Apple Air Port Express (802.11n)

[aardvark baguette]

For a variety of reasons, I'd really like to pick one of these up. Actually two. Optical audio out, music streaming, wireless internet, etc. I also hope to have a mac somewhere down the road. I know these are Mac + PC compatible, but what I haven't seen answered is whether or not it can be installed from a PC, without ever going through a Mac at all. Is it PC-compatible in a PC-only scenario? I know it can be used to extend the range of a wireless network, but the wireless in my house is an ancient Linksys turd; I'd like to use the airports as THE wireless network. (and in a pc-only environment until I get my Mac)

[EdipisReks]

there is a Windows airport utility.

[aardvark baguette]

[EdipisReks]

once you have it set up it is, of course, just like any other gateway, whatever OS you use. i have been using the original Express since they came out, they are nice little bits of kit.

[aardvark baguette]

not to mention its much smaller and doesnt have to take up desk space. You should see the monstrosity of wires near my linksys. Ugggh.

I love that it plugs rests on the wall. Too cool.

[EdipisReks]

i believe griffin technology makes a desk stand for it, if you want to use it like that...

[thrice]

i believe griffin technology makes a desk stand for it, if you want to use it like that...

I've used that stand...it too is a nice little piece of kit. A bit pricey for what it is, but it does the job well.

[ojnihs]

the AEX is definitely one of the better deals out there, and now that it supports 802.11n, it's even more worth it. if you don't need the extra ports that the extreme gives you, then aex is definitely the way to go.

[soundfreq]

been using the ae since the time it was first launched, and on a pc. here's a little guide on how to install it:

1. install the software (either from the cd or from the net; if from the net, make sure to download the one for pc)
2. connect the ae on the gateway via ethernet cable
3. of course plug in the ae
4. run the program ae install manager
5. input all the information such as network name, password, etc
6. ae will reboot and off you go

in itunes, under preferences/advance click on detect airtunes. itunes will search for the ae and you can stream bit-perfect audio. just connect the ae via optical to a dac and you can enjoy music wirelessly.

[tkam]

We have one of these at work that we use as a secondary wireless networks, for guests/visistors. The windows airport utility works well enough but would it really be that hard for apple to make a web interface for it instead of having to using their utility.

[Bigguy]

I use one as a USB printer wireless server on my windoze wireless. It worked first time. I tried other devices with no luck.

[soundfreq]

the usb printer port of the ae is only for printers. i think the extreme let's you use other usb devices such as external hard drives.

[Bigguy]

When i said no other devices, I meant the other dedicated wireless print server I bought didn't work.