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Apple's Airport Express doesn't attempt to act like an all-in-one media-streaming device. Instead, it simply transmits audio direct from iTunes to your hi-fi.
Airport Express has a 3.5mm audio jack for connecting speakers or headphones, and plugs directly into a standard 3-pin mains socket; the lack of a power cable makes it one of the most compact media streamers we've seen. USB and Ethernet ports are also provided, allowing you to hook up and share a USB printer and internet connection.
The set-up process is simple. Plug the Airport Express into a free mains socket, attach your hi-fi to it and install the software, which includes the iTunes media player. A green indicator on the Airport Express will flash once the device has been recognised. Once installed, a new selection box will appear in iTunes, allowing you to select which speakers to use for playback.
Airport Express doesn't come with any wireless adapter for your PC, so if you don't already have wireless connectivity you'll have to factor the cost of a wireless card into the price.
Given its simple design, it's not surprising that the Airport Express lacks a little in terms of functionality. With no buttons or controls on the device, there's no way of controlling audio playback. If you want to skip a track or create a playlist, you'll need to head back to your PC.
Furthermore, Airport Express isn't compatible with Windows Media Player and will only work alongside Apple's iTunes media player.
More frustrating is iTunes' inability to stream music to two sets of speakers at the same time. This means if you're sending music to a stereo in the kitchen, it won't be coming out of your PC's speakers at the same time.
Contact: Apple 0800 039 1010
www.apple.com/uk
Specifications:
- 802.11g
- Ethernet port
- USB port
- 3.5mm audio jack
- 94 x 75 x 28.5mm (h x w x d)
- 189g
See also:
A wireless streaming device that's very easy to set up, but expensive 14 Jan 2005
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