Owais Crawford
If you're looking for a simple, easy-to-set-up router that will boost your Wi-Fi speed, then a refurbished Airport Extreme could be a good option. Apple's refurbished products are known for their reliability, and the Airport Extreme is no exception. Users have reported significant increases in speed and stability, with multiple devices streaming movies simultaneously with no issues. The router is also easy to set up, especially if you're using a Mac, and it connects seamlessly to Linux, Windows, and Android devices. While there may be some cosmetic imperfections on refurbished units, these are purely superficial and do not impact performance. With its proven track record and positive reviews, the refurbished Airport Extreme is worth considering for your networking needs.
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What You'll Learn
Apple's refurbished units vs. Geek Squad units
When it comes to Apple devices, repairs can be expensive. Best Buy Geek Squad and the Apple Store are two of the most popular places to have Apple products repaired. Apple is the most widely trusted source for Apple repairs, with hundreds of Apple stores across the United States, and is known for its high-quality service. However, Apple's services are also known to be costly. Therefore, it is recommended to check AppleCare before paying for any repairs, as it can significantly reduce the price. Best Buy is a certified Apple service provider, so you can trust that they are qualified to perform repairs on your Apple devices. They can also help with AppleCare claims and repair your devices at a discounted rate. With thousands of stores across the United States, it is also very convenient to drop by for a service or repair.
Apple's refurbished site offers the latest models at a good deal, and some customers have reported that their refurbished purchases are undetectable from new products. Apple's support is also excellent, and the company will either update Airport software or release a new model. Keeping in the same ecosystem means there is no finger-pointing from one company to the other saying it's the other guy's problem. Wifi problems are not trivial to diagnose.
On the other hand, Geek Squad at Best Buy is a convenient option for repairing Apple devices outside of the Apple Store. They are an Apple Authorized Service Provider and can help with AppleCare claims and repairs at a discounted rate. They accept walk-ins, but it is recommended to make an appointment to lower your wait time.
In conclusion, both Apple and Geek Squad offer great options for purchasing or repairing Apple devices. Apple may be more expensive, but their high-quality service and support are advantages. Geek Squad is a convenient and cost-effective alternative, especially for those with AppleCare.
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Wireless speed and range
The Apple AirPort Extreme is a popular choice for those seeking a stable and reliable wireless router. It is known for its ease of use and seamless integration with other Apple products, making it a good option for those already within the Apple ecosystem.
In terms of wireless speed and range, the AirPort Extreme has received mixed reviews. Some users have reported excellent performance, with consistent speeds and no deterioration in signal quality, even when streaming HD video on multiple devices. They have also noticed a significant increase in speed compared to their previous routers, with faster streaming and downloading capabilities.
On the other hand, some reviews have indicated that the AirPort Extreme's wireless performance is not as impressive as competing routers in the same price range. For example, in a review by SmallNetBuilder, the AirPort Extreme (802.11ac) ranked below most AC1750 class routers in terms of routing throughput, with a maximum of 579 Mbps compared to over 800 Mbps for some competing routers.
Additionally, while the AirPort Extreme supports the 802.11ac specification, which includes beam-forming technology to improve the wireless signal, some users have found that the range is not noticeably better than that of older 5 GHz networks.
It's worth noting that wireless speed and range can be influenced by various factors, such as the number of connected devices, the layout of your space, and the speed of your internet plan. As such, it's important to consider your specific use case when evaluating the wireless performance of any router, including the AirPort Extreme.
Overall, while the AirPort Extreme may not offer the fastest speeds or the widest range compared to some competing routers, it appears to provide reliable and consistent performance for most users, especially those already invested in the Apple ecosystem.
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Ease of setup
Setting up the Apple AirPort Extreme is a straightforward process, especially if you are using a Mac, which has the AirPort Utility bundled into the OS. A scaled-down version of the AirPort Utility is available as an iOS app, but the desktop version is required for the initial setup.
One user review mentions that the setup process only takes a few seconds, and another mentions that it is easy to set up and administer. The AirPort Extreme also allows for very easy network drive setup, which can be done by simply plugging in a USB hard drive.
However, it is important to note that there is no web interface to administer the AirPort Extreme. If you are using a Windows PC, you will need to install the AirPort Utility, which is not recommended by some users. Linux users will also need to install the utility and may encounter challenges during the setup process.
Overall, the AirPort Extreme is known for its ease of use, and Apple provides excellent support for its products. As new Apple products are released, the company updates the AirPort software or releases new models, ensuring that your AirPort Extreme remains compatible and up-to-date.
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Reliability vs. performance
When it comes to the question of reliability versus performance, the Apple AirPort Extreme has received praise for its reliability and ease of use. Several users have reported that it is a stable and dependable router that "just works", eliminating the need for constant attention and rebooting, which is often required with other routers. This suggests that the AirPort Extreme prioritizes reliability over performance.
In terms of performance, the AirPort Extreme has been known to deliver faster Wi-Fi speeds. One user reported that it significantly increased their speed, with their WD My Cloud Network server working twice as fast. They also mentioned that three people could stream movies simultaneously on different devices without any issues. Another user reported that they had no trouble with Netflix HD video streaming, even on multiple devices, which was an issue with their previous router.
However, one user noted that while the 802.11ac network met their expectations for speed, they were surprised that the range was not noticeably better than the 5 GHz 802.11n network. This suggests that while the AirPort Extreme delivers on speed, its range may not be as impressive.
It's worth noting that some users have expressed concerns about the limited number of wired connections on the AirPort Extreme. With only three wired connections, it falls below the industry standard of four. However, as wireless speeds continue to improve, the need for Ethernet connections is becoming less critical.
Overall, the AirPort Extreme seems to prioritize reliability over performance, delivering stable and consistent connections with faster Wi-Fi speeds, but with room for improvement in terms of range and wired connections.
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Cost
When considering the cost of a refurbished AirPort Extreme, it is essential to understand the value proposition it offers. Refurbished units are typically pre-owned devices that have undergone a rigorous inspection and restoration process to ensure they function like new. This process can include repairs, replacement of defective components, and thorough testing to meet specific performance standards.
The cost of a refurbished AirPort Extreme can vary depending on several factors, including the model, age, condition, and the seller. Apple offers refurbished products on its website, and their prices are generally competitive. The latest models, even when refurbished, may demand a higher price due to their improved specifications and performance. Older models, on the other hand, may be more affordable but might lack some of the advanced features of their newer counterparts.
When purchasing from Apple, you can expect the refurbished AirPort Extreme to be thoroughly inspected and certified by Apple technicians. This certification ensures that the device meets Apple's stringent quality standards, giving you confidence in its performance and reliability. Apple's refurbished products often include a warranty, providing additional peace of mind and protection for your purchase.
In terms of specific prices, the AirPort Extreme has been offered at various price points. Some customers have mentioned prices ranging from $99 to $199 for the refurbished unit. These prices are significantly lower than the original retail price, making a refurbished purchase an attractive option for those seeking a reliable router without breaking the bank.
It is worth noting that third-party sellers, such as Best Buy's Geek Squad, also offer refurbished AirPort Extremes. While these units may have cosmetic imperfections, such as scratches or adhesive residue, they are fully functional and can provide a cost-effective alternative to Apple's refurbished options.
When considering the cost of a refurbished AirPort Extreme, it is beneficial to weigh the potential savings against your specific needs and expectations. Refurbished units offer a balance between affordability and performance, making them a popular choice for those seeking a reliable networking solution without compromising quality.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, the AirPort Extreme is easy to set up, but only if you use a Mac, which has the Airport Utility bundled in the OS. A scaled-down version of Airport Utility is available as an iOS app, but the desktop version is required to set up the first time.
The AirPort Extreme is faster than other routers. One user reported that their old Belkin wireless router provided about half of the speed that they were paying for, whereas with the AirPort Extreme, they experienced no deterioration in signal quality or internet speed. Another user reported that their WD My Cloud Network server worked twice as fast with the AirPort Extreme.
The AirPort Extreme has good range, but not noticeably better than 5 GHz 802.11n. If centrally located in a small single-family home, this router will work well as a single router.
The Apple refurbished site is a good place to buy a refurbished AirPort Extreme. Apple support is excellent, and the company will either update Airport software or release a new model. You can also buy refurbished AirPort Extremes from Best Buy's Geek Squad, but be aware that these units may have cosmetic issues like scratches and smudges.
