Apple Computer today reported that its AirPort wireless networking solution now provides WLAN access to America Online (AOL).
Users can download an update of AOL for the Mac that from the AOL Web site that effectuates AirPort compatibility. The companies also announced that AirPort will be compatible with AOL for Mac OS X, now in beta with expected launch at year’s end. This AOL will reportedly deliver enhancements to existing features designed to bring AOL to OS X users.
AirPort 2.0 software is available as a free download from the Apple Web site in both native OS X and Mac OS 9 versions. This release of AirPort adds AOL support to existing AirPort Base Stations. AirPort 2.0 is compatible with AOL 5.0, U.S. release only.
AirPort is an 802.11b solution with data transfer rates at the standard 11 Mbps. The company said it has a typical working range of about 150 feet from the actual base station. All Apple notebooks and desktops in production are AirPort equipped with integrated antennas and card slots, some with the AirPort card preinstalled.
AirPort as an 802.11b solution consists of the AirPort Base Station, with $299 suggested retail price – and the AirPort card with suggested retail price of $99.
Matthew Peretz is Managing Editor of 802.11-Planet.com
