Apple Updates Airport Express - New Design
by Saumitra Bhagwat on June 11, 2012 3:07 PM EST- Posted in
- Apple
- WiFi
- Airport Express
- 802.11n
As if this morning's monumental WWDC keynote was not enough, Apple seems to have a few more silent product updates in the pipeline. A quick look at the now updated Apple website, reveals a redesigned Airport Express.
The new design takes after the 2nd generation Apple TV, except for the color, which is in line with the traditional Airport enclosures. The dimensions of the tiny box are exactly the same as the current Apple TV.
The most notable additions to the new Airport Express is support for simultaneous dual-band 802.11n Wi-Fi, just like the Airport Extreme. Other usual features include the ability to perform the initial setup via iOS devices and support for AirPlay and Wireless Printing.
On the front, we have a tinier than usual status light, which should blink in the traditional amber and green colors. The ports at the back are a standard affair; power, one WAN port, one LAN port (still not Gigabit), a USB port, a 3.5-mm audio mini-jack for analog or optical digital sound and the reset button.
One of the major gripes I had with the older Airport Express was that it needed to be plugged directly into a power outlet, which made access to the ports rather awkward. Also, the design was prone to falling off the power outlet, unless plugged into a power strip, flat on the floor. I'm glad the new design finally resolves these issues by using a good old power cable.
The new model retains its $99 price tag and is shipping today.
Apple Airport Express: Product Page - Store
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Dug - Tuesday, June 12, 2012 - link
The up and down speed of 100 for the port is more than enough for internet, even with multiple connections. (I'm not familiar with any popular providers with a true 100Mb+ connections). And if that is the case, then a $100 router probably isn't what you should be looking at.Just add a really good gigabit switch to it and connect all the ethernet devices to the switch. Problem solved.
But I agree, it probably wouldn't be that much more for a 1000 base-t. Kind of a cheap shot if you ask me.
oginome - Thursday, June 14, 2012 - link
The previous one with 10 connections only.50 connections now, same as extreme.
mwohlgemuth - Monday, August 13, 2012 - link
I have to say I am a fan of the old design, the technical advancements of the newer model do not outweigh the simple feature of the old design I care so much for: plug it in the wall and thats it. Not a single cable in sight. Very elegant and practical.And exactly this feature happens to be criticised here, I cant reproduce the akward port access or the falling off (european socket here, might provide a firmer grip?).
Now you have a power cord and have to put the box somewhere on a shelf or desk.