Digital Trends

Apple AirPort Express August 9th, 2004 | by Jeff Fila

Too Many “Ifs”

While the AirPort Express may seem on paper to be the ultimate device for wireless networking, network printing, and playing digital music, it is the product's versatility that may be its greatest flaw. There are just too many “ifs” involved in the usage of this product to make it more than just a toy for Mac followers and iTunes fanatics.

First of all, if you think that having one device to stream your music, connect you to the Internet and print wirelessly is a dream come true — wake up. Nobody wants their printer in the same room as their stereo or home theater. This means that you will probably only use one of those features — or have to move the device from one room to another. Of course you could purchase another AirPort Express, as Apple suggests, but then you're talking twice the price, and for almost $300, there are better solutions. And playing music means that you'll need to have a wireless laptop within range of your AirPort Express and within listening range of your stereo equipment.

The wireless networking capabilities suffer from a few “ifs” as well. If you already have a network and wireless clients, you may already have a wireless router. If so, why would you spend $129 on a device that will only add printing or limited music playback? If your decision is to extend the range of your existing network, there certainly are cheaper alternatives to that. And, you're not guaranteed that the AirPort Express will “play nice” with your existing equipment. It seems to be a bit flaky in the way it connects to existing networks and browsing Apple's community forums, you'll find many users with problems hooking the device up.

If you don't have a network yet, this just doesn't seem like the device for you either. It really only would be of use to those that don't have current networks if they intend to only have wireless clients. To get a desktop to work, you'll need to either buy an add-on 802.11b/g PCI or AirPort card, or a USB interface. But again we come back to price, since doing this may make it more expensive than just buying a new wireless router, which at under $100, and often under $60, usually includes four wired ports.

If you're a traveler, the AirPort Express may look appealing because of its portability and custom profiles. But chances are that travelers will only want the AirPort Express for its wireless capabilities, as a hotel room usually doesn't have a stereo, and even if you traveled with a USB printer, it would be just as easy to hook that printer up directly to your laptop.

Perhaps if you want to use only one or two of the features the AirPort Express offers, the device may be right for you. Or you may like it if you plan to move the device around and use different profiles for different uses.

For those of you looking to set up a wireless network with USB printing capabilities, we suggest the Compex NP54G-USB router/print server. Those looking for wireless music streaming, we suggest the SlimDevices Squeezebox, which is compatible with Windows, Mac and Linux operating systems. Considering the AirPort Express' downfalls, we just don't see any reason for combining two such devices. And those looking for a travel-friendly router, APC and Asus have solutions that are much less expensive.

Conclusion

The AirPort Express certainly has a lot to offer in a small package, but the device's practicality may be relative only to a small subset of users. Those that specifically want to use iTunes for their music streaming and don't mind having to use their laptop will find the AirPort Express useful. Those that don't have a wireless network and only want wireless clients (10 or less) may also be interested in the product. The device may be perfect for those that live in a small apartment or dorm room and don't want a wired network and don't mind having their stereo in the same room as their printer. But if you plan on using all of the AirPort Express' features, or already have a wireless network, you may want to reconsider.

And while Apple wants you to believe that the $129 price is a steal, keep in mind that the package does not include any connectors for audio or Ethernet and the connection pack is an additional $39. It seems to us that you are paying a premium for the Apple name in a product that is certainly unique, but just may not be practical for many users.

The AirPort Express has an acceptable wireless range and speed and, for the most part, is easy to set up. It also does a good job of printing with supported printers and playing iTunes music. There's no denying that the AirPort Express mostly works as described by Apple, the problem is that its uniqueness might overshadow its actual usefulness.