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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."

5 of 795 comments (clear)

  1. Re:Just a question by greck · · Score: 0, Offtopic

    just fine, thanks!

    in fact, apples + pork rules. applewood smoked bacon, anyone?

  2. Oh No! by Looks+Like+Their+Web · · Score: 0, Offtopic

    Looks like their web server is running off of an AirPort Express!!

  3. Irrelevant, it isn't a relay... by rtilghman · · Score: 0, Offtopic


    The Apple product has to be WIRED into the network, so effectively it is JUST like a wired squeezebox. The only item the apple unit offers that the squeezebox doesn't is that it's also a wireless g AP... big woopty doo, I can buy one of those from SMC for $50.

    I'll give the Apple unit props for being a portable AP since that's kind of cool. I think the addition of profiles is interesting, though I highly doubt most users will have places they frequent regularly (enough to make up a profile) to use them.

    The problem is the selling of this thing as a music item. First off it doesn't offer ANY interface, meaning you STILL need a PC to change songs or play things on the stereo where you have set-up the remote unit. How often do you want to change the songs in teh living room from your upstairs office?!? Pfft, utter waste of time. Then there's the fact it doesn't even deliver real audio outs, etc.

    In contract the squeezebox IS the only device you need with your stereo; its a digital receiver that streams the music from the server or source via software. You can change songs and scroll through your library FROM the squeezebox, meaning you don't have to go back to your office, pick a song, and then tell the thing to play it in the living room.

    Basically if you want a small 802.11g AP to go on the road with you great. If you want a digital music receiver the Apple unit is a waste of time.

    -rt

  4. OT - your .sig by anomaly · · Score: 0, Offtopic

    On what authority do you assert that there is no God?

    --
    But Herr Heisenberg, how does the electron know when I'm looking?
  5. Re:One Big LAME by Libraryman · · Score: 0, Offtopic
    You miss the point, as usual. I want to allow other people to change the music.
    You don't need new technology for that. It's called the radio, and Clear Channel will happily change the music for you.