Presenting AirPort Express

seraph · Posted: Tue Jun 08, 2004 2:34 am Post subject: Presenting AirPort Express

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http://www.apple.com/airportexpress/

seraph · Posted: Tue Jun 08, 2004 7:58 am Post subject:

Apple Computer posted its best close in almost four years, Monday, as the company unveiled a new wireless base station that, in addition to providing portable connections to the Internet, can also stream music from anywhere in a home.

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elektro80 · Posted: Tue Jun 08, 2004 8:01 am Post subject:

That one pretty much lived up to the rumours.. but the video socket is missing..
Hmm.. I am looking for a tech paper on that little infernal device. It sure looks promising.

mosc · Posted: Tue Jun 08, 2004 9:01 am Post subject:

**C. Crane Mini FM Transmitter**

I saw Steve Jobs talking about this yesterday on CNBC. The cost is $129, which is pretty pricey for a wireless hub these days. The audio link is neat, but I do that with my little FM transmitter. http://ccrane.com/fm-transmitter.asp

Like most of the Apple stuff, the packaging and styling is nice, and this is a very small router. Most wireless routers are not only cheaper, but include at least 4 jacks for wired connections. Apparently, they are going after a different market. Jobs said it's designed for the traveler who can plug this in the wall and into the hotel's internet jack. Of course, if there is no internet jack, then you have to use the modem and need to carry around cords and connectors and all that shit.

Steve has a new hair cut, BTW.

elektro80 · Posted: Tue Jun 08, 2004 9:13 am Post subject:

There are several things about the new breed of Apple wireless basestations that I find a bit irritating. ALl units should come with output for exsternal antenna.. and they should make an antenna which is VERY good.. they should improve the options when the gear is set for relay and they should come up with software which can use older basestations for relay.. and lotsa small stuff.. I think Apple should really make slightly better wireless products and with more features.. for a lower price. If this little new thing had been 85 USD.. with a few more features.. then..

mosc · Posted: Tue Jun 08, 2004 10:02 am Post subject:

Well. Maybe Apple can do something here, but look at DLink;s product line.

http://www.dlink.com/products/category.asp?cid=1

and

http://www.dlink.com/products/category.asp?cid=7

The Apple product fills a niche, but it's just a start.

The Dlink media center, is very cool.

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seraph · Posted: Sat Aug 07, 2004 2:11 am Post subject:

Resetting the AirPort Express

To perform each reset, follow these steps:

Soft Reset

With the AirPort Express plugged into a power outlet, launch the Network System preference and choose AirPort from the Show pop-up menu. Click the TCP/IP tab and choose Using DHCP from the Configure pop-up menu. Press and hold the device's reset button for 1 second. The light will flash yellow and you'll have five minutes to make changes before the AirPort Express reverts to its previously saved configuration.

Hard Reset

With the AirPort Express plugged into power, press and hold the device's reset button for 10 seconds. A green light will flash for a bit and then the device will reset itself -- a process that takes about 45 seconds. Once reset, you can configure it with the AirPort Express Assistant or the AirPort Admin Utility.

Factory Default

Unplug the AirPort Express from the power outlet and press and hold the reset button. While still holding down the reset button, plug the device into a power outlet. Hold down the reset button until you see the light flash green four times. Let go of the button and the device will reset itself. Wait the requisite 45 seconds and configure it with the AirPort Express Assistant or AirPort Admin Utility.

http://www.macworld.com/weblogs/mac911/archives/2004/08/000282.php

elektro80 · Posted: Sat Aug 07, 2004 3:48 am Post subject:

Are the Apple Airport basestations expensive? I used to think so, but now I have helped out a lot of friends with their "PC" basestations. In general they are at least 50% the price of the apple gear. many of these have great tech specs and decent features.. many are "better" than the Apple gear options wise. In real life this does not matter much. The software is buggy, the software implementation is crude and many of the options aren´t reall implemented in a useful way. I guess my official statement now is that the Apple gear is worth the price and it is extremely well designed. Another thing is the documentation. Apple has managed to make their wireless gear very accessible and it is easy to learn. So far I have not seen any "PC" wireless gear that comes with any sensible documentation.

I miss a lot of great fetures though:
I would like to have Apple extend the Airport basestation software to allow relay using older basestations. Cheaper basestations menat for long distance relay and those should come with a pair of directional antennas.
I hope they will make some sort of "smart" software for administrating many basestations.. this is great now.. ..almost.. but they could do far better.. better logging of events etc etc. When I say better.. I do not mean better than what others have managed to do.. none have so far..

play · Posted: Sat Aug 07, 2004 11:00 am Post subject:

mosc · Posted: Sat Aug 07, 2004 11:14 am Post subject:

Agree. I have a Mac, XP and Linux. For years I never used Apple but got this G4 Powerbook at the beginning of this year. I'm not impressed.

I learned recently the Linux is now the second most popular OS for desktops. - more popular than Apple which is now third. I have great hopes that someday makers of popular music software will start supporing Linux.

elektro80 · Posted: Sat Aug 07, 2004 11:17 am Post subject:

play · Posted: Sat Aug 07, 2004 11:19 am Post subject:

But you can commiserate with all of the other documentationless wretches.

elektro80 · Posted: Sat Aug 07, 2004 11:21 am Post subject:

Well.. some archeology required.. but most problems cvan be solved.. almost... but frankly.. this is not how you would ... say.. sell a fridge or a pair of shoes to ordinary people..