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On Monday, Apple (Nasdaq: AAPL) announced its planned July release of a wireless base station that can be plugged directly into a wall outlet. Called the "AirPort Express," this new device offers broadband Internet connectivity in places that have broadband connections, as well as analog and digital stereo outputs that allow users to stream music wirelessly from a Mac or Windows PC to other locations within a given area.
Apple CEO Steve Jobs touted the new product as the world's first mobile 802.11g base station. "This innovative product will appeal to both notebook users who want wireless freedom in their hotel rooms and to music lovers who want to listen to their iTunes music library on a stereo located anywhere in their home," he said.
AirPort Express, which weighs a mere 6.7 ounces, will retail 
at US$129 and is available for order on Apple's online store. The device offers 128-bit encryption, WiFi protected access (WPA) and a built-in firewall. It will also run on Apple's newly announced "AirTunes" music networking technology, which will be included in Apple's iTunes 4.6 update, available later this week.
Reseller's Frenzy
Popular resellers of Apple's wares were surprised by Monday's announcement. Mike McNeill, general manager of ClubMac, an Apple reseller, said that his group has been scrambling to get this announcement on its online Web site and in e-mail newsletters.
"I found out about it this morning surfing Apple's Web site," he told MacNewsWorld. "We are getting a heavy call volume on it -- even prior to our e-mail going out to subscribers this afternoon."
McNeill believes AirPort Express will be a hot item because its portability frees users from their desks in many environments.
"I have already had calls about this asking if it will work in college dorms and large houses," McNeill said. "The inexpensive price will be very attractive to those wanting convenience."
If users choose to add on a stereo connection kit from Monster or Apple, they can play iTunes music on their home stereo speakers as well. "Apple does not do anything second rate," he said.
Road Warriors Salute Apple
Carl Cline, a legal consultant who works with ING and Merrill Lynch (NYSE: MER), told MacNewsWorld that his heavy travel schedule would benefit from the AirPort Express.
"I utilize broadband in just about every hotel I stay at," Cline said. "It would be nice to have the same freedom I have at home with wireless networking. After a long day, I do not necessarily want to sit at the desk in the corner of the room."
Cline also believes he can use the device when working at companies that authorize his access to the network.
"I will be an early adopter, as I can also use this visiting corporate offices that put me on their local network." Cline continued. "The security features of the device should ease [my client's system administrators'] concerns."
AirPort Express Gets the 'Gadget Guys'
For his part, Gene Munster, a senior research analyst who monitors Apple's stock for Piper Jaffray, said in an interview with MacNewsWorld that the "gadget guys are going to be all over this one."
"I spoke with a Wall Street guy today who said he already went online and ordered five of them," Munster said. "He has no idea when he will get them, but he bought immediately."
Munster labeled AirPort Express one of those "great surprises" out of Apple, adding that it legitimizes the company's pursuit of cross-platform markets. According to him, Airport Express should be perfect for gift giving all year long.
"The price point and functionality are excellent, and the fact that it includes PCs as well as Macs says a lot," Munster said. "This will make a great Christmas gift."
McNeill of ClubMac pointed out that Airport Express can be used as a home wireless base station in place of a full Airport base station if all the systems are wireless.
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