Apple Unveils AirPort Express for Mac & PC Users

[Kent Pribbernow]

<div class='os_post_top_link'><a href='http://www.apple.com/airportexpress/' target='_blank'>http://www.apple.com/airportexpress/</a><br /><br /></div>"Apple today unveiled AirPort Express, the world's first 802.11g mobile base station that can be plugged directly into the wall for wireless Internet connections and USB printing, or thrown into a laptop bag to bring wireless freedom to hotel rooms with broadband connections. Airport Express also features analog and digital audio outputs that can be connected to a stereo and AirTunes music networking software which works seamlessly with iTunes(R), giving users a simple and inexpensive way to wirelessly stream iTunes music on their Mac(R) or PC to any room in the house. AirPort Express features a single piece ultra- compact design weighing just 6.7 ounces, and will be available to Mac and PC users starting in July for just $129."<br /><br />Interesting. Once again, Apple comes up with a clever idea...even if it's not their own. Broadcast music to any room in the house. Just plug your stereo into the base station, and transer your music library wirelessly. I'm not sure whether most people want this capability or not, but I would love to try it out. <br /><br />And has anyone else noticed AirPort Express looks identical to the iPod travel adapter?<br /><br /><img src="http://www.digitalmediathoughts.com/images/indextop06072004.jpg" />

[klinux]

"And has anyone else noticed AirPort Express looks identical to the iPod travel adapter? "

...or like the iBook power adopter?

Design-wise, Apple is hard to beat. Although it is hard to categorize this product definitely, IMO. First, it is a router but not quite as good or cheap as the popular Linksys model but it is portable. Second, it is a home media device but not quite as good as the ones out there such as Tivo home media option, Roku, Sonos, etc but is cheaper and is more portable.

This goes without saying but if one already has either a good router or a good media sharing solution, this is not a solution that will combine the best of both worlds. However, if you have neither or if you are a road warrior type, then perhaps Apple has just invented what you need.

[encece]

Can I ask a few questions?

If it is a router...what makes it NOT as good as the Airport?
Could I use this as a primary router in my home instead of the Airport?
Could I plug a playstation into this?

[encece]

BUMP. :D