2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
The Perfect Wireless Companion
Date of Review: Dec 16, 2007
The Bottom Line: This is a great device for creating a small to medium home network through internet, printer, and music sharing.
After getting a Mac mini for Christmas last year, it became apparent that I should upgrade my Internet. Previously, I had been using dial-up....scary, no? Since many elements of my new computer are Internet-dependent, and I wanted a faster way online, I decided to switch to cable internet, but I need a really easy and convenient way to get it through my entire house. Since I was so impressed with the quality and ease-of-use demonstrated by my Mac, I looked to Apple for a viable wireless solution, and I found it instantly, in the Apple AirPort Express. At first, I was skeptical. I mean, this product was so tiny, yet it promised so much in the description! So, I opened the packaging and the instruction manual, and then began to set up. Set-up was relatively easy, overall. I plugged the unit into power, hooked my Ethernet cable into the bottom, a headphone jack which was connected to speakers, and a USB printer that I decided to move off the desk and into another room. Next, I went to my Mac and followed some on-screen prompts using Apple's AirPort Setup Assistant. Within roughly 15-20 minutes, I was all set up; I could get online, print wirelessly, and listen to my iTunes music in another room with speakers. I also decided to get my Windows notebook onto the network, as well. All I had to do was turn on my notebook and type in the Secure Password (which is made by the AirPort Setup Assistant), and I was instantly connected. To print wirelessly with this notebook, I simply went to the Apple support page and downloaded Bonjour, which set up the printer in about 2 minutes. The AirPort Express delivers very fast internet access, although, I find that the Internet is faster if I plug the Ethernet cable directly into a computer. That's another shortcoming with device; it can only handle so much, seeing as though it is built for a typical household or small business. Wireless printing with my Mac is a little sluggish, but printing with my Windows notebook is as good as if I had it directly connected (which is really fast). The iTunes remote speakers work wonderfully; I have never experienced a hassle while using them. All that I have to do is select my Network in the iTunes window pane, and choose whether I want the sound to go from my computer, the remote speakers, or both. Once the AirPort Express is set up, it's almost non-existent; everything that you do with the Internet, Printing, and iTunes will be just about the exact same, only without wires. This is a great product to buy if your considering wireless Internet, for it can support up to 10 computers (Mac or Windows). If you're looking to add more computers, you should probably find something more professional, as this is a fairly basic and home-oriented device. This is also a good option if you just want to hear your music in another room (up to 150 feet away) without a really expensive and complex gadget. Other than that, its physical appearance is very simple, much like other Apple products. It's a small rectangular box with a status light, Ethernet hookup, headphone mini-jack, and USB port. As I said, simple and easy to understand. In short, get this product if you're looking for a simple, easy, and low-stress way to combine wireless internet, printer sharing, and music delivery.