HP OfficeJet Pro L7590 All In One Printer Review

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(More customer reviews)This is my third HP All-In-One Officejet printer. The first was the r80xi, the second the 6110. I had not been particularly enthused about the HP 6110, which after 5 years broke down with constant jamming. Every other brand that I looked at, however, also seemed to have their own flaws and potential reliability problems, and so I decided to stick with the HP series, mainly because the cartridges are so readily available at Costco. I have not had good luck with remanufactured ink cartridges. I strongly considered the Canon Pixma printers since a lot of people seemed to like them, but the constant complaint that the Canon printers are designed to not print when a single ink color runs low stopped me. This printer, like all other previous HP printers I have owned, continues to print when one color runs low, so you don't have to replace the cartridge right away if you don't need it. (The low ink indicators tend to come on well before the cartridges actually run out of ink, which would be another knock against Canon's systems).
The printer that I actually have is the HP L7555, which I purchased from Costco. From the specifications, the L7555 is the same printer as the L7590. HP has historically given large volume discounts to sell printers at Costco and then re-named the discounted printers sold at Costco (e.g. the r80 became the r80xi) so as to appease its other retailers. The L7555/L7590 come with the optional two-sided printing attachment, which is not included with the L7580. All three of these printers have wired network capability only (wireless is an optional accessory).
I would note that there are multiple separate listings on Amazon.com right now for the L7680 and L7780, and the photos and specs are quite confusing as to what the differences are, but it appears that these other models come with wireless networking, two sided printing, additional paper trays, and other features like Direct Digital Filing, etc. The L7600 and L7700 series come with legal size scanner glass instead of the letter/A4 size scanner glass for the L7500 series and so have a slightly larger upper body frame (legal size scanning/faxing on the L7500 series is done by feeding through the ADF). The L7780 has a color display instead of a black and white LCD display.
I use this printer as a common family/home office printer/scanner for four home computers. So some of the complaints of other people in the many printer reviews on Amazon.com don't apply to me. The computers all run Windows XP, and so Vista or Mac compatibility are not issues (drivers for Vista and Mac OS are included).
Initially, I set this printer up with my old USB 4-port switch (I have four computers at home on a home network). The L7590/7555 did not recognize the USB 1.0 switch that I had been using, so I got a new 4-port USB 2.0 switch (software switchable), which did work to switch printing and scanning between the computers. The only problem was that the computer that was "on" with the printer would freeze up during the boot process unless the USB port was unplugged or shut off.
So, I decided to put this Ethernet-capable printer on my home network. To do this, I had to expand beyond the four-port MN-100 router that I had. I got a D-Link DGL-4100 4-port gigabit router and DGS-2205 5-port switch. These hooked up easily with the Ethernet port on the L7590/7555. You have to put the HP setup CD back into every single computer on the network and re-install this printer for the network again even though the drivers have been loaded for the USB connection.
I am not using this printer to print high quality photos, although the three color cartridge system does look capable of doing decent photo color printing similar to previous Officejets.
Unlike the previous Officejets, this one comes with two replaceable inkjet heads. Previously, HP had built the inkjet heads into the disposable ink cartridges, which undoubtedly increased the cost of the cartridges. However, it is not entirely clear how long these replaceable printheads are designed to last. A search of the Internet suggested that the HP printheads are not designed to last for the life of the printer as the Canon printheads are, and possibly last only for every tenth ink cartridge or so. Stay tuned for an update on this issue.
The printer uses the 88 series of color cartridges (4 total - yellow, magenta, cyan, and black cartridges), and the 88 printheads (black-yellow, and magenta-cyan).
Pros:
1. Much more economical ink usage than the 6110. HOWEVER, you have to manually reset the default Windows printer parameters on every computer attached to this printer to take full advantage of this feature. The "Normal" default print setting gulps color ink at a prodigious rate - the color prints come out with the same depth of color as the "Best" setting for the 6110. So I am not at all sure that if you intend to use this printer to print a lot of photo quality prints how economical it will turn out to be. The "Draft" mode uses less ink but the color prints are not photo quality.
2. The printer does have a full range of manually adjustable settings in the "Advanced" tab for Printer Preferences in Windows that allow you to really dial down the ink usage and also presumably allows you to tweak the color ink usage for photos to acceptable levels. Black and white documents come out looking very usable with the ink settings at the very lowest levels.
3. Much faster than the 6110 for printing, scanning, etc. ADF works pretty good for scanning multiple documents.
4. Wired network setup fairly easy on Windows XP.
Cons:
1. The very first time the L7555/L7590 powers up, it takes 20 minutes to fully initialize. Later, if you turn off or unplug this printer, it takes about two minutes to initialize. Don't ever turn this baby off!
2. Installation of the driver software is also really slow, with a lot of popups requiring user interaction to continue the installation. If you have to load this software into several computers, it takes a while.
3. It only recognizes USB 2.0. It will not recognize USB 1.0 plugs. A USB 2.0 4-port switch that I used initially created hangups during the boot process for the compute that was "on".
4. The ADF feeder tray is still attached by way of two flimsy tabs. This is similar to the HP 6110 - one of the tabs on the 6110 ADF tray broke off after somebody set a heavy pile of stuff on top of it.
5. Loud. Probably the loudest of the three Officejets that I have owned. But this is probably because it is also the fastest of the three.
6. Footprint is 65% larger than the 6110 in square inches. It still fits on the same desktop space, just a tighter squeeze.
7. The wired (and wireless) networking only work for up to five computers, according to the manual. I have not tested this.
All in all, the Cons are minor complaints. This is a good quality printer, priced cheaper than the 6110 had been five years ago, but MUCH BETTER. Printer prices have dropped dramatically, as manufacturers have discovered that the money is in the selling of printer cartridges, and so the best part of this printer is its much more economical use of ink. But you have to make sure to adjust the default settings for ink usage. And I am still waiting to see how long these replaceable printheads last, to see if they contribute to the cost of printing. Addendum: I liked this All-In-One printer so much that I recently bought another one. Unfortunately, after a week or so of use, this one started having frequent paper feed jams, especially with two sided printing. And the auto-feed tray fed the papers in crooked. Fortunately, following my own advice, I'd gotten this printer at Costco like the first one (Costco rebrands this as the model L7555), and I returned it well within Costco's generous 90 day return period, and got another one, which so far is working fine. Remember, the price points are so important nowadays that quality control has really gone downhill and EVERY electronics manufacturer ships out some lemons. So strongly consider the return policy of any place that you buy your electronics from.
I've discovered another annoying aspect of the printer software when used on a network instead of a straight USB hookup - if you change routers or exchange printers, because each printer has its own unique network ID burned into its chips, you have to re-install the entire HP software package on every computer on your network. Simply re-installing the software on top of an existing installation doesn't work - you have to manually uninstall it first (the quickest way is to use the "Uninstall" option on the HP CD startup menu - this will uninstall all of the software in one sweep). This of course deletes all the special Windows Printer settings to reduce ink use, etc., that you have set up in your Printer Preferences, so you have to re-do all of that again also for each computer on your network. I have gone through this rigamarole three times now, changing from a D-link to a 2-Wire router/modem, exchanging printers, and then changing to an Actiontec router-modem.
With the Actiontec router/modem, the HP installation disc for some reason did not automatically detect the printer during installation for two of our computers, even though the Actiontec network browser page showed it was active. I had to manually identify the printer and input the printer IP address/MAC address. I tried using HP's latest update software, v.8, hoping it would work better, and it wouldn't identify or allow me to manually install this printer at all. So back to the v.7.0.0 CD - at least it works with manual installation. - HP doesn't list this version on their website, so don't lose your installation CD!
HP sure could make this re-installation process a WHOLE LOT better and easier!


Click Here to see more reviews about: HP OfficeJet Pro L7590 All In One Printer

The HP Officejet Pro L7590 Multifunction color inkjet Printer is designed to help your office reach new heights of efficiency and productivity by offering built-in networking, color scanning, faxing, and outstanding copy and print quality speeds of up to 35 ppm. The Officejet Pro L7590 also helps to keep costs down by using efficient HP Officejet inks that keep the cost per page up to 50% lower than many laser printers.
High-quality color documents print quickly. View larger. No More Waiting for High-Quality, Colorful Prints The Officejet Pro L7590 is fast! Depending on the level of output, the printer can attain printing and copying speeds as fast as 35 pages per minute, or ppm, and can achieve a true 4800 x 1200 dpi in full-color for those critical jobs when only the highest print quality will do.
The printer will produce full-color documents at speeds of up to 34 ppm, and its Photo Fix feature can automatically optimize photos before printing with the push of a button. And with its affordable price tag and efficient HP Officejet inks, this printer can help you save up to 50% over comparable laser printers.
Large Paper Supply and Automatic Document Feeder The L7590 comes with a 250-sheet paper tray and 50-sheet automatic document feeder, reducing the amount of time you spend adding paper. An optional 350-sheet paper tray (sold separately) can be installed for a total capacity of up to 600 sheets. The automatic document feeder is an easy and convenient solution for printing on special media such as envelopes, photo paper, cards, transparencies, and more.
Networking and Connectivity Options With HP's 10/100Base-T wired Ethernet, you'll experience reliable and easy networking. The L7590 also offers a host of other connectivity options, including USB 2.0, PictBridge, CompactFlash, SD card slot, MMC card slot, xD Memory Stick, MagicGate Memory Stick, and Memory Stick Duo and Pro.Scan, Copy, and Fax with Ease The Officejet Pro L7590 can scan either on the flatbed, or via the ADF at a full-color optical resolution of up to 2400 x 4800 dpi. The copier outputs at a colorful 1200 x 600 dpi at speeds of up to 34 cpm and up to 35 cpm for black & white. You can make up to 99 copies at once, and reduce or enlarge originals from 25% to 400%.
You can also send faxes of up to up to 300 x 300 dpi. The built-in fax has all the standard features of a stand-alone fax machine, including fax forwarding, polling, and junk fax barrier. It has the ability to broadcast up to a 20 recipients at once, and it has built-in memory for up to 99 speed-dial numbers.
Give Your Business a Professional Touch The Officejet Pro L7590 produces colorful, high-resolution documents that can help take your business to the next level. Using the HP Officejet Brochure Value Pack, you can further enhance the quality of your business's marketing materials by utilizing this easy-to-use software.Compatible with Windows (including Vista) and Macintosh, the Officejet L7590 measures 20.67 x 18.35 x 14.02 inches (WxDxH) and weighs 34.26 pounds. It is backed by a 1-year limited warranty.
What's in the Box HP Officejet Pro L7590 All-in-one, power supply, power cord, phone cord, two print heads, four ink cartridges, Set-up poster, Getting Started Guide, installation CDs (Windows and Mac).

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ZyXEL PLA-401 200 Mbps Powerline HomePlug AV Wall-plug Adapter Review

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(More customer reviews)The ZyXEL is working great. I purchased it to get the highest bitstream I could get to match my G network. The trick to get it to work flawlessly is to first get the one working that you are plugging into your router. Then plug in the 2nd one in the same room. You have to get all three lights working(plug in your computer or printer, etc.,to get the third light to turn on). Once you have that working within the same room with your router I could move to the location I really wanted to use it at the other end of the house. As I watch my downloads to the newly wired computer I see no loss in BPS the download speed is the same as for my wireless and wired equipment on my G network. I have no idea how it would work for High Definition. When I need to expand my network (without Wireless capability I'll just buy the singleton)..
ZyXEL PLA-401 200 Mbps Powerline HomePlug AV Wall-plug Adapter

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The ZyXEL HomePlug AV PLA-401 is an extended access solution that allows your house to be completely networked using your existing electrical power lines. With no need for additional wiring, simply plug the ZyXEL HomePlug AV PLA-401 to an existing electrical outlet, and it will transform your electrical power lines into a house-wide network infrastructure. It's the easiest way to extend the network connection from your broadband router. Powered by HomePlug AV Technology, the ZyXEL PLA-401 can achieve blistering speed of up to 200 Mbps. The HomePlug AV powered PLA-401allows users to stream high-definition video from one side of the house to the other.Not to mention surfing the Internet, accessing e-mail, and transfer large files easily and safely at home. Home entertainment solutions such as Network Capable DVR systems or Set Top box can now be networked using existing electrical power lines within your home instead of using complicated wireless setups or messy wiring solutions.

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ZyXEL PLA400 200 Mbps Powerline HomePlug AV Desktop Fast Ethernet Adapter Review

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(More customer reviews)I have had a pair of PLA-400 running for about a year now and the only problem I would warn you about is this: house wiring is not always consistantly good. I have had to move it to different sockets looking for the best connection. Also have a pair of PLA-100's connecting a router in one building to a computer in another building, works but same thing. In fact the quality changed after a while and I moved it. Later I found a loose connection in a socket. They run hot and I did have to return one PLA-100 for replacement but overall they work good and I have no fear of using PLA-400 especially. About to buy another pla400 to connect a media center PC in the viewing room to view downloaded movies on a plasma screen. I think the powerline adapters are more reliable than WLAN.

Click Here to see more reviews about: ZyXEL PLA400 200 Mbps Powerline HomePlug AV Desktop Fast Ethernet Adapter

ZyXEL´s Powerline Series is an access extension solution to have your house completely networked with existing power lines. Thanks to the advanced HomePlug AV Technology, the PLA-400 v2 is capable of transmitting data at up to 200Mbps. It allows you to share network resources and enjoy Internet access through secure high-speed data connection over the house power lines you already have.

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HP P3005DN LaserJet Printer Review

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(More customer reviews)Worked good for the first week, then the formatter went bad and we were instructed to take it to the local authorized repair shop. Three weeks later we're still waiting for the part. HP customer support is non existent. After three weeks agreed to accept a refurbished replacement but wanted a 1 year warranty, if the refurbished is just as good shouldn't they stand behind it as well? HP said no go and wanted me to pay to ship the refurbished printer. So if you want a printer that doesn't work and like to spend hours on the phone with tech and customer support, buy this printer.

Click Here to see more reviews about: HP P3005DN LaserJet Printer

Simple, fast and worry--free-the HP LaserJet P3005dn Printer is ideal for document-intensive environments requiring high-quality and low maintenance.
Outstanding productivity Don't wait around. HP knows that in today's business world, you can't afford to wait for important print jobs. Speeds of up to 35 pages per minute (ppm) ensure that documents won't stack up in the print queue, while Instant-on Technology delivers a fast first page for quick access to your documents, even first thing in the morning.

With the HP LaserJet P3005dn you can increase office efficiency with printer sharing. With integrated networking capability1 that doesn't compromise performance or security, the printer is easy to share and ideal for small workteams. It also offers Hi-Speed USB 2.0 connectivity for data transmission speeds of up to 480 mbps.
The HP LaserJet lets you handle complex jobs with ease. A 400 MHz processor and up to 80 MB RAM standard memory (expandable to 320 MB) should give you peace of mind when it comes to printing large files filled with complex charts, tables, or black-and-white images.
Simple and Robust With the LaserJet P3005dn you'll also spend less time reloading paper. The LaserJet P3005dn large paper input features a maximum input capacity of 500 sheets.2 preventing interruptions and keeping you on task. Your can print on virtually any paper. The LaserJet P3005dn Printer series includes a 100-sheet multipurpose tray that supports traditional paper sizes from envelopes to legal, along with a broad spectrum of paper types.
Proactively manage and reduce IT workload. HP Web Jet admin helps IT professionals install, configure, andremotely manage all network peripherals through a simple Web interface. HP Easy Printer Care is simple software anyone can use to manage printers and keep them supplied with easy online reordering. HP Easy Printer Care Software 2.0 is available as a free download at the HP web site or from a link on the printer's installation CD.
Reduce maintenance time. Interactive HP Smart printing technology3 in the cartridge and printer optimizes quality and reliability, sends alerts when supplies are low, and facilitates convenient reordering for multiple printers.
Impressive quality Make your documents look their best. Whether you're printing internal office documents or customer presentations you're sure to see great-looking output. Using advanced printing technology and HP toner, this HP LaserJet delivers true 1200 dpi quality for crisp black text, clear details, and fine lines.
Choose reliable HP print cartridges. Comprising up to 70 percent of your printer's imaging system, every Original HP LaserJet print cartridge you install refreshes your printer for reliable, precise operation.
Get consistency at high speeds. HP's patented toner formula is engineered for quality, consistency, and fast speeds. The printer's toner transfer and fusing processes are designed around the high-performance characteristics of HP toner to keep up with your everyday business needs. HP printing and imaging systems help you create powerful, professional communications easily. HP printers, supplies, accessories, and services are designed together to work together and are invented to meet your business needs.
Features Unique to the HP LaserJet P3005dn Print speed of up to 35 ppm, 80 MB RAM, expandable to 320 MB, Hi-Speed USB 2.0 port, One open EIO slot, 400 MHz processor,100-sheet multipurpose tray, 500-sheet input tray, Built-in automatic two-sided printing, HP Jetdirect Fast Ethernet embedded print server
1. Networking capability is standard on the HP LaserJet P3005n, HP LaserJet P3005dn, and HP LaserJet P3005x only. 2. All models P3005 series include a 500-sheet input tray and 100-sheet multipurpose tray. The HP LaserJet P3005x includes an extra 500-sheet tray. 3. Using genuine HP supplies ensures availability of all HP printing features.
What's int the box HP LaserJet P3005dn Printer (includes built-in automatic two-sided printing and HP Jetdirect Fast Ethernet embedded print server), power cord, control panel overlay,9 print cartridge, software and documentation on CD, Getting Started Guide support flyer

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GlobeTrotter® Express 442 - Unlocked 3G Card Review

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(More customer reviews)Before plugging it into a Mac with Snow Leopard, it requires to install the Leopard drivers from option.com, if not, it will cause a kernel panic. Connects fast, it's low profile, and if you use Windows or an older version of Mac OS X, it has a self contained software and drivers (no CD needed). Can be configured (obviously) from System Settings. Great product, I highly recommend it.

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GlobeTrotter® Express 442 DataCardsDesigned for the busy professional, the GlobeTrotter® Express 442 is equipped with the latest quad-band HSPA technology ensuring the best available performance worldwide, plus excellent backwards compatibility with previous WCDMA and GSM standards. The retractable Traveller Antenna combines the convenience of a built-in solution with the upgradeability of an ExpressCard, while for strength and convenience it features an all metal antenna slider and a front access SIM holder.Using this advanced device is simplicity itself. Zero-CD® technology installs all necessary software the first time it is inserted. Pull out the Traveller Antenna and the device connects to the Internet automatically. Stow the antenna and the connection stops, so you're free to travel without removing the card from its slot.

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D-Link 10/100 Fast Ethernet Internet Camera Review

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(More customer reviews)I bought DCS910 in Nov.2008 and DCS920 one month later. I am quite satisfied with both of them and I did not meet any problem till now, or say I could solve the problems that I have found.
The network attached camera supports up to 640x480 in resolution. It is higher then lots of other network attached camera which has only 320x240. So the image quality is quite good. It has good vision in dim light. you could see image or video on your web browser. It supports both MS ActiveX and Sun Java for live video monitoring but it does NOT support sound :(
You may need to install ActiveX control plug-in and Sun Java plug-in for your browser to support live video.
The supplied DViewCam software also supports monitoring up to 32 cameras and you could record videos into computer hard disk. I have not used video record feture till now because it requires turning on computer and consumes too much router/switch band width. I think check from web from time to time is good enough for my needs.
It support user account management, NTP time sync, DDNS name service, FTP and email deliver of photos at the frequency you defined.
The device does not support SSL protocol, so your password could not be encrypted for delivery. So you could not use https or ftps for secured communication. But this is understandable because encryption cost too much resources for the embeded system. You could not expect too much from tiny embeded device. Anyway, normal web access and FTP upload are good enough if you do not have too much security concern.
It is quite simple to access the device from within the internal/home network because you PC and the camera are in the same network segment. But if you want to access the device from external/Internet, there are some other things to take care. You need to have some basic networking concept for the setup.
I have seen one user complain the tech support and blame the device to be not usable. I could understand the mensioned situation. It is not the user's fault nor the product's fault. Tech support is not wrong on what they said but they should explain clearly on the technical background and guide the user for a smooth set up. User is not network expert so it will be a little difficult for them to understand and follow the network rules.
Normally, ISP will only give one dynamic IP address to a user. The IP address will change when you turn on the router or after a certain period of time. So you need to keep track to your current IP address on the WAN port of your router. This is usually done by register a DDNS service(free or paid service). Most router support DDNS auto update service and this camera also supports it but you need to set it up in your device. All the devices in your home network will share this single IP address. Network applications will monitor communication port for TCP/IP communication. Different devices in your network have different unique IP address. The IP address for a specific device is unique in the network. So if you want to access your camera through the internet in a remote location, you need to have DDNS service set; set up a internal static IP address to your camera; setup your router port forward to your camera IP address. For example, use http://dcs910.mydomainname.com:9011/ to access your camera, you need to buy(or register a free child domain name from some website) your domain name 'mydomainname.com'; register your domain name to a DDNS server(paid or free service); setup your router to auto update DDNS for your current IP address; set router to forward 9011 port request to the 80 port of the static internal IP address that you have assigned to your camera(such as 192.168.0.3 depends on the settings on your router and camera). You may need an experienced friend to help you for the setting.
Even if you have set everything correctly, it not necessarily means you could watch live video in your office. You should be able to access static current image from web browser in your office but live video is another story. Normally office network is protected by firewall on gateway. Most office firewall uses proxy and only open ports for web requests and some predefined application ports and bann all other communications. The ActiveX and Java live video of this device may need dedicated port connection to open communication session but this will not be allowed by default on the proxy. So unless you know your network administrator and could ask them open the port for you, you will not able to access live video in office. This is not the problem of the device, it is the rule of the network security. But anyway, you could see still image of your home which is good enough.
I have used my DCS910 and DCS920 for 3 months and I am quite satisfied with the device. I would like to highly recommand this device to you for its clear image, easy setup(if you understand networking in and out), and resonable price.

Click Here to see more reviews about: D-Link 10/100 Fast Ethernet Internet Camera

The D-Link 10/100 Fast Ethernet Internet Camera (DCS-910) connects to a wired network to provide remote high-quality video recording. With its compact and sleek design, the DCS-910 is a low-cost Internet camera ideal for your home or small business. The DCS-910 connects quickly and easily to your existing 10/100 Fast Ethernet network, allowing you to steam high-quality MJPEG to your computer.

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NETGEAR Roku XD Player NTV250 Review

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(More customer reviews)My ultimate goal is to rid myself of subscription cable television! My cable provider does not offer a la carte pricing, therefore I must subscribe to literally 100's of channels to get the roughly four HD channels I want (at almost $100 a month). So I decided to give this a try and see if it fits my needs, and so far, so good.

On my connection(s):
1.Via Ethernet to home router.
2.Via HDMI to 1080p LCD.
Setup took less than ten minutes to complete, including hardware registration with ROKU and Amazon Video on Demand. I was pleasantly surprised how fast the player found my account at Amazon and all of my prior video purchases were waiting to be viewed on the player. The remote is simple with only twelve buttons.
On viewing content, the player buffered very quickly and began playing almost immediately. There is quite a bit of free content that can be viewed as well, and was easy to get via the on-screen guide, etc. Will end this review with... I've only had it for a few days, so my opinion could change, and if it does, I will update this review.
Update 12/15/2010
Many reviewers have experienced issues connecting wirelessly, so I decided to try it for myself!
My wireless connection and settings:
Router: Netgear Dual Band Wireless-N Gigabit model WNDR3700
Broadcast SSID: Enabled
Security: WPA2-PSK[AES] (8-63 characters or 64 hex digits)
Video Network: Enabled
I disconnected my Ethernet connection, and selected settings, then wireless. The player displayed every wireless connection it could find (all my neighbors were listed). I found my SSID, entered my credentials and within 30 seconds I was connected and scanning my Amazon account.
With the above said, I did not encounter the same issues as other reviewers trying to connect wirelessly. I understand their frustration and that is what prompted me to try wireless for myself, and unfortunately, I did not have any problems. I feel for my fellow consumers and hope they have found a product that suits their needs, however, this works for me and I am extremely pleased. Now, as for wireless, I am going back to Ethernet, it is faster! I am going to purchase another unit for the living room.
I hope this helps, best regards!


Click Here to see more reviews about: NETGEAR Roku XD Player NTV250

Now you can instantly watch your favorite online entertainment on TV. Watch movies and TV shows from Netflix or Amazon Video On Demand, listen to Pandora, catch the latest ballgame, and more- it's all available whenever you want it.1 Features Watch movies and TV shows in stunning HD Simple remote control Built-in wireless Watch on your TV-no need for a computer A growing line-up of instant entertainment (free and paid) Browse from thousands of choices Watch it instantly or queue it for later Find new movies by categories Search for titles Pause, rewind and fast forward Activate up to 6 NETGEAR Roku players with one Netflix unlimited membership Disclaimers 1Works with any Netflix Unlimited plan. Each NETGEAR Roku Player sold separately. For best video quality 1.5 Mbps broadband speeds recommended for each device.

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Hawking HiGain Directional Antenna, mini indoor, 7dBi - HAI7MD Review

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(More customer reviews)This mini indoor antenna does provide a boost over the standard 2dbi antenna that you receive from any typical router however this device is smaller than I had expected (seems to be only about 5-6 inches high). Further, upon installing the antenna on the back of my D-Link router, the connector on this Hawking antenna snapped off apparently due to a poor soldering job by Hawking. Luckily, the damage doesn't seem to be permanent and the antenna seems to be working despite the poor soldering.
Signal-wise, I was able to obtain about a 10% signal increase with a router on the second floor and a computer on the first floor with numerous walls in between. Not too shabby but for my purposes, I had to utilize a Hawking signal booster Hawking HiGain Signal Booster version 2 - HSB2 and a carefully-placed Trendnet antenna TRENDnet 14 dBi Outdoor High Gain Directional Antenna to achieve 100% signal (for comparison: without any enhancements, my D-Link DIR655 N Router can typically provide about 60% signal).

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MODEL- H-AI7MDVENDOR- HAWKING TECHNOLOGIESFEATURES- Hi-Gain 7dBi Omni-Directional Compact Antenna Hawking Technologies'HAI7MD 2.4GHz Hi-Gain WiFi directional antenna boosts your wireless signal strength from 2dBi (standard power) to 7dBi.A large problem with many wireless networks is the poor coverage area of standard Access Points and Wireless Routers.The Hawking HAI7MD is an easy to install solution that plugs directly into the antenna port of your existing wireless device.By upgrading your external wireless antenna to a high grade 7dBi Hawking directional antenna your wireless signal strength wireless operating distance and overall performance is significantly improved.Simply point the antenna in the direction of your wireless access point network adapter or device and easily extend your signal range and quality. The advanced 7dBi Direction Antenna is built with high grade material ensuring maximum quality and performance.New advancements in antenna design allow the antenna to be smaller and perform more efficiently than other WiFi antennas on the market with the same gain level. Gold plated connectors and connector adapters create maximum conductivity for a solid link to the wireless device. * Increase your Wireless Network Signal Strength * Compact Design for Easy Placement and Travel * Works with Most Wireless Devices with Removable Antennas * Compatible with 2.4GHz 802.11b/g Wireless Standards * Hi-Grade Award Winning Design and Technology * Gold Series Connectors for increased throughput * Easy Installation * Note: Hawking Hi-Gain Antennas are designed to work with all wireless devices with removable antennas.SMA and TNC connectors are included others may be ordered directly from Hawking. e-mail: Techsupport@hawkingtech.com

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Verizon DSL Gateway Review

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(More customer reviews)Recently I bought this Verizon DSL Gateway, which is really an Actiontech GT704WG that's made specifically for Verizon DSL users. My service was working intermittantly with my six year old Westell so at first I bought a Netgear Wireless N router/modem, but neither I, nor Netgear, nor Verizon could get it to work. I returned the Netgear and bought this one, plugged it in, connected the cables, turned it on and in 30-45 seconds I was up and running. No calls to support, no fiddling around with it, it just worked. Also it stopped the intermittant disconnects that I was getting with the Westell. (I have some static in my phone line but this does not seem to affect this gateway as it did my Westell.)
I'm running two (wired) PCs and one (wireless) laptop on it. I did have to type in a new WEP address when I fired up my laptop, but the process was very easy. When the laptop booted up, it said that it found a new network and needs the WEP address, then it opened a window for me to type in the address. There was a card that came with the modem that said this would happen and told me the address was on the bottom of the modem. I typed in the numbers and was online with my laptop in seconds. This is useful cause no one can use your wireless service unless they know the WEP address, so it's a good thing.
It does look a little cheap and who knows how long it will last, but for three days now I've been enjoying fast - trouble free internet service. The box says it will ONLY work with Verizon DSL service though.

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Item #: T12720. The Actiontec 54 Mbps Wireless DSL Gateway is really many devices rolled into one. It's a full rate ADSL modem that's upgradeable to the faster ADSL2/2+ protocol. It's a router, capable of networking up to four computers, via embedded Ethernet ports, with a minimum amount of hassle. And, it's a wireless device, allowing your customer to have the freedom to connect to the Internet without being anchored by cables or cords, surfing at more than 5 times the speed of older devices.The Gateway's modem engine is ready for the future. Already ADSL2 compliant, it will soon be possible to upgrade to ADSL2+, DSL standard that enhances modem performance by tripling the available bandwidth (from 8Mbps to 24Mbps). Say goodbye to stuttering, pixilated video streams and the endless wait while downloading large files. There's more room for voice data, as well, so you can offer low-cost Internet telephone conversations. Once the upgrade to ADSL2+ is available it can be done remotely, your customers won't need a Ph.D to get them up to speed.To help with setting up the Gateway, Actiontec has developed ground-breaking Installation Buddy. A step-by-step visual setup guide, the Installation Buddy provides simple, straightforward instructions for procedures that were once the province of IT professionals. Now, you can eliminate most of the confusion inherent with installing DSL modems or gateways. With this Wireless DSL Gateway, your customers will get it all: flexibility, simple installation and trouble-free operation. Product Description: Actiontec 54 Mbps Wireless DSL Gateway with 4-port Router - wireless routerDevice Type: Wireless router + 4-port switch (integrated)Form Factor: ExternalService Provider: Verizon WirelessDimensions (WxDxH): 8.3 in x 5.5 in x 1.5 inData Transfer Rate: 54 MbpsFrequency Band: 2.4 GHzRouting Protocol: RIP-1, RIP-2, static IP routingData Link Protocol: Ethernet, Fast Ethernet, IEEE 802.11b, IEEE

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Wi-Fi USB Super Antenna Review

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(More customer reviews)I live on the edge of a privately hosted, but publically available WIFI network. With my native laptop wireless, I could pick up signal outside my apartment or if I held my laptop up to my air conditioner (no window on that wall). Needless to say, I knew there had to be another option other than hanging a shelf onto my a/c and standing on a chair to receive the signal. I hung this antenna inside my a/c box, ran the cable through the a/c and VOILA, free wireless access in my apartment! It works.
Unfortunately, it is only compatible with certain mac OS versions and it is not stable. If my computer goes to sleep, the program freezes. Sometimes "Force Quit" works, sometimes it doesn't. If I force quit, I usually have to restart my computer to get the program working again. If I unplug the cable without quitting the utility program, my MAC crashes. IF i restart the computer without unplugging the cable, I can't even access the utility program to get it started.
So, if you're willing to dance the right dance, this is a great option for internet access, but I do wish they would fix their software/driver program to play better with Mac OS.

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Does your wireless network only work in close range to your router? Extend your WiFi network without purchasing an expensive repeater. You'll save money and electricity with the same results by installing the WiFi USB Super Antenna, which will let you access your wireless network from anywhere in the house or on your property, up to a mile away. This high-gain WiFi antenna connects to your PC via USB; your computer doesn't even need an internal WiFi card or antenna to work! The WiFi USB Super Antenna is an up-to-20 dBm High-Gain range booster omni-directional antenna. Simply install the software on your PC and plug the cable into your USB port. Mount the antenna using the included suction cups: the 15-foot cable allows for ease of placement. The WiFi USB Super Antenna is compatible with 802.11b and 802.11g wireless networks and allows transfer rates up to 54 Mbps. Concerned about security? The antenna is WPA and WEP encryption compatible.

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Sony BRAVIA Theater System (DAVHDX576WF) - Black Review

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(More customer reviews)Sony DAV-HDX576WF Home Theater System
Overview:
Another "Home Theater in a Box" design (HTIB), the Sony DAV-HDX576WF tries to be all things to all people and does satisfactorily in some areas and poorly in others, so a mixed bag. The basic components are the following:
(1) Receiver (Main Unit). You get a basic 5.1 surround sound receiver facilitating six sources or inputs: DVD, TUNER, AUX, SAT/CABLE, TV, and DMPORT. The DVD player and AM/FM tuner are built in to the receiver. These internal sources in more detail are configured as follows:
* DVD: The internal DVD has five trays to hold five DVDs or CDs. The DVD outputs 5.1 surround sound through the 576 wireless surround sound speaker system, and outputs video three ways: HDMI, component, or composite. You can use the DVD/CD player to play Data-CD or Data-DVD disks that have MP3 song files or JPEG image files.
* TUNER: The internal FM tuner stores 20 stations, and the AM tuner stores 10. Reception is strong and clear if the antennas are positioned well.
The other four sources facilitated by the receiver are external (AUX, SAT/CABLE, TV, DMPORT). Three of the four external sources are audio only (AUX, SAT/CABLE, TV). One is both audio and video (DMPORT), but the video is composite quality only. Of these four external sources, one is accessed on the front panel (AUX) and the remaining three on the back. The types of external source inputs are as follows:
* AUX: front input, miniature stereo phono (audio only)
* SAT/CABLE: RCA stereo (audio only)
* TV: RCA stereo, or digital coaxial, or digital optical (audio only)
* DMPORT: proprietary connection for MP3 player dock (audio and video)
Note that the three output ports on the back of the 576 are: (1) video only, and (2) hardwired internally to just the DVD player = are not configurable to output any other sources (except the composite also can output from the MP3 player). To repeat for clarity and emphasis on the three video outputs:
* Digital HDMI Out (internal DVD only, video only)
* Component Y-Pb/Cb-Pr/Cr Out (internal DVD only)
* Composite RCA Out (internal DVD or MP3 player only)
Finally, you do have one other out port, the miniature stereo phono headphones connection on the front of the 576. Using this connection mutes all the external speakers, naturally.
(2) Speakers. You get a 5.1 surround sound speaker set, the front stereo pair on stands, a ported, passive subwoofer, and two smaller surround speakers that are wired to a small amp that communicates with the main amp wirelessly. Thus, be aware that you need an AC outlet near where you want to put the surround speakers for the surround amp. Connections are bare wires into all speakers, marked for polarity, but color-coded plugs into the main unit that fit only one way to insure proper polarity. The front stereo speaker stands have to be assembled, which takes a little time, with one part about threading the wire into the stand not quite so obvious. Once all connections are made, setup goes fairly well. The autocalibration mic has plenty of cord (perhaps 13-14 feet) to work even a large den. The mic at least gets the estimated distances pretty good, but the individual speaker level settings were way off. I had to go back and redo all levels manually. I did this autocalibration several times just to make sure I had not missed anything, and every time I still had to adjust the levels of the speakers manually. You might have to do this as well.
(3) Wireless Surround. Surround sound to the rear speakers is wireless. The main unit comes with a wireless transceiver that broadcasts surround audio on the 2.4 GHz band to the surround amp wireless receiver. The surround amp is quite oddly shaped, to be honest (over a foot long! 13.5" x 3.5" x 4" LxWxH). The surround speakers, in fact, are wired. That is, these speakers are hooked into this oddly shaped surround amp by running speaker wires from wherever the surround amp is to each speaker's terminals. Hence, the surround sound is only "partially" wireless. Also, seems that Sony has not provided enough wire really to run the speakers, especially not if you have to do something like go up and over a door frame. I had to add a length of my own speaker wire to get to a corner just 12 feet away as the crow flies. Setting up the wireless system is straightforward, and, following instructions carefully, goes without a hitch. You have three ID switches (A, B, C) to choose from to match up among your wireless units (to distinguish from other possible S-AIR units in the neighborhood, but the conflict could hardly occur given limitations of range, unless in a small apartment).
(4) Digital Media Port Adaptor. This is a fancy name for an MP3 dock. The dock is connected to the main unit via a proprietary cable that carries audio and video (composite quality only). Though advertised for Apple iPod, the unit basically really is for Sony products. The main unit's remote controls many elements of the MP3 transport (Play, Stop, Pause, Track Forward, Track Back) and menu (Previous Menu, Next Menu, Up Folder/Item, Down Folder/Item).
(5) S-AIR Receiver. This wireless unit looks like a table radio, and that basically is its function. You have a small, self-amplified stereo speaker system that receives its sound from the 576 main unit. You can set up the S-AIR unit in two modes:
* "Party Mode." The S-AIR joins in with the main unit and tunes in whatever the main unit is doing.
* "Separate Mode." The S-AIR operates independently of the main unit.
Buttons on the top of the S-AIR unit control transport functions of the source dialed in on the S-AIR when in "Separate Mode." For example, if someone is watching a DVD movie on the main unit in the den, someone else in a different room with the S-AIR receiver theoretically could be listening to the main unit's FM tuner and changing stations, or can be listening to a playlist on the MP3 player in the main unit's MP3 dock and controlling transport, such as play, pause, stop, previous and next track. Finally, the S-AIR even can function when the main unit is off (in "Standby" mode). This option is set in the main unit's system menu.
Evaluation:
(1) Audio. The sound is generally satisfactory, being smooth and fairly accurate if the bass is not pushed. Good, flat sound overall probably is the chief factor that sets this HTIB apart from others in the class. Two caveats apply, one minor, the other more serious.
* Subwoofer. First, on the minor side, the passive subwoofer is decent for musical frequencies, even though still a little soft and muddled for my tastes (not quite punchy enough). This subwoofer, however, is at a distinct disadvantage with handling the boom, thunder, and roar of low frequency movie sound effects. Fortunately, I just happened to have a Velodyne CT-100 active subwoofer lying around that has sophisticated circuitry allowing speaker level inputs with audio pass through. So I took the speaker level subwoofer out from the Sony 576 straight into the Velodyne, then passed through the same signal on out to the Sony passive subwoofer. (In this way the Sony amp sees no extra impedence load at all, so is completely unaware of the Velodyne's existence in the circuitry.) I have the Velodyne set to kick in only at those lower frequencies for movie sound effects, and the Sony subwoofer handling just the higher musical frequencies. With this adaptation, I am more satisfied with the audio performance, especially action movies. Your requirements and tastes may be different.
* Equalization. Though the 576's sound is generally OK, just a little dash of EQ would have gone a long way to really making her shine. One distinct downside to the 576 is that the audio allows no EQ settings of any kind anywhere--not even those cheap presets found on many HTIB (such as "Rock," "Classical," "Easy Listening," "Stadium," "Theater"). The user has no option to adjust any EQ. This inability is quite significant given that any room anywhere of any size and configuration will have its own "sound print" (frequency difficiencies) de facto that need to be compensated for to have accurate, clean sound.
(2) Wireless. The S-AIR wireless system broadcasts on the 2.4 GHz band. When some 576 users reported no conflict with their 2.4 GHz wireless computer networks, I thought I was free and clear. Not so. The S-AIR circuitry is supposed to search out a clearer signal in its frequency range to avoid such conflicts, but mine just did not work. I definitely had wireless conflicts with my computer network, and the S-AIR never did get happy until I completely relocated my computer wireless setup. Therefore, I would advise caution about consideration of this HTIB with its wireless surround if you are running anything wireless at 2.4 GHz in the same room or nearby (including phones).
(3) S-AIR Receiver. All sounds very promising with this S-AIR receiver, which is sort of like a remote radio, but reality bites. I found the S-AIR unit in the end a poor system and rather useless. I will mention several critical items that seemed to doom the unit for my use anyway:
* Performance. The S-AIR unit really does not work well. The maximum reception distance is 25-27 feet, and that is line of sight. Somewhere between 27-30 feet, the unit no longer can lock in the signal. I can lock in from my den to my dinette wetbar, which is about 27 feet and line of sight. If I move just a few feet more to the AC socket on the far dinette wall, about 30 feet, the unit simply refuses to lock in. My two cordless phones in the den and dinette are 900 MHz, so not in conflict. To facilitate the wireless of the 576, I moved my 2.4 GHz computer wireless network out of the den due to conflicts between the computer wireless and the...Read more›

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The Sony DAV-HDX576WF BRAVIA Theatre System has an integrated 5 disc DVD/CD changer with the capability to upscale your DVD's to a Full 1080p output using the HDMI connection to your BRAVIA TV set. Adding to the incredible functionality is great styling with Floor Standing speakers and with the included S-AIR wireless surround receiver you get simple wireless capability for the rear surround speakers or multi-room listening with the S-AIR wireless receiver/speaker system.

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Buffalo Technology 4bBi Detachable High Gain Omni Directional Antenna-WLE-AT-NDRHB (Black) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)The "Buffalo Technology WHR-HP-G54 Wireless-G
MIMO Performace Router and Access Point" and "Buffalo AirStation WHR-G54S" sold by Amazon
includes the "Buffalo Technology 4bBi Detachable High Gain Omni Directional Antenna-WLE-AT-NDRHB (Black)"
as its attena, not the Older European Version: 2.0 dBi Rubber Duck Antenna that is shown in some
of the pictures.
So if you order the WHR-HP-G54 or the Buffalo AirStation WHR-G54S from Amazon,
do NOT bother to order the "optional" High Gain ... WLE-AT-NDRHB attena because it is the exact
same attena (the WHR-G54S one is white instead of black but I tried the black one and the performace
was exactly the same).

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AIRSTATION HIGH-GAIN OMNI

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TP-Link - Antenna extension cable - RP-SMA (M) - RP-SMA (F) - 16.4 ft 4.5 dB Review

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(More customer reviews)I purchased this product to extend my antenna to the roof for better reception. I used to have my bosster outside with the antenna and I wanted to have the the booster protected from the heat. My booster worked fine outside and the USB cable worked fine. I waisted my on this cable. The cable was useless after 5 days of use. I don't know if it was the heat of 120F outside or not but a cable should last more than 5 days. I'm going to ask for my money back. Ripp off!

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TP-Link TL-ANT24EC5S Low-loss Antenna Cable Extension. What happens when your wireless signal is too weak to connect to an access point in another building and you want to better position your wireless antenna in a higher or wider place to get a better signal? The TP-LINK TL-ANT24EC5S RP-SMA-type male to female antenna extension cable is the answer to your problems. There is no need to move your access point or wireless router, which may sometimes be immovable, from place to place. With the 5m (16 ft) low-loss extension cable, you will have more flexibility to move your antenna in order to maximize your wireless performance.

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7dBi Range Extension Antenna-RP-SMA Review

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(More customer reviews)I purchased this antenna to replace a broken antenna on an Actiontec router. It replaced the original antenna that was also a 7dbi antenna and provided about the same range as the original antenna before it was broken. I gave it a 5 since it did what I expected it to do.

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This antenna is the ideal choice for replacing the short-range 2dBi antenna on Linksys wireless devices. Our 7dbi antenna brings the performance of an infrastructure antenna in a portable package that is small and lightweight. It attaches directly to the RP-SMA connector on the AP / Router. The add signal strength effectively triples reception range in many environment. Increase sensitivity improves throughput by reducing packet loss. The installation is a breeze, simply unscrew your existing antenna and attached our 7dbi antenna, no setup or modifications are required. Compatible with: Linksys WRV54G, WMP54GS, WMP54G, WET54G and otther wireless Devices with RP-SMA connector. Check out the reviews by Gadget Madness. Just Google Gadget Madness and Nearson. Gadget Madness says "These Nearson antennas are an excellent way to trick out your existing wireless gear without spending a ton of money."

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D-Link ANT24-0801 8.5dBi Pico Cell Patch Antenna Review

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(More customer reviews)This antenna (and all D-Link high gain antennas) require an additional 1 watt inline amplifier in order to achieve the extended range as rated by D-Link. This will be an additional expense of approximately $300.00, purchased from a 3rd party. Without the amplifier the antenna(s) produce a signal at or below the standard antenna. Once the amplifier is installed the antenna works as rated. No where within D-Link's information or installation instructions do they inform you of this requirement. When I inquired from D-Link as to why I was no obtaining the range as rated, I received the following:
"To boost output you will need to use an amplifier. The Antenna is going to change the shape of the signal, and the direction. the problem with using an external antenna without an amp is the Router does not have enough power to push the signal through the extra media."
I then asked as to where within their documentation does it state that an amplifier is required, I received the following:
"The initial reply that you received that the router does not have a strong enough amplifier to push the signal to any great length is correct, unfortunately. The loss in signal strength that you noticed is possibly due to losses in the conversion cable. I do agree with you that does not seem to mention amplification in the product specs as you have pointed out. I shall talk it to a supervisor and see if there can be some mention of extra amplification might be needed, to get best results for APs."

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NETWORK, 8.5DBI PICO CELL PATCH

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Belkin Wi-Fi Phone for Skype with Boingo Hot Spot Manager ( F1PP000GN-SK ) Review

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(More customer reviews)Being someone who uses Skype constantly for both business and personal long distance and PC-to-PC phone calls, I got a Belkin Wi-Fi Phone for Skype as a Christmas gift from a loved one who knows just how nerdy I am when it comes to new gadgets. I love them!
Unfortunately, I can only say that I *like* the new wi-fi phone from Belkin. Appearance-wise, it's terrific with a sleek black case, color screen and attractive key layout. It's a good, comfortable size and feels about like a stylish mobile phone. It comes with a USB cable for charging and software updates, as well as a regular power cord for charging. You can use the phone while it's connected to the charger, which is what I find myself doing a lot.
The sound quality is good and it connected right to my household wi-fi system once I punched in the security code. The controls are easy to access and use. I was quite excited to get going with it and used it for several days without incident.
Then it froze. No matter what I did, the buttons made no difference and the screen stubbornly stuck on 11:38 a.m. and no amount of prodding would break it free. I looked for some sort of reset button like you get with a Palm or other PDA-like device, but there isn't one. I finally decided that the only way to get the baby to reset would be to take out the battery and put it back in.
Thus, my next problem. The battery cover refused to budge. It was as if it had been super-glued shut. I pulled, pushed, yanked but it held firm. I had no other choice than to resort to the proverbial waste of time - support.
Yep, total waste of time. I tracked down Belkin support, filled out the form to inform them of my problem (frozen screen, stuck battery case) and got an answer from some clueless girl telling me I should go into the menu and use the "reset" function. Duh? The SCREEN IS FROZEN, honey! How the heck am I supposed to do that!
So, back to pulling, tugging and yanking on the battery cover. I finally managed to pry one corner up and get enough leverage to get the darned thing open without breaking it. I pulled the battery out, the phone reset and I was up and running again.
My next disappointment came when I stayed at a hotel that offered free wi-fi. I had hoped to use the phone to make some calls, but, alas, the hotel requires you to open their web page in a browser before you can connect to their access. That's all, just open their page in a browser - no inputting codes or anything. Just an open browser.
The Belkin phone has no Internet browser, a terrible oversight for a product that people will want to use at Internet cafes and the like. Not a smart move, Belkin.
Yes, the phone is supported by Boingo, which has hotspots here and there. In my area, my choices are a UPS Store or an RV park. Somehow I can't see myself hanging around those to make phone calls. I'm out of luck at Starbucks, hotels and anywhere without completely open wi-fi access.
Another minor peave is the lack of Skype chat support. My company uses Skype chat a lot during the business day, so I can't plan on using the Belkin Skype phone exclusively for business because there's no chat support. I understand that trying to do chat on that itsy bitsy keyboard is difficult, but people send text messages all the time on cell phones, so there should be support for chat. If nothing else, I'd like to be able to set the phone up to let people know that I don't have Skype chat, try me on AIM or whatever.
Anyway, don't think I'm totally unhappy with the Belkin Wi-Fi-Phone for Skype. I'm not. It's great to carry around the house with me when I'm not on the computer. It just means I have to switch back and forth between it and a Skype-enabled computer quite a bit. I guess my suggestion for those considering one is to say that it's great if you just want a wireless Skype phone for home, have no need for Skype chat and don't plan on trying to use it too many places outside your home network. It's a shame, but it probably won't work for you on the road or in your neighborhood Starbucks.

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Pre-loaded with Skype software and featuring the same Skype interface, the Belkin Wi-Fi Phone is ready to use with any wireless network. To make a call, simply use the intuitive on-screen color menu to locate your contact and view their online availability—exactly like you use Skype today. The Wi-Fi Phone is Skype-certified, which means that it adheres to all Skype's requirements to ensure that your Wi-Fi Phone experience is just like it is on your PC.

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Cisco-Linksys Antenna Stand for TNC Connectors AS2TNC Review

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(More customer reviews)I purchased the Linksys Antenna Stand for TNC Connectors AS2TNC along with a Linksys HGA7T High-Gain Antenna Kit for TNC Connectors. I live in Manhattan and wanted to be able to access my wireless Internet connection while in the park outside my apartment building.
I live on the 11th floor of steel, brick and concrete heavy building. I had zero reception from the park outside my apartment with the standard Linksys wireless router I owned - even though I placed it on the sill of a window that overlooked the park. Between the window screen, glass, etc there wasn't enough signal strength to get the connection going.
I figured that I would buy these items as an experiment. I attached the two high gain antennas that came in the kit to this base. I then placed the stand on my external air conditioner and taped it down.
I went out to the park where I now had a straight line-of-sight path to the antenna. My laptop (IBM T40 with internal antenna) had 80% signal strength at about 150 feet - amazing
I figured I would push the envelope a bit and walked in to the park a bit. At 100 yards I still had 50% signal strength. After that the signal strength dropped off pretty quickly. A 100 yards though is amazing. My techie friends are amazed at this range, which far exceeds what Linksys advertises.
I now place the antenna out on the underside of my air conditioner whenever I want access while outside - I have crazy-glued a couple of medium-sized magnets to the base and it holds well.
I am not sure what the range would be without the high gain antennas. Who cares though - the combo of these two items works beyond what I could have reasonably expected.

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Linksys Antenna Stand for TNC Connectors - Improve the reception of your wireless devices!The best place to locate wireless network antennas is out of the way of any reflective or signal blocking obstacles such as furniture, cabinets, mirrors, or even people.The Linksys Antenna Stand allows you to relocate your wireless networking device's current antennas, or better yet, the Linksys High Gain Antennas, to a location with clearer signal paths to the other devices in your wireless network.The Antenna Stand can be mounted up to 6 feet away from the wireless device.It comes with mounting slots to attach it to the ceiling, high on a wall, or it can just stand on a tall bookcase or shelf.Note that although the Antenna Stand's cable and connectors cause some loss to the wireless signal, effective placement of the antennas above signal obstacles can easily create a net gain in wireless communications range and reliability.

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