Hi All, Shaun asked: > What does the Express do for me when I'm out of town and I stay at > hotels?
If you're somewhere with wired internet connections you can use the AirPort Express to quickly set yourself up for wireless use, with the option to protect access by setting up a password to connect. The AirPort Express is only slightly larger than the power adapter of your MacBook Pro, and like that adapter it can simply be plugged into a power outlet. I've used the USB port on the Express to charge a first generation iPod Shuffle. Apparently that was a very common additional use for the USB port on the Express -- so much so that Apple had some statement about it in their knowledge base, although they also stated that it was not a supported feature. I've heard others have charged the old iPod minis (which you have, right?) and Treos this way, but you should probably do a Google search before assuming you can use this as a general USB charger while traveling. Here's the link to the full apple document (relevant text excerpted below): http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=300872 <begin excerpt from Using AirPort Express to charge> AirPort Express has a USB port for printer sharing, but it can also be used to charge your iPod shuffle. While this port was not intended for this purpose and it's not supported by Apple, iPod shuffle can be safely charged from an AirPort Express. <end excerpt> It turns out that checking on the updated AirPort Express specs before answering made this a worthwhile thread (smile), so thanks to Tim for originally posting the question. Here's the description pasted from PC World last month: <begin quote> Apple Launches 802.11n AirPort Express Apple's 802.11n AirPort Express runs faster and has a greater range than previous models. Jim Dalrymple, Macworld Tuesday, March 18, 2008 09:05 AM PDT Apple on Monday introduced a faster version of its AirPort Express wireless base station. Now equipped with the 802.11n specification, Apple says the AirPort Express can deliver five times the performance and twice the range of the previous model. The AirPort Express design has not changed -- it is still a single piece device that plugs directly into the wall. This compact design has been one of the most popular features of the AirPort Express, especially for those people that regularly travel. The Airport Express also has a combo digital and analog audio connector, so you can connect it to a stereo. You can then wirelessly stream music through the AirPort to the stereo from iTunes on your Mac. The new AirPort Express costs $99 and is available immediately. <end quote> The main features of the AirPort Express have already been touched upon: (1) ability to stream music. This is the distinguishing feature for the Express in the Apple product line of wireless base stations. (2) small size. The Express is only slightly larger than the power adapter for a MacBook, MacBook Pro, or older PowerPC laptop, and can plug directly into a power outlet. (3) single ethernet port. You can't share your internet connections with wired computers using an AirPort Express alone, but it's a good solution if your network is wireless. (4) wireless bridging. Common to both AirPort Express and AirPort Extreme, you can extend the range of your wireless network with additional devices. (5) USB port. You can attach a USB printer and print wirelessly. There is a list of compatible printers at the iFelix UK site: http://www.ifelix.co.uk/tech/1013.html Generally, if you have an all-in-one printer with multiple capabilities, the printer function will probably work, but not anything else. The interesting feature of the AirPort Extreme, apart from its support of 802.11n faster speeds (now also supported by the Express) and more ethernet ports for wired network connections, is the USB port for sharing disks. But the big problem is that Time Machine via such a shared AirPort Disk is still not working. Hope this helps, Cheers, Esther
