Apple Airport Express

May Be Great? (2008-11-12)
I could probably go on for a long time about the Airport Express. As I've been going on with Apple Support. I use the AX to stream iTunes wirelessly to powered speakers. Sometimes it works sometimes it doesn't. Originally I thought it was either signal strength or interference causing the problem. But it's not necessarily so. One day perhaps with updates everything will be as it should, as it is with the wireless connection for my laptop, which works first time every time, never intermittent.

PERFECT! (2008-11-04)
While it DID take 2 tries to get the configuration set up for this little gem, once I did, it's worked absolutely PERFECTLY for me. I use it primarily for connecting iTunes to my home stereo system, but a side-perk is the RJ45 jack in the unit which ALSO allows me to connect my X-BOX (in the same cabinet) to my wireless network. BONUS!

I used to have an RF transmitter/receiver designed specifically for MusicMatch, but when they were bought up (and subsequently destroyed) by Yahoo!, I switched to iTunes. The sound quality and consistency with this unit is unmatched. Most likely due to it actually sending signals over the WLAN, which allows for buffering, rather than just sending a radio signal.

If you're worried about 'range', don't be.. it's part of your WLAN (Wireless Local Area Network), so as long as it's plugged in within range, and other computers are within range, it'll be fine. I power up iTunes on my laptop and take it outside, upstairs... anywhere in my WLAN range, and the music never faulters.

Best thing is, you can use more than one of these... and connect one at a time, or any combination of all of them AT THE SAME TIME to your iTunes session... pumping music through ALL your stereos!

Highly recommend this little gem.

Apple Airport Express (2008-11-02)
Excellent product. Easy set-up for secure wireless 801.11n, WPA2. Also use on trips to setup wireless in hotels with Cat5-only access.

Works as expected (2008-10-30)
I purchased this to work with the 802.11g Airport Express that I bought a few years ago. I wanted to connect my Dish Network DVR to an Ethernet connection in my living room. I made this access point my main connection to the DSL line, and I used the older Express to extend the wireless network as well as to provide a wired jack in my family room for the DVR. It took some fiddling to get the two linked together, but now it works great. Its a little pricier than the competition, but it works well, and its great if you want to take it when you travel.

Beautiful idea. Almost perfect. (2008-10-29)
Just received the AE from Amazon. Tried using the CD from the box, with no success.

Then used the instructions from Gadgethead. Got the AE up and running within 20 minutes.

My configuration:
Base computer: PC.
Software: Windows XP Pro. SP 2.
iTunes 8.0.1.11
Existing wireless network: 802.11-G
Router: Linksys Wireless-G Broadband Router.
Remote Speakers: Logitech X-240.


So, I've always wanted to pipe music wirelessly. Just got the system up and running using instructions from Gadgethead.

Some comments:(These may seem pretty obvious to those in the know :)

1. If you already have a wireless router (like me), you may need an additional ethernet cable. I used a spare cable to connect the AE to my router additional slot (without disconnecting the router from the cable modem or the computer).

2. I was not paying attention to the EXACT type of encryption that my network uses (WEP and NOT WEP Transitional...). This was the biggest source of frustration during the setup.

3. Again, this device is definitely not Plug-and-Play!! Instructions from Gadgethead helped a great deal.

I am writing this review within the hour of setting up the AE for wireless music. If things go smoothly, I am planning to add more AEs to the network to get my printer and external hard drive truly networked!