Apple to charge slightly less for 802.11 n update

A few days ago, we reported on a rumor that Apple planned to charge MacBook and MacBook Pro users $4.99 for software that would activate 802.11 n functionality in those laptops--functionality that the hardware already possesses. According to the rumor, the company would allegedly justify this as an accounting necessity, citing the Sarbanes-Oxley act. Well, due perhaps to the collective groan of Mac users Internet-wide, the company has announced that while they will charge users for the software update, the price will be a more palatable $1.99. "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," said Lynn Fox, an Apple spokesperson. Talk about high margins--if you ask me, this update sounds like pure profit.

For more on the AirPort update:
- see this CNET article