Airport reception problems: SOLVED

For me, at least. I did a number of things while trying to figure this out. Things I believe didn't contribute to the solution are marked with asterisks, and things I did have a number, with notes below.
[*] Set router to channel 11.
[*] Disabled IPv6.
[*] Disabled Interface Robustness (had it on for testing).
[*] In SysPrefs->Network Ports I rearranged Airport to the top and disabled all other ports.
[1] Disabled Bluetooth on my iMac Core Duo (only other box with BT)
[2] Moved antennae positions on router.
[3] Placed router at same height from floor as my Mac Mini.
Notes, and What I Believe Fixed the Problem:
[1] Immediately after disabling BT on my other iMac Core Duo responsiveness on my VNC connection to the Mini increased dramatically. I'm wondering if the BT adapters in the Intel Macs simply don't play nicely with each other. It could also be that they don't play nicely with /any/ other adapters, regardless of brand.
[2] My Linksys WRT54GX2 router has two antennae -- I arranged them so the right antenna is now parallel with the ground and the left antenna is perpendicular.
[3] I did this at the same time as [2], so I am unsure as to which actually finally solved the problem, but I strongly suspect [2] had more impact.
After doing [2] and [3], bingo -- everything working normally. Full signal strength all the time. Good ping times to the router (~2ms -- not as good as my iMac, which gets ~1ms avg, but definitely acceptable). More importantly, my VNC connection is rock-solid -- was getting dropped connections and extremely sluggish performance before.
Now the best part: I just transferred 1GB worth of files to my server in 8 minutes. Compared to the abysmal 2-4 hours I was getting before, I am now happy.
FWIW, the router is located approx. 40-50 feet from the Mini.
My Mini is running 10.4.6 with Airport firmware 0.1.17. Bluetooth is enabled with an Apple BT keyboard and a 3rd party pen mouse connected.
Any other questions, just ask
-jingai
Mac Mini Core Duo 1.66GHz   Mac OS X (10.4.6)  

I guess it depends entirely where you bought the unit but if it was from the Apple Store online then you would be entitled to return the unit directly to them for replacement of rapid repair. It should be classed as DOA in my opinion. The two week return period is simply a cooling off period if you are not ahppy with your purchase and not if it is defective.
With a problem such as this where it may not be immediately evident that the unit is at fault. Especially given the vague help being offered by the apple support staff with regard to this issue. A defective unit is a defective unit and should be guaranteed for at least a year.
I had to insist but I did get a replacement sent out to me before I had to return my unit which is exactly as it should be. Once the replcaement arrived I transfered my data and returned the faulty unit.
Make sure you properly understand the Warranty and return policies.
PRODUCT WARRANTY
All Apple hardware products, including clearance and refurbished products, carry a one-year Limited Warranty against defects in materials and workmanship. You may review a copy of the Limited Warranty on new products, including its limitations and exclusions, before you purchase, by clicking the appropriate link below.
http://www.apple.com/legal/warranty/hardware.html
Dead On Arrival (DOA) Product: System Failure Out of the Box
An Apple-branded hardware product is considered DOA if it shows symptoms of a hardware failure, preventing basic operability, upon its first use out of the box. If you believe that your product is DOA, please call Apple Care Technical Support at 1-800-APL-CARE (1-800-275-2273) within 30 calendar days of the invoice date. Apple Care Technical Support will determine whether the product is DOA and offer you the following options:
* Replacement: The same product that you ordered will be shipped to you at Apple's expense. Apple Care Technical Support will put you in touch with an Apple Store Sales Support Representative to set up a replacement order and provide the procedure for returning the DOA product.
* Service: You may have the product repaired; however, once serviced, the product is no longer eligible for replacement.
Product must be deemed DOA by Apple Care Technical Support within 30 calendar days of the invoice date in order to receive a replacement unit.

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