Apple has breathed new life into its AirPort Express Base Station, where it looks exactly the same like the original despite cramming in an all important upgrade – support for 802.11n networking compared to the slower 802.11g standard found in the original. In addition to that modification, a few minor tweaks have been introduced as well. First of all, let us see what has remained the same – the 10/100Base-T Ethernet port, a USB port that comes in handy for hooking up a remote printer, and an audio-output jack that supports both digital and analog audio. A power outlet from a wall is used to keep the AirPort Express going. Let us check out the benefits after the jump.

AirPort Express features a single-piece, compact design weighing just 6.7 ounces, providing maximum portability. AirPort Express offers both PC and Mac users the ability to share a single DSL or cable broadband connection with up to 10 simultaneous users. Users can also share a printer wirelessly that is connected to the USB port. Apple’s AirPort Utility software provides easy step-by-step instructions for setting up and configuring AirPort Express; and with its advanced security features, AirPort Express safeguards data on networked computers with support for Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA/WPA2), 128-bit WEP encryption and a built-in firewall. Apple now includes 802.11n as standard in its entire line of AirPort base stations and Mac notebooks as well as iMac®, Apple TV® and Time Capsule™.

AirPort Express includes a built-in combination digital and analog audio connector allowing users to connect to a home stereo or powered speakers. iTunes automatically detects remote speakers and displays them in a simple pop-up list for the user to select. Once the remote speakers are selected, AirTunes wirelessly streams iTunes music from the computer to the AirPort Express base station. Multiple AirPort Express base stations can be set up around a home, each connected to a set of powered speakers for a whole-home music experience. AirPort Express can also extend the range of an existing AirPort Extreme® wireless network.

Apple’s AirPort Express can be purchased from the Apple Store, Apple’s retail stores and Apple Authorized Resellers at the recommended retail price of $99.

Source: Macworld