The Airport Express is a wireless access point, the new version of which is updated to use the latest high-speed 802.11n wireless technology. However, the Express is not meant to be used for setting up a wireless network, it is primarily designed to be a wireless music system to be used in conjunction with a network.

The key feature of the Airport Express is the audio connector on the base of the unit that allows users to connect it to a speaker or hi-fi system, so music can be wirelessly streamed from the computer to the Airport Express in any room in the house (though it only works with iTunes not Windows Media Player).

While aimed at music streaming, it can also be used as a portable wireless network device. Its compact design means it could easily be used to set up a wireless network in a hotel room, for instance, and be used to tap out a few emails on a notebook. It can also be used to share a printer.

As a wireless router, the Airport Express is fairly limited, and there are many better options. However, it works very well as a simple and affordable wireless music system that can be used to pipe music to any room.

Distributors: Blue Solutions, Computer 2000, Ingram Micro, Westcoast