question (what is airport express; is bluetooth option worth it)

[levitynyc]

I was looking at the specs of the new 24" iMac that I am going to buy, and I noticed only 3 USB ports....I think there should be 4.

My question is "What is airport express?" I have no clue what that is as I have never owned a mac. Someone please enlighten me.

 

[levitynyc]

Nevermind...I just noticed 2 additional ports on the keyboard.

Question 2. Is the bluetooth mouse and keyboard worth it?

 

[livingfortoday]

Airport Express is just Apple's name for Wireless G that's built in to the iMac.

 

[WildCowboy]

If you count the keyboard, there are a net total of four: two USB 2.0 on the iMac (plus one for the keyboard) and two USB 1.1 on the keyboard.

Here is Apple's page on AirPort Express...it's wireless networking with some additional features like simple wireless printing and iTunes streaming built in.

 

[trainguy77]

If you count the keyboard, there are a net total of four: two USB 2.0 on the iMac (plus one for the keyboard) and two USB 1.1 on the keyboard.

well one of the keyboard USB ports are used by the mouse. So Really you are back down to three spare once your set up and running.

 

[WildCowboy]

well one of the keyboard USB ports are used by the mouse. So Really you are back down to three spare once your set up and running.

Or you could go with the BT mouse and the wired keyboard to have your four ports.

On that recommendation, I use Logitech's MX1000 wireless laser mouse with my PowerBook and absolutely love it. (Still takes up a USB port though.) I would definitely recommend that over a BT Mighty Mouse, but some people love the Apple mice.

 

[JurgenWigg]

I'm using a BT Mighty Mouse and it's great, i love the scroll ball instead of a wheel. Even the laser has some trouble with semi-transparent surfaces, but i'm using it on a book and it's great! No lag or anything like that. IMO, i'd go for a wireless keyboard and mouse, it just eliminates some wire clutter, but again, it doesn't have to be an apple keyboard/mouse.

Bluetooth is definitely worth it too.