Bought one as soon as I read about it on the Apple site. While I probably won't use it for music I do have to travel about 100,000 miles a year on business and it will be great to have a portable wireless adapter with me.

I am still amazed how little old Apple, with only 3% of the market, can continually innovate, excel in design and lead the other 97% - showing them what their future will look like.

I guess a tiny AirPort Base Station is nice. As for the music function, it seems markedly inferior to what we've already seen from other companies, like the Soundbridge from Roku, or the Squeezebox from Slim Devices. The only positive thing I can say about AirPort Express is that it's cheaper. Also, it seems the use of lossless compression to stream the files will clog up your network -- especially if you have the old pre-Extreme Airport hardware, like I do.

I just got this image in my mind of a bunch of these little bricks plugged into a power strip; each with its own set of functions and all aware of each other's role on the network:

"Hey, I'm your wirless music and print server!"
"Hey, I'm your IR/Bluetooth remote I/O!"
"Hey, I'm your miniature shared network drive!"
"Hey, I'm your digital video interface!"

Kind of like Mac Lego-- a bunch of hide-behind-the-scenes appliances that just work!

BTW, it has to be said that this is one of the only Apple products in recent memory that is MEANT to be hidden from view! Although it's a simple an elegant design (and a close cousin to my iBook's power brick), this is a break from Apple's usual "look at me" aesthetic. While the Airport Extreme base station deserves to be displayed out in the open, the new Express just quietly does its job without drawing any attention to itself.

Could this extremely minimilist and utilitarian approach be the start of an interesting new trend at Apple? "We're Apple-- so seemlessly integrated into your home that you won't even know we're there!"

-Ken P

Next up I expect to see the following:

1) a Wi-Fi based remote, the first version will control iTunes and perhaps also conect to AddressBook and iCal.

2) WiFi VoIP phone(s) think WiFi devices for iChatAV audio and/or video. If there is a company to can finally make video phones a mass market product, it is Apple. This may also be the second coming of the Wi-Fi remote (iTunes, AddressBook, iCal and iChatAV, from your living room).

3) AirPort Express devices with connections to things other than audio...think not only about video, but also lights and other devices.

Speaking of other devices, the device I speak of in #3 may just already exist in the current product! Think coffemaker with a USB port, or a USBdevice that plugs into the AirPort Express and adds the functionality to control lights and such. Or lamps with USB conections that can not only be switch on and off, but also dimmed! Oh My God...that is so what this really about, you heard it here first.

Michael

It's a guess, but I think the USB port is going to open up a whole new world in the consumer electronics market.

I think this port is meant for more than just priners, but anything that canbe turned on and off and more from your computer: lights, toaster, coffe maker, etc.

And I also think this thing is going to a bridge between your computer, other devices and you for more than just music, though I think video is not the next big thing.

Looks like Hell froze over again and Jobs has created another PC peripheral, the AirPort Express. It's not too cool though, if you want to change songs you have to run back to your PC or Mac.

This article is funny because of the excitement that someday you may not have to run back to your PC to change songs, and maybe someday Apple will have a 3 GHz machine.

In cards its like an awesome hand - playing a surprise ace - the others unexpectedly just fold.

Like placing a piece in GO that shuts out the competition (though in GO everything is quite out in the open)

Only Apple could innovate like this because of the "whole widget" thing.

It seems obvious that the "AirTunes Controller" will be the G5 iPod. With the addition of AirPort Express and Mac-based controller software (probably built in to iTunes), it becomes an all-in-one player/controller with built-in display. They might also enable direct streaming from the iPod and wireless synching, although this would probably drain the battery pretty quickly.

They might (and should) also offer a simple low-cost controller similar to the iPod but without the internal hard disk and playback capability. Imagine a totally wireless rechargable handheld WiFi remote that could control both your Mac and G5 iPod!

And what makes this "Less" nice than the other systems? I assume you mean something OTHER than being able to play everything that iTunes will, being less expensive, doubling as a portable wireless router, and operating as a USB print server?

BTW - the one other thing I've looked at with this... most of my periphials (cell phone and such) I have USB charger cables for (tiny retractable ones from zip-linq)... with this, I wouldn't have to thether any of them to the computer to charge, and I would only use a receptacle (AX) that I would take anyway...

What's with all your WiFi iPod people? Have you ever heard of the dock? You realize you can get a remote control for the iPod too, right? The only thing missing from this setup is the on screen display and it sounds like we might be getting that in the next gen iPod. I still can't think of what use WiFi would be other than to take up space inside the iPod and raise the price. I'll keep hoping for Bluetooth thank you very much.

Would be nice and a usable remote if what was on your iPod was all that was on your computer and if the BT was a Class 3... then you could control from all over the house... someone mentioned WiFi the same use as BT (described above)... I can see them doing it because if the house is big BT may not reach... of coure "something" else might be in wait for the iPod...

Hmmm Sounds like a good use for a video ipod!

Quote

RealityCheck wrote:
Looks like Hell froze over again and Jobs has created another PC peripheral, the AirPort Express.

Even the original AirPort would work on any WiFi compatible platform, not just Mac.

Dumbass.

The bluetooth is not for the functions that these people think WiFi would be good for. The bluetooth would be for cell phone and headset integration... and dare I say car stereo as well? I find that INFINITELY more useful than any of the supposed benefits that WiFi functionality would offer.

I've got an iPod that I can plug into my stereo already. A Navpod gives you wireless remoteness. I've got a wifi network in my house with a D-link router. According to Apple, non Airport routers will not repeat through Airport Express. Darn it.

I remotely control my iTunes right now using my bluetooth SonyEricsson phone and a shareware program called Salling Clicker. You can play, pause, search by song name, artist, or browse right through your cellphone, all wireless through bluetooth. BTW, I love Apple's dedication to wireless technology... the only wire coming from the top of my desk is the power chord for my powerbook, everything else, mouse, keyboard, network, cell phone sync, is all wireless. With the addition of AirTunes, Apple has no doubt created the most seamlessly integrated wireless technologies ever seen.

Apple could make it so that you could vid-chat with your iSight from the couch without the need of having to have your Mac in the same room. That would be incredibly cool!.

I believe that Apple has said it won't "guarantee" inter-operation with other brands but that if the other product actually meets the wi-fi specs it ought to work.

Apple's Airport Express shows where things are going and there are more players going in this direction with audio (for example http://www.slimdevices.com/ including Mac OS software) and even video (for example http://www.hauppauge.com/pages/products/data_mediamvp.html).

Personally I don't want to see an Airport Express version with a display to show the song playing at the moment, but a remote control with a display: This would keep the charme of having an Apple product that is designed to be invisible and the needed interface to use it from my couch...

Kind of a prototype is the MediaPad of the Logitech Bluetooth keyboard diNovo (http://www.logitech.com/index.cfm?countryid=19&languageid=1&page=products/details&contentid=7321&crid=486&detail=2mediapad).

Just as I'm convincing myself that the Express is a must-have, Tivo puts their 40Gb model on sale for the same price as the Express. Their "Home Media Feature" software runs on OS-X and intergrates with iTunes and iPhoto to put your music (MP3 files only tho!) and photos on your TV!

I'm NOT a Tivo owner (yet!), but since I don't need an Express for business travel, and I already have my house networked with Ethernet and Airport, a new Tivo might be all I really need after all!

I heard this Tivo thing also records video too!

-Ken P

Yeah, the Tivo looks good, but you have to pay a subscription to use it, I understand. For my money, the Roku HD1000 HD media player is more compelling. http://www.rokulabs.com/products/hd1000/roku-hd1000-specs.pdf

Lots of options, and I don't much care to record TV, tho my wife would prolly prefer the Tivo.

Vern Seward

But doesn't TiVo charge a monthly fee?

Thanks Vern. The Roku seems like the more direct competitor to the Express than the Tivo is. In many ways they are similar: ethernet, USB, iTunes and iPhoto savvy, and no hard drive. The Roku's got some more I/O choices, but the video jacks are only pass-throughs, and the card slots are convenient if you want to bypass iPhoto and a computer altogether.

But at $299, the Roku seems pretty steep for what it is. I could by two Airport Expresses (Expressi?) and still have money left over to take the wife out for dinner.

Tivo does have that pesky subscription, or a $299 lifetime up-front cost... I guess that would have been worth more to me 20 years ago, and wouldn't be much of a deal if I "checked out" tomorrow. Despite everybody raving about their Tivos (with Mac-like fanaticism), the company seems to be on a shaky footing financially, so maybe it's THEIR lifetime I should be more concerned about! I don't have that same worry with Apple, despite numerous Death Knells.

I personally DO watch a bit of TV, and think it would be really cool to program my shows from a browser at work (apparently a new Tivo feature). So then we get down to PRICE again: With Tivo and the Express the same price, Tivo throws in a 40Gb DVR essentially for free (plus pennies a day for the programming guide subscription).

Yeah, I know the Tivo doesn't have 802.11g, but it DOES have a remote control! Hmmmmm... Maybe I'll buy the Tivo AND the Express and STILL take my wife out for dinner!

-Ken P

...to be fair, you really should have disclosed that Roku is a TMO advertiser. Not that I'm questioning your editorial integrity or anything!

-Ken P

"I am not a crook..."
Actually, I pay little attention to the ads on our site, or any site for that matter. I mentioned Roku only because of the cool media thingy they got, and as I am dreaming of a 42" plasma, the Roku would fit nicely in the overall lay of the LAN (snicker) in my house.

So, while I never had sex with Monica, nor did I inhale, I will claim that I'm innocent of any underhanded collusion with our sponsors. Of course, if they gave me a Roku to test out...hmmm.

Vern Seward

....BTW, I said I pay little attention to the ads on our site and elsewhere; that's not entirely true. The ads we host are cool, and do not annoy you with those flashing, shaking attention getters. Those I NEVER pay attention to, and if they get too annoying I'll leave the site far quicker than I would if the ad wasn't there. I don't mind dynamic ads, just hate the Internet equivelent of those obnoxious cars commercials on the radio; where the annoucer feels it necessary to yell at you at the top of his lungs about cars you have no intention of buying.

Vern

http://www.sonos.com/products/controller/

It even has a scroll wheel! Apple legal is gonna love these guys!

Looks like Hell froze over again and Jobs has created another PC peripheral, the AirPort Express. It's not too cool though, if you want to change songs you have to run back to your PC or Mac.

This article is funny because of the excitement that someday you may not have to run back to your PC to change songs, and maybe someday Apple will have a 3 GHz machine.

Quote

Guest wrote:
http://www.sonos.com/products/controller/

It even has a scroll wheel! Apple legal is gonna love these guys!

Gee, ya think?!!! This looks like it's yet another "maybe never shipping" product to me... very pricey, shipping "in the fall" and chock full of amazing features! And 1200 bucks???!! No thanks! Notice under "Pricing" on their site that the charger for the wireless controller hasn't even been designed yet! Nice planning, guys.

No matter... Apple will swat this "innovation" down in short order! You don't have to be a lawyer to know that this sroll wheel will disappear faster that you can say "cease and desist!"

(As a designer, I'm really offended when any of my peers stoop this low to blatantly "borrow" other companies' ideas!)

-Ken P

There are USB based home automation devices, like this one:

http://www.smarthome.com/1132U.html

I think this is what the USB port is really for.

I keep saying the USB port on AirPort Express is the really big news. AirTunes is great, but that USB port is what is going to really change people's lives.

Hello all,
After reading through your comments, I've come to the conclusion that many of you are missing the bigger picture concerning the remote terminal. The terminal will control iTunes, yes, but why just control iTunes? Why not let this terminal access you address book and iChat AV? How about writing a brief note via Mail? Maybe browse the Web, or play a game.

You'd have a 6" to 8" LCD screen in you hand that is the gateway into your Mac, with all of its apps and power; no need to limit yourself to just selecting a few songs.

How about this: This 6" display lets you control Mac apps remotely, but when it's idle you prop it up in its cradle and it serves as a dynamic picture frame, displaying your selected iPhotos. Sweet or what?

Apple could easily leave Sonos alone and walk all over this niche market.

Vern Seward

I happened to see one in a store the other day.

http://www.creative.com/products/product.asp?prodid=9192

I'm still inclined to get an Airport Express when I move, because I want to switch my network to wireless (plus it's half the price of the SoundBlaster... ), but having that remote would be nice...ah - maybe Steve will sort something out with that soon...say, an 802.11-enabled iPod mini? Yum....

Speaking of the iPod, Creative also has a new "Zen Touch" MP3 player that is getting to look quite iPod-like. They're obviously trying to push for as similar a user interface as possible, without arousing Apple's lawyers...