Airport Express: Leaps, bounds ahead


Apple has announced the world's first 802.11b/g mobile base station that can be plugged directly into the wall for wireless Internet connections and USB printing, or thrown into a laptop bag to bring wireless freedom to hotel rooms with broadband connections, Airport Express (AE).

"AirPort Express isn't just the world's first mobile 802.11g base station--with the addition of AirTunes users can now play their iTunes music on any stereo in their home--all without wires," said Steve. "This innovative Apple product will appeal to both notebook users who want wireless freedom in their hotel rooms and to music lovers who want to listen to their iTunes music library on a stereo located anywhere in their home."

Bundled with AE is AirTunes, a complementary technology that will be supported in iTunes 4.6 which is to be released later this week. Connecting AE into a stereo system using the built-in connector will invoke iTunes 4.6 and a pop-up menu displaying the remote speaker system. Thereafter music, including FairPlay-encoded music can then be streamed from iTunes to the stereo.

Featuring analog and digital audio outputs that can be connected to a stereo and AirTunes music networking software which works seamlessly with iTunes, AE gives users a simple and inexpensive way to wirelessly stream iTunes music on their Mac to any room in the house. AE features a single piece ultra-compact design weighing just 6.7 ounces, and will be available in July for $129.

BTW, Macworld is offering a "first-look" at AirTunes and Airport Express.

Editor's note: At this price, look for this product to seriously cannibalize sales of Apple's larger, more expensive ($200) base stations. I expect this item will be a hot, hot seller. I hope Apple can keep up with demand.