Product Reviews:
Networking and Wi-Fi
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Price:
$579.99
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$702.99
Specs:
Buffalo LinkStation Mini LS-WS1.0TGL/R1 - NAS server, 1 TB, PC, Mac, RJ-45, 4 pin USB Type A, Standard, Ethernet, Fast Ethernet, Gigabit Ethernet
The Bottom Line
The tiniest of NAS drives, the Buffalo LinkStation Mini keeps up with its full-size competition in terms of both features and performance. However, you'll pay a premium price for this small, silent networked drive.
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Price:
$289.99
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$300.95
Specs:
Buffalo LinkStation Mini LS-WS500GL/R1 - NAS server, 500 GB, PC, Mac, RJ-45, 4 pin USB Type A, Standard, Ethernet, Fast Ethernet, Gigabit Ethernet
The Bottom Line
The tiniest of NAS drives, the Buffalo LinkStation Mini keeps up with its full-size competition in terms of both features and performance. However, you'll pay a premium price for this small, silent networked drive.
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Price:
$302.83
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$302.83
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:
$52.30
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$93.55
The Bottom Line
The Linksys WRT110 RangePlus is an unconventional and stylish wireless router that supplies near draft 802.11n throughput without being an official Draft N router. We like this affordable, antenna-free router for networks where Wireless-G and Wireless-N clients coexist.
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Price:
$49.98
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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:
$283.99
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$349.99
Specs:
HP Media Vault Mv2120 - Network drive, 500 GB, PC, 4 pin USB Type A, RJ-45, Removable, Ethernet, Fast Ethernet, Gigabit Ethernet
The Bottom Line
The HP Media Vault MV2120 is a two-bay NAS drive that novice networkers will find simple to set up and use. While it offers flexible expansion options with a free internal drive bay and two USB ports, the intrusive Media Vault software and lack of a print server dampen our enthusiasm a bit.
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Price:
$94.00
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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:
$196.00
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$199.99
Specs:
Drobo DroboShare, PC, Mac, RJ-45, Ethernet, Fast Ethernet, Gigabit Ethernet
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:
$466.55
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$564.64
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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$370.44
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:
$90.99
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$175.40
The Bottom Line
Aside from its potentially worrisome heat output, the Linksys WRT310N Wireless-N Gigabit Router is a networking dynamo with chart-topping performance and a sleek (maybe too sleek) design.
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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:
$128.79
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$230.96
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:
$169.95
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$239.00
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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