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Apple Rolls Out AirPort Express, AirTunes

Posted by simoniker on from the applicious dept.

das writes "Apple has introduced AirPort Express (specs), a palm-sized, portable 802.11g base station with 10/100 ethernet, USB printer sharing, and analog and optical audio output, for connection to a stereo system or powered speakers for streaming your music collection via 'AirTunes.' It supports multiple profiles for easy use at multiple locations It can plug directly into the wall as a "power brick", or use a longer power cord, similar to the newer PowerBook AC adapters. AirTunes requires iTunes 4.6, expected to be available soon."

6 of 795 comments (clear)

  1. Re:This rocks! They will sell millions. by captainbonehead · · Score: 5, Informative

    Actually, it's $150 less than the wireless Squeezebox.

  2. Re:One Big LAME by shawnce · · Score: 5, Informative

    No problem. iTunes is fully scriptable via AppleScript on Mac OS X and I believe now via COM on Windows. I bet you can find software to control it as needed, if not, you will shortly.

    Also the updated iTunes hasn't been fully release yet so who knows but it may provide such capabilities between iTunes applications directly.

    Now you just need a wireless (11b/g) remote that can connect to iTunes, etc. :-)

  3. Re:Nifty for the price - but not a Squeezebox by lullabud · · Score: 5, Informative
    You're leaving out all the other points that this devices has.
    • It's an 802.11g repeater
    • It's a NAT router
    • It's a network usb printer server
    • It's most likely the only AP that was designed for portability (correct me if I'm wrong)
    So sure, if you're buying this thing strictly for music then yeah, you might be buying the wrong, or simply less expensive alternative to squeezebox. But if you want a portable AP/Router that has a nifty added feature of wireless audio support it's a hell of a product.
  4. Re:Nifty for the price - but not a Squeezebox by aberkvam · · Score: 5, Informative
    • no headphone output or proper audio connectors
    I am not sure what you mean by this. There is an 1/8th inch mini jack right on the AirPort Express. And for an extra $39 you can get the AirPort Express Stereo Connection Kit with Monster Cables which includes, "a Monster mini-to-RCA left/right audio cable, a Monster mini-to-optical digital Toslink audio cable and an AirPort Express power extension cord." I am not sure what else you could ask for.
  5. Re:Nifty for the price - but not a Squeezebox by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Informative

    How is it insecure? it fully supports WPA.

    And have you ever tried one of those 25 dollar radio transmitters? They suck. I've never had one make it more than 15 feet in open air without turning the audio quality to snap crackly crap. This provides an all digital link which right away eliminates analog noise.

  6. Re:It's got no local display or controls... by log0n · · Score: 5, Informative

    It's wireless. Most people who use a wireless network are on laptops. You don't need a remote. That's the point.

    This is designed to replace ugly and bulky cables and half-assed-but-functional DIY schemes.