If you are completely helpless with audio, this may be an option. But using "Monster Cable" to play MP3s (or most consumer audio, for that matter) is a bad choice. Very few people could -measure- the advantages of "Monster" cable, let alone hear it.
Standard audio cables these days are plenty good enough for nearly everyone -- unless you're a top-of-the-line studio -- at 1/4 of the price. Gold plated -- if you want something that makes some sense -- helps avoid noise from corrosion.
(How do I know? 45 years of experience with electronics and audio, a couple licenses and a degree) Apple Airport Express Stereo Connection Kit w/Monster Cables
I was very disappointed when I received this to see that it was simply a package of two cables. Cables that you can pick up at Radio Shack for MUCH cheaper. Just ridiculous. The Airport Express itself is fantastic, but skip this accessory and go to your local Radio Shack for the mini-RCA cable, and a quick search online for the optical to mini.
Normally, I would never have bought this. However, I recently moved things around in my office and noticed that the AirPort Express input on my receiver was getting some interference in the right speaker (other inputs were not, however). I had been using a $5 Radio Shack 1/8"-to-dual RCA plugs cable.
Rather than debug the interference, I decided to buy an optical cable. It's convenient that Apple makes this kit--no stress over whether I had bought the right cable.
I'm using the optical cable to connect the AirPort Express to the receiver; the interference is gone--mission accomplished. The power extension cable is useful not only for the AirPort Express but also for the power bricks Apple ships with the iBook and PowerBooks--which is how I intend to use it (keeping it in my laptop bag so I have less cable churn when I travel).
I agree the kit is expensive, but it's also convenient. For those with the money, the kit is perfect... and the white cables match the AirPort (whereas black Radio Shack cables do not).
The discussion below relates only to audio, not to connecting a printer, and working with a router cum wireless access port.
Pro:
1. This really works, and works well, from my PC computers.
2. The control over what music is played, volume, etc. resides in your computer, not in the computer and the Airport. This can make life simpler, much simpler, especially if anything does go wrong.
Cons:
1. Pricey, especially when you factor in the cable kit which you are going to need if you want to run sound from the Airport into your sound system via a digital (optical) cable (this requires a proprietary cable), or will probably want if you don't want to (1) scrounge for your own cables, or (2) plug directly into a wall outlet and run stereo (L and R only) into your amplifier.
2. They don't tell you this in the manual, but you'll be better off assigning the Airport(s) to static IP addresses, and selecting improved robustness against interference.
I have two Wireless airports and this works great for both.
You get the Digital mini to Tos link cable,
The same in an analog mini to a left right RCA jacks.
and an extention cord for an airport or any of the standard Apple power supplies.
I agree most of these Monster accesories are overpriced. However, if your were to buy the three branded cables mentioned above seperately, you would have to add an additional 30%. Also, it you go with a cheep Tos link digital cable, expect to replace it within two years, the digital Monster cable alone is worth the $23 you spend vs the Radio Shack version.
I'm not sure how "battery life" applies to a set of cables.. but it's in the "attributes" list.
This is a power cord and set of cables. The cord replaces the wall-wart style OEM plug. The other cables allow you to plug the Airport into your stereo, into either RCA jacks or a TOSLink (laser ooptic cable thingy). I'm using the TOSLink (less cables to mess with).
It's nice to be able to move the appliance off of the wall, and the other cables are handy for connecting to your stereo. I have no complaints at all.
This product is for people who really care about their home theatre, it's not really for people who just want a way to connect this to their stereo. Although the power cord that comes with it is pretty handy since it's basically an extension cord that allows you plug the airport express in and place the actual unit away from the plug. If all you care about is just connecting it to your stereo then just use the RCA cables that come with it. If you are really into your home theatre I would say these cables are a definite must for connecting the airport express to it - Apple - Ipod - Airport - Wireless'
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