Apple's tiny new 802.11n AirPort Express

Apple has updated its AirPort Express mobile base station with 802.11n to deliver up to five times the performance and twice the range of the previous model. With its single-piece, compact design weighing just 190 grams, the updated Airport Express is claiming the title of the world’s smallest 802.11n-based mobile base station. It can be plugged directly into the wall for wireless Internet connectivity and USB printing and is compact enough to be taken on the road for wireless freedom wherever there is an Internet connection.

The AirPort Express offers both PC and Mac users the ability to share a single DSL or cable broadband connection with up to 10 simultaneous users. Users can also share a printer wirelessly that is connected to the USB port. The Airport Express safeguards data on networked computers with support for Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA/WPA2), 128-bit WEP encryption and a built-in firewall. Apple now includes 802.11n as standard in its entire line of AirPort base stations and Mac notebooks including the MacBook Air as well as iMac, Apple TV and Time Capsule.

Like its predecessor the updated AirPort Express features AirTunes, which works seamlessly with iTunes to wirelessly stream iTunes music from a PC or Mac to any room in the house. It includes a built-in combination digital and analog audio connector allowing users to connect to a home stereo or powered speakers. iTunes automatically detects remote speakers and displays them in a pop-up list for the user to select. Once the remote speakers are selected, AirTunes wirelessly streams iTunes music from the computer to the AirPort Express base station. Multiple AirPort Express base stations can be set up around a home, each connected to a set of powered speakers for a whole-home music experience. AirPort Express can also extend the range of an existing AirPort Extreme wireless network.

AirPort Express is available now through the Apple Store for a recommended retail price of US$99.

For further info visit Apple.