Apple Airport Express MB321LL/A [NEWEST VERSION]
by Apple Computer
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Digital Cameras Photo Reviews of Apple Airport Express MB321LL/A [NEWEST VERSION]
Customer Review: Amazing magical device! Great for wireless audio!
Summary: 5 Stars
So for the past few hours, I was researching the internet looking for a way to wirelessly send audio from my MacBook Pro to my home stereo receiver. I looked into Bluetooth dongles and was close to going that route, until I happened upon a Mac forum that discussed using the Airport Express for just this purpose.
As it so happens, my dad gave me a spare Airport Express a few months back, but I hadn't used it for anything yet. I already have a WiFi DSL router in my house. But after seeing that the Airport Express has a stereo out jack, that it piggybacks onto my current WiFi network without requiring me to start from scratch, and that iTunes is already AirTunes enabled, I plugged it in and got started.
Setup took one minute, if that. Very easy through Airport Utility. Just named the Airport, put in a password, and had it connect wirelessly to my current network. Used a mini-to-RCA cable to connect it to my stereo, then selected the Airport network in iTunes and POW! I have wireless audio! The sound quality is fantastic.
If only I'd known about this months ago. This Airport Express is a killer deal and really frees you up from having too many wires around. Definite must-have for any Mac owner (or PC owner) who loves music.
Customer Review: Easier then pouring a glass of water.
Summary: 5 Stars
Having never setup a wireless connection I was not sure how this would go. I could not have been easier. First I opened the package. Second I read the instructions. Third connected the cable modem to the Airport Express. Fourth plugged the Express into an outlet. Fifth I enabled the Airport program on my MAC. Sixth I unplugged the power to my cable modem, waited 30 seconds and plugged it back in. Seventh I checked for a green light on the Airport Express and began surfing the internet. All this took less then 10 minutes, most of which was reading the instructions and waiting for the cable modem to reboot.
Next I tried the WiFi connection with my iPhone and bingo all works fine. I have a hardwired printer and will likely keep that setup. As for the iTune connection, I may try that at sometime in the future but I connect my iPhone directly to my music system so I likely will not use that feature anytime soon. However, it's nice to know that option is there for the future.
All in all I could not be happier. The WiFi speed is about the same as my former direct connection to the cable modem, maybe slightly faster.
I am using a MAC and am not sure it the Windows setup is as easy.
Customer Review: Apple simplicity and function
Summary: 5 Stars
I use this to extend the wireless network created by my Time Capsule (dual band). It serves 3 purposes:
1) Gives my basement wireless coverage. As good as my Time Capsule is, the far reaches of my basement had weak spots, including our school room- where we really need internet. No more dead spots.
2) Gives my home theater internet access. Most of my AV equip is network ready- but they are wired ethernet ports. I connect this to a Trendnet hub (also bought here) and all my devices can get online for firmware updates, internet radio, and Amazon video on demand).
3) stream music to my home theater. sometimes it drops out, I don't know why, but connected with digital toslink cable to my AV receiver for instant access to my itunes library, controlled with my iphone and the remote app. Cool.
UPDATE: I moved the AX out from behind all my AV equip and a little closer to the main Time Capsule (about 50ft away and one floor down.) I also recently updated the firmware on my Time Capsule and I have not had any more dropouts. Sometimes I sleep in the media room (dark cold basement) and I use this to stream music as a noise machine. I've streamed music for 8 hours straight without problems.
Customer Review: Works great then dies but EXCELLENT support IF you pay for the warranty
Summary: 4 Stars
I had my airport for about 18 months before it did what I was warned about. It died. It started dropping connectivity and requiring a reset and then began doing so more and more often. Of course I'd prefer that it kept going but with computer technology, I plan to replace stuff every 2 years or so anyway -- no I am not one of those valiant types that can keep using an older tech for years and years. I called Apple and since I had warranty coverage on my new Macbook Pro they worked with me for an hour and then elevated me to a senior tech -- who gave me a direct contact number to call back! No hold music! We figured out finally that it was not a modem, computer, or ISP problem but that my router was dead and needed to be replaced. Not the happiest news ever but they worked it out for me through trouble shooting and better support than I can imagine from a computer company. They even called back the next day to check on things!
So in short. This router works wonderfully for a while and then wears out. You'll have the best possible support from Apple and then need to update the router about when its obsolete anyway. Not the cheapest option but for my money, its the most frugal. I got what I paid for :)
Customer Review: Works fine after a painfully difficult set up.
Summary: 3 Stars
It took me a full day to work out the bugs in setting my Express up to work with my Mac Mini and my wife's Mac Powerbook. First it worked on one, but the other could not find it. Then it didn't work at all. There is a lot more involved in setting up your own wireless network and making decisions as to what level of security you want (with no ready explanation of what the pros and cons of the different levels are). Eventually, I had it all set up and would be very happy with the product, in spite of it being a difficult "plug and play," but I discovered it's not fully compatible with any multi-function printers. Might be nice if they let you know up front that ONLY the most basic printing function will work. You will not be able to scan or fax or even get your ink levels. Even some of your printing set-up options will be lost. I spent hours trying to find out why those things weren't working only to find by googling the problem that there is no way to make the many reasons you buy a multi-function printer work. It should say right on the box "DOES NOT SUPPORT MULTI-FUNCTION PRINTING." We kept it to use it for a cable router, but disconnected the printer from it and went to sharing a wire.