14 DAY TRIAL // Apple’s AirPort Express WiFi base station has been upgraded and redesigned to include features that had been previously available only in AirPort Extreme, the more expensive wireless router.
The new Express sells for $99 (79 EUR) and features a sleek compact enclosure, as well as new wireless and connectivity capabilities on the inside.
According to its makers, simultaneous dual-band 802.11n Wi-Fi allows users to easily create a network.
An audio-out port allows music lovers to connect external powered speakers or an A/V receiver and use AirPlay to wirelessly stream music from their iTunes libraries on their Macs or iOS devices.
There’s also a USB 2.0 port which enables users to share a printer wirelessly over their network. An additional ethernet port facilitates connections to other computers and network devices.
“Setup is built right into OS X and iOS and can be done in just a few simple steps, and with AirPort Utility 6.0 for OS X Lion and iOS you can access a visual map of your network for viewing and reconfiguring devices,” says Apple.
Speaking of which, Apple has rolled out three separate software updates for Mac and Windows customers looking to take advantage of the new hardware in their homes. AirPort Utility 5.6.1 for Mac allows you to configure and manage the new AirPort Express with simultaneous dual band 802.11n on OS X Leopard and Snow Leopard.
AirPort Utility 6.1 arrives with the same purpose for OS X Lion users, and includes additional bug fixes too.
Finally, AirPort Utility 5.6.1 for Windows lets you hook up the shiny white box to your Windows PC.