The original AirPort Express was a basic
802.11g wireless router that majored on portability. It was built into a white
plastic case very much like the MacBook power charger.
Along with Apple's complete refresh of its
MacBook line in June 2012 came a new-look AirPort Express. This
third-generation product loses the convenience of being able to plug it
directly into a mains wall socket, but gains a sleek new flat and sguare look.
If you've seen the latest Apple TV, the
AirPort Express will look familiar - it's the exact same shape and size, only
finished in virgin white rather than black.
Whereas the Mark I was limited to 802.11g,
and the second device to single-band operation of either 2.4GHz or 5GHz
802.11n, the new 2012 model is capable of concurrent 2.4/5GHz 802.11n coverage.
Setup really is a breeze. Apple is the only
router maker we've encountered that doesn't use a web browser to set up the
device.
Instead, you get a dedicated app for
Windows and Mac, and an iOS app will allow limited management of AirPort
devices, too.
When the Express is first powered up, the -
AirPort Utility software automatically opens on nearby Macs. This guides you
through setting up the network.
The AirPort Express remains a versatile
unit: you can use it as a main router connected to an external ADSL or cable
modem, leaving you with one LAN network port for direct connection to a PC, or
add a network switch to expand your LAN connections.
A popular use for the Express is as a
repeater to extend the wireless network. But the AirPort Express has another
very useful capability as an audio-distribution system.
Using iTunes on one computer, you can send
your music to an AirPort Express in another room in the house. The system has
been expanded to include AirPlay from iOS devices and Mountain Lion Macs.
As with most things Apple, the AirPort
Express system works simply and reliably, with next to no technical knowledge
required.
We tested the AirPort Express for
performance and could comfortably transfer files at around 94Mbps using 5GHz
band.
Verdict
The move to the new Apple TV case makes the
2012 AirPort Express cute as well as compact, while dual-band capability
expands the usefulness of this easy-to-use wireless router.
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Information
Price: $123
Contact: apple.com/uk
Read more: tinyurl.com/6Lh6oos
Specification
Wireless dual-band router; 802.11a/b/g/n;
1 x 10/100 WAN port; 1 x 10/100 LAN port; USB 2.0 for printers; 3.5mm audio
jack with Toslink optical out; NAT firewall; MAC address filtering; WEP; WPA
2; 802.1X/PEAP/LEAP/TTLS/ TLS/FAST; 2.4GHz; channels 1-13,5GHz: 36-64 and
100-140; 98 x 98 x 23 mm; 240 g
PC Advisor Gold
Build: 8/10
Features: 6/10
Performance: 6/10
Value: 6/10
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