 |
Griffin 1092-XPRSD AirBase/Desktop Stand for Airport Express by Griffin Technology
Digital Photo Product DetailsManufacturer: Griffin Technology Model: 1092-XPRSD Color: White Product features: - ¿ Stylish enough to display anywhere
- ¿ Increases effective range and efficiency
- ¿ Status light shows wireless connection at a glance
- ¿ Built-in cable management
Accessories:
Digital Cameras Photo Reviews of Griffin 1092-XPRSD AirBase/Desktop Stand for Airport ExpressCustomer Review: Heartedly recommended to anyone with an AirPort Express Summary: 4 Stars
The Griffin AirBase is an accessory stand for Apple's AirPort Express portable WiFi base station.
Apple makes the AirPort Express as simple and portable as possible. The Express plugs directly into a wall outlet (as you would a PowerBook's AC adaptor brick). You then connect your internet source via ethernet cable, and a printer and music speakers via USB and 3.5mm jacks respectively. It has one multicolor status light showing the AirPort's readiness and network activity. The downside is that wall outlets are not always at the best height or orientation to facilitate optimal Wifi reception. Additionally, if the wall outlet is hidden behind furniture, the status light can be obscured.
Like many Apple products, the Airport Express boasts artful, elegant industrial design. Griffin Technology's AirBase is the perfect compliment to the AirPort Express. It's design and craftsmanship rivals Apple's and it integrates seamlessly with the Express. To use: simply pull-off the Express's AC prong module, and slide the Express into the AirBase's socket. The express stands on the diagonal with the cables routing from the back, and the status light showing at front. The AirBase has a chromed metal lower half, reminiscent of the back of an iPod. The bottom sports an inset, non-slip rubber pad. In addition to looking nice, the metal base adds weight and prevents movement (say, from tugging cables). The back of the AirBase also has a matching chromed arch to pass the cables through. Making for elegant cable routing.
As for the esthetic: The AirBase/AirPort Express combo is beautiful. This alone may not be enough to encourage you to buy. But before I used the AirBase, I was unable to receive a strong Wifi signal in the outer-most rooms in my house. The AirBase raised the Express to table height and allows for rotating the Express until the optimal reception is achieved. It raised my Powerbook's signal from one-or-two 'bars' before, to four-or-five bars with the AirBase. This boost is equivalent to what I experienced when I tried an amplified antenna with my Airport Extreme base station (I now have the Extreme on one floor and the Express on another in a WDS configuration). The only quality issue I had found was the AirBase's AC cord comes unplugged from the AirBase rather easily. I attribute this more to the quality of the cord's end than the base's power port. Also, more trivially, when the Express is attached to the AirBase, the Apple logo on the Express is upside down. A pair of Grey on white stickers would solve this nicely.
Griffin Technology's AirBase is heartedly recommended to anyone with an AirPort Express.
Description of Griffin 1092-XPRSD AirBase/Desktop Stand for Airport ExpressThe AirBase's industrial design merits more than being plugged into a wall socket and hidden away. The AirBase makes an elegant artistic statement that compels you to display it on the desk, shelf or entertainment center. The Griffin AirBase increases effective range and signal efficiency for your network and AirTunes by raising the base station up into the room.
|
 |
|
|
|