I recently bought the new airport express (2nd gen N). I used to run two 2nd gen AEBS, one b/g, and the other 5ghz N only. I bought the express because it was $100, and i had $100 in bestbuy reward zone certificates. Plus i wanted to get a dual band router, since the 2nd gen AEBS aren't dual band. Tried it out, very minor increase in speed and range, if any, when compared to my previous 2nd gen AEBS.

So i decided to return the airport express the next day, since there was very little to no improvement in terms of speed, and range. I was thinking if it was really worth it to get the 5th gen AEBS or not. Well lets just say, i have it, and i'm glad i returned the express.

Everything has improved significantly, imo. Youtube vidoes load faster, no lagging. Netflix runs at full quality at all times (i can check, ps3 has a function). Download speeds are more consistent and faster. I can use my ipad in my driveway, before i'd be lucky if it worked in my garage (it used only work sometimes in the garage).

I even compared the 2nd gen AEBS's, both running b/g, with one as the main router, and the other to extend the network. The 5th gen AEBS still performs better in speed and range.

If anybody is considering the new 2nd gen airport express. i would highly recommend the 5th gen AEBS over it. Well worth the extra $80, imo. The only thing that the new express has over the AEBS is the form factor. I choose function over form any day.

The only thing that the new express has over the AEBS is the form factor. I choose function over form any day.

the other factor is the express can stream audio, which is a nice feature in certain scenarios (although i agree the aebs is a better product overall)

So can an apple tv, along with about 14 other things

So can an apple tv, along with about 14 other things

sure, but an apple tv can't function as a router at the same time. same with those 14 other things.

i'm not saying the express is the best thing ever, simply that it does have one quality that the extreme lacks.