Tech Shout!

Apple has updated its AirPort Express mobile base station with 802.11n. It is now able to deliver up to 5 times the performance and twice the range of previous models available. Further, it also happens to be the world’s smallest 802.11n-based mobile base station.

According to Philip Schiller, Apple’s senior vice president of Worldwide Product Marketing, “Apple is leading the way with a broad range of innovative 802.11n base stations for almost any wireless networking need. From the small and portable AirPort Express, to AirPort Extreme for workgroups of up to 50 users and the new Time Capsule for automated backups, Apple customers now have more great ways to extend their wireless networks with 802.11n.”

AirPort Express 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 simple 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.

The updated AirPort Express mobile base station can be plugged directly into the wall for wireless Internet connectivity and USB printing indoors. Or it could also be taken outdoors for Internet connectivity wherever you may be.

Further, Apple’s AirPort Express features AirTunes, an application that works seamlessly with iTunes. Thus, users will be able to wirelessly stream iTunes music from a PC or Mac to any room in the house, and that too at a low cost!

The design of the new AirPorT Express is very compact and weighs just 6.7 ounces, making it highly portable. Further, both PC and Mac users will be able to use a single DSL or cable broadband connection with up to 10 users when using AirPort Express. Users can also share a printer wirelessly that is connected to the USB port.

Apple’s AirPort Express device comes with Utility software that offers users step-by-step instructions for setting up and configuring the device.

Moreover, its security features are very advanced. Thus AirPort Express users will have their data safeguarded on networked computers with support for Wi-Fi Protected Access, 128-bit WEP encryption and a built-in firewall.

Appl’e AirPort Express device is now available for a price of $99 in the US.