Airport Express has been updated to include 802.11n

[aphex]

Airport Express

Long overdue IMO, but very glad to see its finally been updated to 802.11n

 

[Kmax82]

Hmm.. I still just don't completely see the market for this device. I guess people use it... but I would much prefer to spend the extra cash and get the AppleTV and actually have control over what I'm playing from another room.

 

[aphex]

Originally posted by: Kmax82
Hmm.. I still just don't completely see the market for this device. I guess people use it... but I would much prefer to spend the extra cash and get the AppleTV and actually have control over what I'm playing from another room.

I think its main benefit is as a travel router. Been to plenty hotel rooms that ONLY have wired access

 

[dnuggett]

Just ordered one, the print server option is what sold me.

 

[Kaido]

Originally posted by: Kmax82
Hmm.. I still just don't completely see the market for this device. I guess people use it... but I would much prefer to spend the extra cash and get the AppleTV and actually have control over what I'm playing from another room.

Travel router + Wireless speakers + Network extender + Print server. I have an 802.11g AE model right now and mainly use it as my travel router when I visit my in-laws or stay in a hotel. Plus you can hook up speakers to stream iTunes music (check out AirFoil if you're into that, for multiple AE support), extend your wireless network, and share a printer (nice if you have a laser in the hallway or something). We plug it into the stereo in the kitchen to stream music while we're cooking. Plus it's palm-sized and plugs directly into an outlet, so it's very portable.

The downsides are that (1) you can only have up to 10 users on wifi and (2) you have to use Apple's special Airport Admin software to access the router. The users can add up pretty quick depending on your network (desktop, laptop, cell phone, gaming console, Tivo, etc.). It's a small hassle too because you can't just login from a webpage, you actually have to install their software on every machine that you want to configure the router from.

 

[Kmax82]

Hmm.. interesting. Thanks for the added info Kaido. I didn't realize that it did all of that. I thought it was just a streamer for media to your stereo. I think I might actually pick one up now. Hah!

 

[keeleysam]

I bought one. I've wanted one for quite a while, but I couldn't justify buying another 802.11g device.

Every Apple product that I've bought in the past few years has been on launch day, I'm such a sucker.

 

[Kadarin]

I use mine for wireless access and for the Airtunes feature. I typically control the music from my laptop, which I'm using in the same room as the HT setup it's playing on.

 

[randomlinh]

how well does it work at extending current networks? and can i use it as bridge at the same time for the wired portion?

 

[aphex]

Originally posted by: randomlinh
how well does it work at extending current networks? and can i use it as bridge at the same time for the wired portion?

I found this; http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=108038#2

Question: Can AirPort Express act as a bridge?
Answer: AirPort Express can act as a bridge in three different ways:

If you have an existing wired network, it can bridge this network to wireless clients.
If it is set up as a WDS remote or relay station, it can bridge the wireless network to wired clients.
If it is set up as a WDS remote or relay station, it can bridge the wireless network to wireless clients (or "wirelessly extend" the range of the network).

I dunno if that means it can do Wireless & Wired at the same time, but perhaps someone with experience with the unit can attest to that.

 

[Parasitic]

On a Monday? Really?

Does that mean something nice and sparkly new is coming out tomorrow, say a revised Mac Mini?

 

[Parasitic]

No Mac Mini refresh
Oh wells, and no discounts on the new Airport Express! Damn you, Apple!