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Apple says it's shipping the AirPort Express. You can order it from Amazon.com for $124.99, five bucks below its retail price. If you choose the slowest shipping method, you don't pay for shipping, either, in the U.S.
I received nice email from a fellow who runs Base Station Repair.com, which repairs and buys old AirPort Base Stations. They offer a $6.50 plus shipping do-it-yourself capacitor repair kit if that's what's killed your graphite. You can have them repair it, if it turns out that's the problem, for $45, which includes return shipping. They will refund all but shipping charges to return it to you if they can't repair it. They can also tell you if there are additional parts that need replacing.
They even buy dead base stations for up to $45 to $50 for broken graphite and snow base stations with all of the parts intact (power cord, internal card, etc.). They pay $30 for working AirPort Cards.
I haven't used his service, so I can't vouch for their work, but the site has a lot of excellent information, and it seems like one of the best ways to avoid purchasing a new base station if your current setup works. Let us know how you fare with them, and whether this tip has been useful to you.
If you were wondering when the AirPort Express would be shipping, Amazon.com may have slipped the news early on their site: they say it will ship July 20.
Update: Some sources are saying the Express will ship as early as today, even.
In TidBITS today, I present the problem and solutions to dealing with AirPort Express's single Ethernet port. The new base station will ship any day now from Apple, and it includes streaming music, USB printer sharing, and but one Ethernet port. That port can't do double duty to share your network connection without polluting your service provider's network with bad dynamic addresses. What to do? Read the article for advice.
If you're looking for a solid book on using your AirPort network, pick up -- electronically! -- a copy of my latest ebook, an 89-page guide for $5 about the ins and outs of wireless networking on a Mac, Take Control of Your AirPort Network. It's an electronic book, so as soon as you purchase it, it's in your hands.
Here's the promotional blurb:
Make your AirPort network fly with the help of Wi-Fi networking expert Glenn Fleishman! Glenn shows you how to select the best networking gear (AirPort hardware and cheaper options!), position your base station for optimal performance, configure your devices, and lock out snoopers. Learn the four things to consider when purchasing hardware (and what device to avoid!), solutions to six common configuration problems, and four ways to extend your network's range. Whether you're just getting started with wireless or you have an existing network you want to expand or make more secure, you'll find up-to-date information that will save you money and time. Cool extras! Locate adapters for older Macs and get the scoop on AirPort Express and AirTunes!