Original URL: http://www.reghardware.co.uk/2007/01/19/apple_confirms_wifi_fee/
Apple has decided it's not going to charge $5 to enable owners of Macs with 802.11n-capable Wi-Fi adaptors to use the new wireless technology, it's going ask they cough up $2 instead, the company has confirmed.
an Apple spokeswoman told CNET (http://news.com.com/Apple+wants+two+bucks+for+faster+Wi-Fi/2100-1044_3-6151281.html?www.reghardware.co.uk) the company will indeed charge for the 802.11n enabler code, as previously reported (http://www.reghardware.co.uk/2007/01/16/apple_80211n_wifi_fee/). The fee will be $1.99.
She also confirmed earlier claims (http://www.reghardware.co.uk/2007/01/17/apple_80211n_wifi_fee_update/) that the small fee was necessitated by US accounting regulations. "The nominal distribution fee for the 802.11n software is required in order for Apple to comply with generally accepted accounting principles for revenue recognition, which generally require that we charge for significant feature enhancements, such as 802.11n, when added to previously purchased products," she said in a statement.
Apple launched the first 802.11n-equipped Mac last autumn (http://www.reghardware.co.uk/2006/09/26/apple_imac_802-11n/). However, they only operate to the 802.11g specification. Last week at Macworld Expo, Apple announced its AppleTV iTunes-to-TV box (http://www.reghardware.co.uk/2007/01/11/apple_tv/) and a new AirPort Extreme base-station. Both will feature 802.11n, it said. ®
Apple presses pause on AppleTV roll-out (27 February 2007)
http://www.reghardware.co.uk/2007/02/27/apple_delays_appletv/
Apple posts $2 802.11n Wi-Fi patch (30 January 2007)
http://www.reghardware.co.uk/2007/01/30/apple_posts_wi-fi_patch/
Intel launches 802.11n Wi-Fi module (24 January 2007)
http://www.reghardware.co.uk/2007/01/24/intel_launches_kedron/
Apple may offer Wi-Fi update for free, says former chief beancounter (23 January 2007)
http://www.reghardware.co.uk/2007/01/23/apple_gaap_update_confusion/
LG, Prada parade iPhone-like KE850 (18 January 2007)
http://www.reghardware.co.uk/2007/01/18/lg_shows_iphone-like_prada_phone/
Apple's alleged 802.11n enabler fee: blame Enron etc. (17 January 2007)
http://www.reghardware.co.uk/2007/01/17/apple_80211n_wifi_fee_update/
Apple to charge for 802.11n Mac enabling software? (16 January 2007)
http://www.reghardware.co.uk/2007/01/16/apple_80211n_wifi_fee/
Jobs triggers new appliance genre with Apple TV (11 January 2007)
http://www.reghardware.co.uk/2007/01/11/apple_tv/
Apple updates MacBooks to 'Merom' (8 November 2006)
http://www.reghardware.co.uk/2006/11/08/apple_updates_macbooks/
Apple patches Windows-on-Mac app (31 October 2006)
http://www.reghardware.co.uk/2006/10/31/apple_updates_bootcamp/
Apple equips iMac with next-gen Wi-Fi? (26 September 2006)
http://www.reghardware.co.uk/2006/09/26/apple_imac_802-11n/