Apple AirPort Express

In Brief

Small, svelte, and oh-so-easy to configure, Apple's AirPort Express is the first 802.11g router you can slip into a briefcase or backpack and take with you wherever you need Wi-Fi or want to stream your iTunes music collection. Though it lacks the extra Ethernet ports and deep firewall features found in full-sized routers, it's competent in all other respects, and its audio quality can't be beat.

In Depth

If you carry a Wi-Fi access point just so you can convert wired broadband to wireless when traveling, you will love Apple's AirPort Express base station. If you're an iTunes user looking for a high-quality streaming solution for your home stereo, you'll love the AirPort Express even more. Like the iPod, Apple's AirPort Express base station foregoes features most users won't miss and nails the ones that matter to its target audience.

With its built-in international power supply, folding US power plug, and optional World Travel Adapter Kit, you won't find a more travel-friendly router. The included USB port lets you unwire your printer and share it with others, both Macs and PCs. And the high-quality audio port can connect to analog or digital inputs on high-end audio gear or powered speakers. Apple also sells an optional Stereo Connection Kit that includes a standard US power extension cord, plus Monster Cable analog audio and TOSLINK (fiber-optic) digital audio cables, which we recommend for most users.

Setup of both Wi-Fi and music-streaming features is a snap, using the AirPort Express Assistant software. Through the more advanced AirPort Admin Utility, you can configure firewall, access control, and VPN settings, as well as create easily selectable configuration profiles for when you are using your AirPort Express at work, home, or on the road. Both WEP and WPA encryption are included, and WPA can be set for a single password or RADIUS-server authentication.

Apple's AirPort Express is best thought of as a portable, personal Wi-Fi router, although it has range similar to that of the larger AirPort Extreme. In our testing, it produced a usable Wi-Fi signal up to 35 feet away, through walls and floors in a wood-frame house. However, iTunes streaming dropped out earlier, at 25 feet, three rooms away from our base station. If you have a large home, you can buy more than one AirPort Express and bridge them wirelessly for expanded coverage using Wireless Distribution System, or WDS. But note that if you use WDS, you can't use WPA encryption at the same time (as with other such routers).

Audio streaming is accomplished using AirTunes, which is part of iTunes 4. PC and Mac versions are included on the installation CD, and must be used with a Wi-Fi-equipped machine -- you cannot stream music with AirTunes using a wired Ethernet connection. Once installed, iTunes 4 lets you switch between audio playback on your computer and any AirPort Express units within your local wireless network. If you have more than one AirPort Express, each can be given its own AirTunes name, e.g. "kitchen," "bedroom," "living room," and so on, although iTunes can only play to one location at a time. The only feature we really missed is a remote control (so you don't have to run to the computer room to program your music), but we've got a great solution for that on our Cool Tips page.

The AirPort Express has a single Ethernet port for connection to your DSL or cable modem, or an Ethernet hub. There are no extra Ethernet ports, so you'll need to buy a hub if you have more wired Ethernet devices. But in all other respects, the AirPort Express allows for flexible connectivity: it can act as a standalone network router; it can bridge with other wireless routers running WDS; it can be a wireless client for music-streaming on an existing wireless network; or it can be used in an ad-hoc network with a single Wi-Fi PC or Mac running iTunes when no larger network is present.

With its flexible connection options, swappable configurations, and high-quality audio, AirPort Express is the perfect solution for the Wi-Fi traveler or music lover. Considering its price and easy setup, it could just be the perfect gift or first router for new Wi-Fi users.