When Apple released the Airport Express with 802.11n I decided that it was now the time to get one.
Because the Express can be used in so many network variations, setup can be a bit confusing. Apple has tried to help by giving the user an assistant that asks questions the answers to which determine the Express’ settings.
Some of the options you get include using the Express to create a new network (if you connect the Express to a modem via ethernet), join a current network or extend a current wireless network. You can also select manual setup if you are more confident in using the device or want to change specific settings.
The main use I have for the Express is connecting one of my Windows laptops to the internet without using Wi-Fi. That particular laptop doesn’t accept WPA encryption but I do not want to jeopardize my whole network by using WEP. Using the Express, I can now work on my Windows laptop, simply plug my Express into a power socket and plug an ethernet cable from the Express into my laptop. Voila, I’m online.
The Express is also great for music – I can plug a set of powered speakers into the Express and stream music to them via the AirTunes feature of the Express.
If I wanted to, I could also connect the Express to a printer via a USB cable and create a network printer.
Overall, I am really impressed with the unit – it is portable and gives the user lots of networking options. My only concern is build quality – I’ve read a number of comments on the Apple Discussions website that claim the the older 802.11g device has worked for a year without issue but failed soon after. Have any readers had a problem with their Airport Express units?
More on the Airport Express can be found at http://www.apple.com/airportexpress
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TAGS: 802.11n, Airport Express
