Why does it seem that Apple Wifi products are simply not that good?

Question

Hello,
I purchased an AP Extreme base station about 4 months ago. To say that I am under-whelmed would be an understatement. I was not impressed with the AP Express I purchased as well. It seems that the products simply do not live up to the expectations. From the other manufactures, I had no such problems as:
1. Constant drop outs.
2. Lose of signal when the base station was sitting right next to the computer.
3. Low signal when the base station was sitting right next to the computer.
4. No connectivity and trouble joining the network when the base station was sitting next to the computer.
I have been patient, applied the upgrades (seem to make things even worse if that is possible), and still I feel cheated by Apple because their products simply do not work as advertised. This leads me to think that the 802.11N will also be a money pit. As I type this, the signal is completely gone between my AP Extreme and MBP 17 inch. Gone and the AP E is sitting less than 4 meters away. I have changed frequencies, changed positions (remember, I located it less than 4 inches away and it still could not find or had limited signal strength), done everything possible that I can think of. If anyone has a suggestion other than buying anymore Apple wifi products, I would greatly appreciate this.
I have taken the new 802.11N off the table to purchase, I would suggest others do the same. They simply do not work as Apple promised.

Answer 1

Sorry Steve,
I realized I did not answer your question. I have one of the new one's. Core Duo 2's. What are you doing to help your friend? I am willing to do anything now. I have repositioned my AP Extreme, changed channels, reduced power, sacrificed a goat, ran around the house three times and howled at the moon. Nothing seems to work. My wife's iBook (PPC) works like a champ. Strong signal no matter when she goes with it.