There’s likely no urgency in downloading this update, but AirPort Utility 5.5.3 fixes various unspecified bugs, along with one that could cause a crash during setup. Snag a copy next time you’re updating other software unless you need to set up an AirPort base station before then. AirPort Utility 5.5.3 requires Mac OS X 10.5.7 or later. (Free, 10.8 MB)
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Written by
Adam C. Engst
AirPort Utility 5.5.3
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Ahh, this gives me another opportunity to voice a pet peeve. In this post-PC world that Apple has essentially pioneered, what with iPads/iPhones and the like, configuring your Airport Express from your iOS device is as simple as, .... impossible.
I think this is a glaring oversight in the Apple product lineup, but I seem to be the only one who thinks so. My home wifi network uses an Airport Express and I carry another when on the road. But without a Mac (or PC), there is no way to configure the Express. They can't be configured from a browser, like most routers, so users are completely stuck.
If you need to change the Express configuration on the road, you are out of luck. Unless you can borrow a PC. And have a thick skin while your friends laugh that one Apple device cannot be configured to talk to another Apple device without the help of a PC. Embarrassing.
Apple has created the odd app for mildly useful functions before. How about an app for this absolutely essential function?
I think this is a glaring oversight in the Apple product lineup, but I seem to be the only one who thinks so. My home wifi network uses an Airport Express and I carry another when on the road. But without a Mac (or PC), there is no way to configure the Express. They can't be configured from a browser, like most routers, so users are completely stuck.
If you need to change the Express configuration on the road, you are out of luck. Unless you can borrow a PC. And have a thick skin while your friends laugh that one Apple device cannot be configured to talk to another Apple device without the help of a PC. Embarrassing.
Apple has created the odd app for mildly useful functions before. How about an app for this absolutely essential function?
I give you an amen and two thumbs up. Perhaps an SNMP-based app could use those hooks to monitor an Apple base station, but it remains a closed format locked away against outside configuration. Until Apple opens this up (unlikely: they'd cite security) or creates an AirPort app, we're stuck.
Maybe you missed the coverage of the new feature in iOS 5 that will allow you to set up Apple routers. Same functionality as Airport Utility. 'PC Free,' baby.
I did miss that, since it's not publicly announced. MacRumors has a few screen captures: http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=1167222
Also, a video of iOS 5 configuring a Time Capsule: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZkWokTEYwtA&feature=player_embedded#t=98s
I hadn't heard about iOS 5. Will look into it. I certainly hope it fills the gap. Long overdue.