AirTunes vs. Squeezebox: Which is Cooler? (Middleware Matters)

AirTunes vs. Squeezebox: Which is Cooler?

I wonder if Apple's new AirPort Express and AirTunes combination is any better than my Squeezebox? I love OS X and iTunes, but personally, I think the Squeezebox totally rocks, especially given its open source SlimServer software, written in Perl (though I think it would be even cooler, and a whole lot smaller and easier, if it were written in Python using Twisted). The AirPort Express is 802.11g, so is faster, but I experience no dropouts or other problems whatsoever running my Squeezebox for hours and hours over my 802.11b network, so that's not an issue for me. Overall I think it's cool that Apple has created this combination, but I'll stick with my Squeezebox, thanks.

Posted by Steve on June 7, 2004 8:54 PM | Permalink

Comments (2)

hiptopjavaman:

Which is cooler?! The Apple product of course!
(I do like open source server software too, but this looks like one of the biggest no brainer hardware or software purchases from Apple ever.)
Personally, I'm sure I'll come up with many excuses why I need an Airport Express. But then I'm less biased, because I haven't already spent my $200 on the squeezebox, like I did with so many mp3/cd/minidisc gadgets or I would certainly own an iPod.
If you have an airport extreme base station, this would be an excellent way to extend/relay its signal on your home/grounds. (If you don't have one, maybe this is a more worthy substitute.)

I imagine any iTunes users would love what this gadget w/AirTunes could do for their home audio AND mobile connectivity.

Added capabilities like wireless USB printing are great too... I'm not in sales. I just buy lots of gadgets and I need excuses.
Also, (wait! there's more!) I am very impressed with its portability and pricing relative to squeezebox. It has many features going for it, but... when my hopes for OPTICAL audio were instantly confirmed, that really clinched the deal for me.

What more can I say Apple rocks, do they not? (I don't work for them--honest! I wish...)

I actually just found out about this product today from a friend who already ordered his, and I already "gotta have one!"
-------
(I happened to find your site on google with "airtunes vs. squeezebox". That's what I would have titled it myself.)

Posted by hiptopjavaman | June 11, 2004 7:02 PM

Posted on June 11, 2004 19:02

cckk:

I don't have a Squeezebox,but I think AirPort Express is really cool. not only its AirTune,but also its great portablity. It's design just like the power adapter, you can carry it to anywhere.At home,My powerbook use AirPort Express to connect to DSL, and at work, to connect to LAN,that's very handy.

Posted by cckk | August 11, 2004 9:18 PM

Posted on August 11, 2004 21:18

About

This page contains a single entry from the blog posted on June 7, 2004 8:54 PM.

The previous post in this blog was DOA deadlines extended.

The next post in this blog is Currently listening to....

Many more can be found on the main index page or by looking through the archives.

Middleware Matters

Steve Vinoski's Weblog