Thanks much, I still can't figure out if this can bridge the
connection on my Lynksys router and give me essentially one network
with 802.11 b/g on the Lynksys side and 802.11 n on the Express side.
Not even Apple themselves could answer this question with certainty. I
like the portability and audio features but I really want a N network
without buying the extreme.
On Apr 21, 2008, at 4:08 PM, Esther wrote:
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
