modern and stylish appearance, resembling a jewellery box rather than a traditional networking device. This aesthetic appeal may be a significant factor for those who value the look of their tech devices.

In terms of performance, the Airport Extreme delivers solid and reliable Wi-Fi speeds, especially for Apple device users. It supports the 802.11ac Wi-Fi standard, which provides faster connections for compatible devices like the MacBook Air. The device is also known for its ease of use, with a simple setup process and seamless integration with other Apple products.

Additionally, the Airport Extreme offers improved range, which can be beneficial for users in dense areas with multiple Wi-Fi networks. Its ability to handle Wi-Fi noise and interference effectively ensures a more stable and consistent connection. The device also allows for easy network drive setup, supporting the connection of hard drives and printers to your network.

While some users may find the Airport Extreme's management system overly simplified, removing certain useful controls, others appreciate its simplicity and ease of use. Ultimately, the decision to purchase the Airport Extreme depends on individual needs and preferences. For those seeking a high-performance, aesthetically pleasing, and easy-to-use router, the Airport Extreme may be worth the investment, despite its higher price tag.

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The new Airport Extreme may be worth it for Apple fans with 802.11ac-enabled devices

The Airport Extreme has been described as one of the fastest and most reliable Wi-Fi routers, with improved Wi-Fi speeds and range. It supports the much-anticipated 802.11ac Wi-Fi standard, which is much faster than its predecessor. However, it is important to note that this improvement in speed is most noticeable when used with 802.11ac-enabled devices, such as the new MacBook Air.

The design of the Airport Extreme has also been praised for its elegance and compactness. It has the same footprint as the AirPort Express but is much taller, resembling a rectangular tube. The device features a tiny status light on the front that glows green when everything is working well and changes colour to indicate that the device needs attention.

However, some users have criticised the Airport Extreme for its lack of features and customisation options. It does not support Time Machine backup or media streaming via USB storage, which may be a deal-breaker for advanced users. Additionally, some users have reported that the 5GHz wireless speed is slower than expected when compared to the 2.4GHz speed.

Overall, the new Airport Extreme may be worth considering for Apple fans with 802.11ac-enabled devices who are looking for a reliable, fast, and elegant Wi-Fi router. However, for those who already own the previous model or do not have 802.11ac-enabled devices, the upgrade may not be necessary.

Frequently asked questions

The new Airport Extreme has been praised for its performance and reliability, with some users reporting that it has improved their Wi-Fi speeds and range. However, others have noted that it is inflexible and lacks certain features, such as support for Time Machine backup and media streaming via USB storage. If you are having range or speed issues with your current router, then upgrading to the new Airport Extreme may be worth it for the improved performance.

The pros of the new Airport Extreme include its fast performance, ease of use, and reliability. The cons include its high price, lack of features and customisation options, and the fact that it does not support Time Machine backup or media streaming via USB storage.

The new Airport Extreme is a significant improvement over the previous generation in terms of performance and design. However, there are other routers on the market that offer more features and customisation options at a similar or lower price point. For example, Netgear, Asus, and Ubiquiti offer routers with similar performance and additional features.

The new Airport Extreme is a good choice for home users, especially Apple fans who own 802.11ac-enabled devices, as it offers easy setup, great performance, and a sleek design. However, advanced users or those looking for more features and customisation options may want to consider alternative routers.

The new Airport Extreme is priced at $199 in the US and AU$249 in Australia, which is slightly more expensive than some of its peers.

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