Apple Unveils a Few Surprises
Apple has released the 802.11n enabler alongside unexpected colorful iPod shuffles. The 802.11n will enable 802.11n connectivity on your current-generation Mac (C2D MacBook, C2D MacBook Pro, Mac Pro and C2D iMacs with the exception of the 1.83GHz model, all have 802.11n capabilities). The enabler costs $1.99 and also comes with the new Airport Extreme so don’t purchase the enabler if you’re planning on picking up a new Airport Extreme Base Station.
Engadget reports that the Airport Extreme is currently shipping, even though the Apple page says shipping in February.
The refreshed iPod Shuffle line comes in 4 new vivid colors - orange, green, blue and pink. No other hardware specifications of the Shuffle have changed though - still the same 1GB audio player for $79. AppleInsider has snagged some pictures of the orange iPod Shuffle and it’s a vivaciously vibrant orange.
Hmm, still not sure about the reasoning for that $1.99 charge for the draft-n patch. According to one post I red on engadget they suggested that it would be somehow illegal to distribute the patch for free? All very strange, if I have the right end of the stick that is!
As for the shuffle, that orange is hot! Might have to get myself one now!
btw, the new shuffles are bundled with the new earphones which is nice to my mind. to me they feel much better.
I’m with Ian here, I mean charging money for a patch? I’m pretty sure advertising that you could now upgrade your mac for 802.11n free of charge would be much better than the amount of money they’re gonna make for that upgrade.
PS. That orange shuffle looks sick, I’d totally buy a 2nd gen nano if it came out in that color.
I’ve read somewhere that the fee is justified by an US law which prohibits releasing main improvements to a product without charging a fee. I’ll try to find that source.
I’ve found the article, some different background for the fee, but read it yourself:
http://backstage.ilounge.com/index.php/backstage/comments/oh-about-that-80211n-card-in-your-c2d-mac/
It took me about 3 seconds from the time I opened the Apple email announcing the new colors to when I decided I must have the orange one.