Product Reviews:
Networking and Wi-Fi
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Price:
$289.99
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$300.44
The Bottom Line
The Synology DS107+ is the most sophisticated NAS device we've tested to date. Its more advanced features require some networking know-how, but the included software and Web interface go a long way in helping you tackle the various offerings. You can't beat all the features you get for the price.
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Price:
$51.99
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$54.99
Specs:
Wired, Wireless, 54 Mbps, IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.11g, IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.11g, External, NAT support, 2.4 GHz
The Bottom Line
The Windy31 USB Wireless Router is not a router in the traditional sense. This small, USB drive lets you create a wireless network with access to the Internet from any one PC that has an Internet connection. It's a must-have for travelers who need to share their Internet access with different Wi-Fi devices.
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Price:
$92.95
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$99.99
Specs:
Apple AirPort Express Base Station with 802.11n and AirTunes - Wireless access point, IEEE 802.11a, IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.11g, IEEE 802.11n (draft 2.0)
The Bottom Line
Don't pick up a new, 802.11n-enabled AirPort Express if you're looking for superfast wireless networking performance. You should consider it, however, if you're in the market for a new Wi-Fi router that offers portability, ease of use, and the unique ability to stream iTunes over your network.
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Price:
$199.99
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$201.95
Specs:
1 Gbps, Wired, Hi-Speed USB
The Bottom Line
For those bemoaning the lack of network support on last year's innovative Drobo drive, DroboShare offers Gigabit Ethernet and as simple and straightforward a setup as we found with the direct-attached Drobo.
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Price:
$79.97
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$79.97
The Bottom Line
We wanted to like this funky-looking router, but the LevelOne N_One WBR-6000 performed so horribly in testing that we must warn you not to be tempted by its slick design and low price.
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Price:
$477.57
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$521.34
Specs:
Apple Time Capsule NAS server, 1 TB, PC, Mac, RJ-45, 4 pin USB Type A, Standard, Ethernet, IEEE 802.11a, IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.11g, Fast Ethernet, Gigabit Ethernet, IEEE 802.11n (draft)
The Bottom Line
Apple's hybrid 802.11n wireless router/networked hard drive offers some powerful data backup features for Mac owners, as well as Apple's typical pleasing design. Windows users and anyone who demands speed from their 802.11n network will be disappointed.
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Price:
$286.10
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$314.57
Specs:
Apple Time Capsule NAS server, 500 GB, PC, Mac, RJ-45, 4 pin USB Type A, Standard, Ethernet, IEEE 802.11a, IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.11g, Fast Ethernet, Gigabit Ethernet, IEEE 802.11n (draft)
The Bottom Line
Apple's hybrid 802.11n wireless router/networked hard drive offers some powerful data backup features for Mac owners, as well as Apple's typical pleasing design. Windows users and anyone who demands speed from their 802.11n network will be disappointed.
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Price:
$149.99
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$149.99
The Bottom Line
The Radiient is a solid HDMI switcher, but a limited remote and cheaper alternatives mean you should look elsewhere.
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Price:
$157.95
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$213.09
Specs:
LaCie Ethernet Disk Mini - Home Edition - NAS server, 500 GB, PC, Mac, 4 pin USB Type A, RJ-45, Standard, Ethernet, Fast Ethernet, Gigabit Ethernet
The Bottom Line
The LaCie Ethernet Disk Mini - Home Edition is a solid mediacentric network-attached storage drive with an easy-to-use Web interface, but don't expect glitch-free access outside your home network.
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Price:
$159.99
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$205.98
Specs:
4.6 in x 7.6 in x 1.2 in, Wired, Wireless, 300 Mbps, Ethernet, IEEE 802.11a, IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.11g, Fast Ethernet, Gigabit Ethernet, IEEE 802.11n (draft 2.0), Ethernet, HTTP, IEEE 802.3, IEEE 802.3u, IEEE 802.11a, IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.11g, Wi-Fi CERTIFIED, IEEE 802.11n (draft 2.0), External, NAT support, VPN passthrough, Firewall protection, Stateful Packet Inspection (SPI), 11.2 oz
The Bottom Line
The D-Link DGL-4500 GamerLounge Xtreme N Gaming Router almost succeeds for home networking and hardcore gamers. It bears a few flaws, among which is a random reset during heavy load that might be the deal breaker.
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Price:
$123.95
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$123.95
The Bottom Line
The Accell UltraAV HDMI 4:1 switcher does an excellent job of juggling your HDMI sources and--in many cases--it doesn't even need AC power.
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Price:
$99.00
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$99.99
The Bottom Line
The Oppo HM-31 offers some nice upgrades for custom home installs, but competing models offer more inputs for less money.
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Price:
$1,284.00
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$1,499.99
Specs:
NETGEAR ReadyNAS NV+ RND4275 - NAS server, 1.5 TB, PC, Mac, Unix, RJ-45, Hot-swap, Ethernet, Fast Ethernet, Gigabit Ethernet, Flash
The Bottom Line
The Netgear ReadyNAS NV+ offers a lot in the way of features and performance, which is good, because it's expensive.
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Price:
$99.99
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$129.99
The Bottom Line
The TrendNet Wireless N Gigabit Router TEW-633GR is fast, but not as fast as a competing D-Link router, and it's easy to use, but not as easy as a Belkin router. Still, we like it for its winning combination of decent throughput and intuitive Web interface.
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Price:
$32.05
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$59.99
The Bottom Line
The WGR614 is a good choice for those unfazed by the bleeding-edge nature of 802.11g.
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