802.11n AirPort Express hands-on

Well, what can we say? The new 802.11n AirPort Express looks exactly like the 802.11g AirPort Express we've been using to stream iTunes and wirelessly print to an el-cheapo USB laser printer since 2004. In fact, if not for the different model numbers (A1264 now, instead of A1084) and the fact that our old unit has some random battle scars, we would have found it almost impossible to tell them apart. Check the gallery for the hot side-by-side action.

802.11n AirPort Express Hands-on

[(Unverified) Posted Mar 18th 2008 9:01PM]

No kidding. Good to know.

[(Unverified) Posted Mar 18th 2008 1:55PM]

I've been waiting for these for a while. I've used the Airport Express before, and honestly the entire Airport line is one of Apple's best products.

Also, to all the people that complain about "yet another Apple article". Why read it? You're not forced to click on that specific post and read it - so don't. Engadget is an independent technology blog, as such the bloggers can post whatever the f*ck they want that they consider interesting. If you don't find it interesting then just move on and don't read it. Do you get your jollies from bashing Apple, because it honestly seems like you do, and it also seems like the one thing you can't get over is that the bloggers can post whatever they want and don't have to answer to any of us.

Now I'm probably going to get called a fan boy because, not only have I said that I like the specific Apple product being talked about, but I've also defended that it be posted on Engadget. I'll probably get lowest ranked because the ranking system here is based entirely on how anti-Apple a comment is, but Jesus-f*cking-Christ is it annoying to read 9 out of 10 articles and all of them have some vindictive prick screaming about how he or she is tired of/hates Apple - even if the article isn't related to Apple in any way.

This isn't a pro-Apple rant, this is a pro-Shut-the-hell-up-you-f*cking-moron's rant.

[yar Posted Mar 18th 2008 2:41PM]

you missed the point. I dont complain about the excessive apple coverage @ engadget because I hate apple or engadget, or because i am not interested in the apple product they are reviewing. It's rooted in the fact that I like engadget and want them to cover all the other interesting "gadgets" out there as well, not just the apple products.

I want more coverage not less!

[smcquade Posted Mar 18th 2008 6:19PM]

when apple has a special event and things are likely to get out of hand, Engadget offers an 'opt-out' function i.e. a feed with everything but apple - or only apple (same for CES etc.).
Hey, Engadget, listening? About time you offered an 'apple-free' option on a regular basis. I, for one, am sick of this niche player hogging the headlines with your slavish devotion to its droll products.

[(Unverified) Posted Mar 18th 2008 3:19PM]

Questions; If N network running, can separate G network operate to serve iPhones without slowing N down? With N speeds, why has no audio network emerged that serves 5.1 or 7.1 of HDTV standard? Those wires are a bitch to retrofit in an old house. Could a new version of an Extreme come out that would work as an NAS with both firewire and USB ports or would this take a lot of hardware and be better served by using an old computer? Apple says N doubles range of G. What is typical range of N? Anybody?

[(Unverified) Posted Mar 18th 2008 3:48PM]

I SEE! The old one was made in Taiwan, the new - in China.

[(Unverified) Posted Mar 18th 2008 4:11PM]

I understand there is not much Difference between the new Express and the "G" version, but this is exactly what I have been waiting for. I currently have an Airport Extreme Router setup using both the N and the G channels. The wireless is setup for WDS Main Mode, and the "G" Express is setup for WDS Remote mode. I never have a problem. I might have to restart the router, but maybe once a month. I have to use "G" for my Wife's Work Laptop. With this, I can still use the Old "G" Express for my "G" clients, and now use the "N" 5Ghz for my WDS Setup, this will make my video streaming, XBOX360 playing, Print Server and "AirDisk," work so much better. My Macbook uses the Air-Disk for Time Machine, and I am hoping that Apple comes out with Firmware to make the "Air-Disk" faster.
That is right, I use all of these features, and still do not have any problems. I can use my Windows Machine or my Macbook to configure and print to my Laser Printer, and again I have no problems with either of my Microsoft Products getting online, and staying online.
All in All, I agree with some comments above, It seems a little "Over-The-Top," but I ordered one yesterday, and I cannot wait to get it installed. "Draft-N," is not "Official," but it is still so much better than any of the "G" products I have used. I have worked with Linksys, Netgear, D-Link and Buffalo, and besides the really old Linksys WRT54G routers with Hacked Firmware, the new Apple Wireless products are hands-down the best.
I hope this helps everyone!

[(Unverified) Posted Mar 18th 2008 6:31PM]

as far as i can tell, these still aren't on Amazon...

i want to throw it on my wishlist so i'll remember to buy it later.

:\

by the way, i gues you meant "hands on" literally, like you just got your hands on one, but i thought this might actually involve you, i don't know... USING it. silly me. i guess it's the gallery that's the point of this post, and not the article.

[(Unverified) Posted Mar 18th 2008 7:03PM]

Sure, I used it, there's just not all that much to say -- apart from the 802.11n support, it's exactly the same product that's been on the market for more than three years.

[(Unverified) Posted Mar 18th 2008 7:20PM]

I think the title phrasing just confused me a bit... something like "Hands-on Gallery" would have been more clear, but maybe that's implied.

no biggie

[Wolfticket Posted Mar 18th 2008 8:45PM]

Did you actually do a new unboxing, or did you just use the pics from the unboxing of the original and photoshop in a tiny little "n"?

[(Unverified) Posted Mar 19th 2008 6:18PM]

I'm sorry. Can I have more than one working at a time?

One hooked-up to a printer and one stereo, another hooked-up to another stereo?

[(Unverified) Posted Mar 25th 2008 9:35AM]

Yes you can have more than one working at a time. It says so on Apple's website: "If you have more than one AirPort Express connected to speakers, you can play the same music on all your speakers at the same time to create a whole-house musical experience."

See http://www.apple.com/airportexpress/features/airtunes.html

Just make sure all the airport expresses are on the same network.