A few of America’s larger universities have banned the Apple iPad from their campuses, saying the tablet device causes problems with their wireless networks.
For example, Princeton University recently blocked 20 percent of the iPads on campus because of “malfunctions that can affect the entire school’s computer system.” The University says the iPad is the root of DHCP client malfunctions, meaning it causes interference for other devices on the school’s network.
In another situation, George Washington University said: “Our current authentication system isn’t supported by the iPhone or the iPad.” That means the devices aren’t banned, but cant log in to the network.
Princeton said it is actively working with Apple to solve the problem, GWU said it will likely not be fixed until next year.
On the other hand, rival Ivy League school Cornell says they have about 80 iPad’s connected to their network, with no problems whatsoever.
The news comes after the entire country of Israel decided to ban the device, citing a conflict in Wi-Fi standards used.
Result for: interference
After accidentally being shown off a week ago by retail giant Costco, the Microsoft 802.11n Wi-Fi adapter is now available officially, via NewEgg, Costco and other online retailers.
The new adapter should provide much more bandwidth then the current line of 802.11g adapters and will use MIMO (multiple in, multiple out) and two antennas to provide a stronger signal and extended range. Microsoft says the new adapters will have double the range of the 802.11g adapters.
Electronista adds that the “adapter is also dual-band and can run on 5GHz to avoid interference as well as 2.4GHz for those with older 802.11n routers or who have to run a mixed-mode network to support legacy devices.”
The device sells for between $88-100 USD.
Result for: interference
Following the recent issue surrounding the deletion of George Orwell works (1984, Animal Farm) from users’ Kindle readers, anti-DRM activists Defective By Design has targeted the device with a new petition. The text of the petition reads…
We believe in a way of life based on the free exchange of ideas, in which books have and will continue to play a central role. Devices like Amazon’s are trying to determine how people will interact with books, but Amazon’s use of DRM to control and monitor users and their books constitutes a clear threat to the free exchange of ideas.
That is why we readers, authors, publishers, and librarians demand that Amazon remove all DRM, including any ability to control or access the user’s library, from the Kindle.
Amazon’s assurances that it will refrain from the worst abuses of this power do not address the problem. Amazon should not have this power in the first place. Until they give it up they will be tempted to use it, or they could be forced to by governments or narrow private interests. Whatever Amazon’s reasons for imposing this control may be, they are not as important as the public’s freedom to use books without interference or supervision.
The petition already has a few recognizable signatures listed on the right-hand side of the message. To sign the petition, visit it at defectivebydesign.org/amazon1984
