computer to preamp?

The Airport Express can be used two different ways. To answer your question, yes your laptop with 802.11g will recognize the aiport. If you have an existing wireless network the Airport can will simply join your existing network. If you do not have a wireless network, the Airport Express can be configured to operate on its own and your laptop will recognize it as well.

The Airport can be used alone and has a DAC in it which is not terrible but defintely, not high end. It is really a GREAT product.

Chris

can you get a digital output on an airport express? I have one but the only output it seems to have is a low-fi minijack

Below is a long link to apple.com its for Airport Express Stereo Connection Kit. One of the connectors is optical which can be used for connection to a DAC with optical imput.
Http://store.apple.com/1-800-MY-APPLE/WebObjects/AppleStore.woa/71608/wo/7M5EIwrPgSks2BaaBS21ruKsoK8/1.SLID?mco=CB298EB6&nplm=M9573LL%2FA

Allan

where do you buy the toslink connection, the regular tosolink connector is too big, i think it use a mini jack.
on the i tune, there are different way to rip the cd, wave, apple, acc ? which way has the best result?

You can get a toslink cable that comes with a mini adapter. They are easily found.