Archive notice: This article was originally published on March 17, 2008. Links and embedded videos are preserved as part of the historical record.
AirPort Express is the world’s smallest portable base station based on the 802.11 standard – available for 89 euros including VAT. At home, it can be plugged directly into a power socket to provide wireless Internet connectivity or wireless access to a USB printer. The AirPort Express base station is easy to take along and offers wireless independence wherever an Internet connection is possible. AirPort Express supports AirTunes, networking software that works seamlessly with iTunes to transmit music on a PC or Mac wirelessly to any room in the house simply and inexpensively.
“Apple offers a range of innovative 802.11n-based base stations to enable every form of wireless communication,” says Philip Schiller, Apple’s Senior Vice President Worldwide Product Marketing. “From the small, portable AirPort Express to AirPort Extreme for workgroups of up to 50 users and the new Time Capsule for automated backups – our customers have every opportunity to upgrade their wireless networks to 802.11n.”
AirPort Express has a compact design, weighs less than 190 grams and offers maximum mobility. With AirPort Express, up to ten PC and Mac users can share a single DSL or cable broadband connection or a USB printer simultaneously. The AirPort Express utility enables easy step-by-step installation and configuration, while its advanced security features, WPA/WPA2, 128-bit encryption and integrated firewall ensure the necessary data security on the network. Apple has now incorporated the 802.11n standard throughout its range of AirPort base stations, as well as in all Mac notebooks, the iMac, Apple TV and Time Capsule.
AirPort Express can be connected to a stereo system or powered speakers via an analogue and digital audio output. iTunes automatically detects stereo systems or powered speakers and displays them in a simple pop-up list. Once the desired playback location has been selected, AirTunes begins transmitting music wirelessly from the computer to the AirPort Express base station. Several AirPort Express base stations can be combined throughout the house, each connected to a set of powered speakers, to provide an optimum surround-sound experience. AirPort Express can also be integrated into an existing AirPort Extreme wireless network to extend its range.
Pricing & availability
AirPort Express is available now through the Apple Store, Apple Retail Stores and Apple resellers for 89 euros including VAT.
- AirPort Express is based on the IEEE 802.11n draft specification. Actual performance depends on range, connection rate, local conditions, network size and other factors.
Apple launched the personal computing revolution in the 1970s with the Apple II and redefined it in the 1980s with the Macintosh.
Today, Apple is regarded as the industry’s most innovative company – in desktop and notebook computers, through the Mac OS X operating system and consumer applications such as iLife and various professional software applications. Apple also leads the digital music revolution with its portable iPod music and video players and the iTunes Online Store, and has entered the mobile phone market with the revolutionary iPhone.
Further links:
- Apple Store
