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Extreme rage over Apple's new Airport Wireless failures

Typical complaint from users is that after a random period, the new Airport Extreme system simply stops working, and has to be reset.

The problem appears to be related wireless interference. Those who are succeeding in making it work, say they have no other 2.4 GHz devices nearby. Those who have failed include some who have cordless phones using 2.4 GHz, or notice that the access point fails when the microwave oven is used.

It's more sensitive when using the access point at its high speed, say some users. Set up the Airport Extreme to be a little less extreme, reported one, and make it work as standard WiFi at 802.11b and the drop-outs stop. But not everybody agrees that this is a reliable workaround. Some have seen crashes when working at 11b only.

Fixing the problem, if you want to run at full speed, seems to be a question of pulling the power, letting the unit cool down, and then plugging the cable back in. Some don't work properly even then, with some users saying they have to wait over an hour before it will reboot.

Apple launched the device in January at Macworld Expo and it was early, along with many customers of Broadcom's pre-11g spec chip set, with the official 802.11g spec still not ratified.

Although the chat lines are buzzing with complaints there's still no official response from Apple itself.

Users report that the company seems reluctant to accept these devices on return. "I'm stuck with a $215 paperweight," lamented one disgruntled customer, "Apple won't take it back." Others report that under pressure, Apple is now swapping the faulty units, but that often, the new one appears no better than the old.

Apple's product carries a premium price, because of the fact that it includes a firewall, and the option of a built-in modem for dialup if broadband goes down.

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