The $20 802.11n router: You're not likely to find a lower price.
(Credit: Netgear)If your wireless router doesn't have the muscle to reach all corners of the house, or you need a faster connection for copying files and streaming videos, it might be time to consider an upgrade.
Newegg has refurbished Netgear WNR2000 802.11n Draft 2.0 routers for $19.99 (shipping will run you a mere $1.99).
In case you're unfamiliar with it, the "new" Wi-Fi protocol (which seems forever destined to be known as Draft-N) delivers better range and faster throughput speeds than 802.11g.
The WNR2000 is backward compatible with older Wi-Fi hardware and comes with four Ethernet ports, two internal antennas, and the usual raft of security features.
Keep in mind that unless you have 802.11n adapters for the PCs in your house, you may not reap the full benefits of the router--but you'll still enjoy better range and, based on my experiences, faster wireless connections, even if you have 802.11b/g gear. (Make sure to download the latest firmware updates from Netgear.)
CNET hasn't reviewed the WNR2000, but the user comments on Newegg's product page are mostly positive. And over at Amazon, it averages four stars out of five. That's pretty impressive, as even high-end routers often get crummy reviews.
The WNR2000 has a list price of $79.99, so you're saving quite a bit by opting for a refurbished unit. It does have only a 90-day warranty, but what is there to break? Either it works or it doesn't. I think it's a steal, and at this price, I suspect they won't last.
Upgrade your desktop or laptop to 802.11n with this dirt-cheap USB adapter.
(Credit: Netgear)Note: If this post sounds familiar, that's because it's a "rerun"--but with a lower price than when it first appeared a couple months ago.
I have an 802.11n router in my house, but not all my PCs and laptops have 802.11n adapters. Most of them run 802.11g, which drags down the overall performance of the network (it's a lowest-common-denominator kind of thing).
Cheap fix: Newegg has the Netgear RangeMax Wireless-N USB 2.0 Adapter WN111 for $9.99 shipped. It's a refurb, but, hey, something like this either works or it doesn't.
To get that discounted price (it's normally $24.99--and new units list for $70!), you need to apply coupon code EMCLVMV69 at checkout. You also need to be a subscriber to Newegg's newsletter.
As you may know, 802.11n Wi-Fi delivers dramatically faster performance and greater range than 802.11g. That's critical if you want to stream music and video (particularly HD video) around the house, and also for stuff like voice-over-IP and online gaming.
It's rare to find a USB adapter for under $20, especially without a rebate involved, so this was a no-brainer for me. (Too bad I paid $13.99 when I bought it a couple months ago!)
The adapter comes without software; you have to download the drivers and whatnot from Netgear (which is good, actually, as you'll be sure to have the latest versions of everything).
In my own little test lab, I had an 802.11n-equipped Netbook that was wreaking havoc on my network. I switched over to the WN111 and poof: problem solved. So it not only works, but works better than some built-in 802.11n adapters.
The 90-day warranty doesn't bother me, but Newegg has a no-refund policy on this product. That means you can return it for a replacement, but you can't get your money back if it doesn't work right or you don't like it. Just FYI.
Peggle for iPhone: now just 99 cents.
I couldn't pick just one deal today, so here are five to jump-start your weekend:
Much as I'm loving the iPhone version of Peggle, I think it's a little pricey at $4.99. Good news: Right now it's on sale for just 99 cents [iTunes link]. No-brainer. Buy it. Thanks to reader Harold for the tip!
I'm not loving Amazon MP3's current selection of $5 albums, but there's one standout: Holst's The Planets, one of my all-time classical favorites. ("Mars" gets all the attention, but "Jupiter" is really the crown jewel of the collection.)
Ready for a home-network upgrade? Newegg has a D-Link DIR-615 Draft-N Wi-Fi router and DWA-642 Notebook Adapter for $39.99 shipped. Needless to say, that's cheaper than most 802.11n routers alone.
Get a new netbook for just $150 shipped!
I can't say I'd recommend a Netbook with a 7-inch screen, but check out this deal anyway: ZipZoomfly has an Asus Eee PC 701SD with Linux and an 8GB SSD for $149.99 shipped. And it's new, not a refurb!
Want to stock up on cheap entertainment for the weekend? Head to your local library. Every time I come home with an armload of free books for the kids, free audiobooks for me, and free DVDs for all, I have to pinch myself. Thank you, Andrew Carnegie!
Give your system an 802.11n shot in the arm for just $13.99.
(Credit: Netgear)I have an 802.11n router in my house, but not all my PCs and laptops have 802.11n adapters. Most of them run 802.11g, which drags down the overall performance of the network (it's a lowest-common-denominator kind of thing).
Cheap fix: Newegg has the Netgear RangeMax Wireless-N USB 2.0 Adapter WN111 for $13.99 shipped. It's a refurb, but, hey, something like this either works or it doesn't.
To get that discounted price (it's normally $24.99--and new units list for $70!), you need to apply coupon code EMCLSNW25 at checkout. You also need to be a subscriber to Newegg's newsletter.
As you may know, 802.11n Wi-Fi delivers dramatically faster performance and greater range than 802.11g. That's critical if you want to stream music and video (particularly HD video) around the house, and also for stuff like voice-over-IP and online gaming.
It's rare to find a USB adapter for under $20, especially without a rebate involved, so this was a no-brainer for me. I haven't found any substantial reviews of the WN111, but I'm confident it'll do the job.
That said, based on some user comments I've read here and there, I'm going to download the latest drivers straight from Netgear rather than using the software that comes in the box. (Apparently the early drivers had some Vista compatibility issues.)
One other caveat: The 90-day warranty doesn't bother me, but Newegg has a no-refund policy on this product. That means you can return it for a replacement, but you can't get your money back if it doesn't work right or you don't like it. Not a deal-breaker for me, but I thought you should be aware.
A Draft-N router for only $25? That's a rare find indeed.
(Credit: Netgear)If your wireless router doesn't have the muscle to reach all corners of the house, or you need faster throughput for copying files and streaming videos, it might be time to consider an upgrade. Newegg has refurbished Netgear WNR2000 802.11n Draft 2.0 routers for $24.99. Use coupon code SHIPNETGEAR to get free shipping.
For those unfamiliar with it, the "new" 802.11 Wi-Fi standard (which seems forever destined to be known as Draft-N) promises better range and faster throughput. The WNR2000 is backward-compatible with older 802.11 hardware and comes with four Ethernet ports, two internal antennas, and the usual raft of security features.
Keep in mind that unless you have 802.11n adapters for the PCs in your house, you may not reap the full benefits of the router--but you'll still enjoy better range and, I suspect, faster wireless connections, even if you have 802.11b or g hardware.
CNET hasn't reviewed the WNR2000, but over at Amazon it averages four stars out of five. That's pretty impressive, as even high-end routers often get crummy reviews.
The WNR2000 has a list price of $79.99, so you're saving quite a bit by opting for a refurb. It does have only a 90-day warranty, but what is there to break? Either it works or it doesn't. Personally, I think it's a steal. And at this price, I guarantee they won't last.
The Easy-N-Upgrader brings Draft-N performance to your home network.
(Credit: TrendNet)A while ago, I replaced my 802.11g router with an 802.11n model. Much as I love the faster performance and better range, it saddens me that the old router is collecting dust on a shelf. (Yes, I'm easily saddened.)
To avoid consigning your own router to the same fate, consider an inexpensive upgrade instead of a pricey replacement. Newegg has the Trendnet Easy-N-Upgrader TEW-637AP for just $24.99 shipped.
Designed to piggyback on an existing router, the Easy-N-Upgrader bumps your network's Wi-Fi performance to Draft-N levels (up to 12 times faster than 802.11g, according to Trendnet). It also promises better range, meaning that it may help overcome Wi-Fi "dead spots" in your house.
CNET hasn't covered the Easy-N-Upgrader, but you'll definitely want to read Maximum PC's review. It's quite positive overall (as are the user reviews on Newegg), citing mediocre range as the only real shortcoming.
These are new units, not refurbs, and you don't have to deal with any rebates. If you've been pining for 802.11n performance but didn't want to spend upwards of $100 or more on a new router, this looks to be a terrific solution.
The 300Mbps Wireless N Travel Router from Trendnet.
(Credit: Trendnet)Wireless routers that fit in your pocket have been around for a long time (I especially like the Windy31, though it's a little peculiar). However, while convenient and cool, they share the same shortcoming: the lack of support for high-speed Draft N wireless.
Trendnet on Thursday ended that trait by introducing a 300Mbps Wireless N Travel Router, model TEW-654TR. ...
Read the full post at CNET's CES 2009 blog.
This story has been updated. Other vendors, such as Netgear or Slingmedia also, offer multiple-port PowerLine adapters.
I remember Belkin was the first vendor who sent us a Pre-N router, the Belkin Wireless Pre-N Router way back in 2004. Ever since, it hasn't been the most prolific vendor in wireless networking in comparison with D-Link, Linksys, or Netgear.
Belkin's Powerline AV+ offers three network ports instead of one.
(Credit: Belkin)However, I've learned recently that in October Belkin is releasing a few new networking products, including the all new Belkin N+ Wireless Router and the Powerline AV+.
According to Belkin's Web site, the new router will have network storage capability, similar to that of the Linksys WRT610n, where you can attach a USB external hard drive to the router and make the storage available to every computer in the network. It also has other standard features for high-end routers including: Wi-Fi Protected Setup, Draft N 2.0 compliance, Gigabite Ethernet, and so on. It's unclear whether or not the product will support dual-band, working in both 2.4Ghz and 5Ghz frequencies spontaneously. The new router is slated to cost $120.
On the other hand, it's very clear that Belkin's new line of powerline networking adapters offers some interesting features. The Powerline AV+ has three network ports (instead of one like most others I've seen) enabling you to use up to three devices with it at a time without having to get a switch. Belkin claims that the new adapter is capable of delivering throughput speed up to 200Mbps (twice that of a regular wired connection), which is more than you need to stream HD media contents.
The Powerline AV+ comes in a kit that includes one three-port adapter and one single-port adapter with a estimated price tag of $180.
The Trendnet TEW-637AP Easy-N-Upgrader is probabaly one of the most compact Draft N 2.0 access points on the market.
(Credit: Dong Ngo CNET Networks)
It's hard to find laptop that doesn't have built-in Wi-Fi these days. As a matter of fact, if you buy a new and relatively high-end model, such as the Dell XPS M1330 (which I have and really like), chances are your laptop even has built-in 802.11n card.
Even though the new N specification (officially called Draft N 2.0) is not yet ratified as a standard, more people are taking advantage of this specification for throughput gain. In theory, the N specification can offer speed up to 300Mbps, that's three times of the regular wired connection. In reality, it is just faster than 802.11g standard. Draft N is backward compatible with 802.11g, meaning your existing Wi-Fi equipment should work with the specification, albeit at a slower speed.
However, for the high speed to be achieved, your access point or wireless router has to support the specification. If you are about to setup a new network, it makes sense to buy a Draft N 2.0 router, such as the Trendnet TEW-633GR or the D-Link DIR-655. However, if you already have an 802.11g network, it could be a lot of work (not to mention the extra cost of equipment) to port the existing network settings from the old router to the new one. This is especially true when you have network with a lot of different advanced functions being used, such as port forwarding, VPN, remote access, and so on.
This is the situation where I would recommend the Trendnet TEW-637AP Easy-N-Upgrader. This is an access point that is easy to setup and manage. You just have to hook it to your existing router, turn it on, and run the installation wizard on the included CD. In a few minutes, your wireless network will be upgraded to the Draft N 2.0 specification.
I tested the TEW-637AP anecdotally and it offered basically the same throughput and range as the Trendnet TEW-633GR router. The best thing about the TEW-637AP is that it's very small, about 40 percent the size and weight of Draft N 2.0 access points from other vendors. For about $60, I think it's worth it.
(Credit:
Netgear)
If you've been itching to hop on the 802.11n bandwagon but discouraged by the high prices of the routers, CompUSA has a sweet deal: A refurbished Netgear WNR834B Wireless N Router for $29.99 (plus shipping).
In case you're unfamiliar with it, the new 802.11 Wi-Fi standard (currently known as Draft-N) promises better range and faster throughput. The WNR834B is backwards-compatible with older 802.11 hardware. It comes with five Ethernet ports, three internal antennas, built-in quality-of-service (QoS) features, and, because it's a refurb, a measly 30-day warranty.
CNET gave the router a reasonably good review, though it was nearly two years ago, and Netgear has released several firmware updates since then. If you decide to pick up a WNR834B, make sure you grab the latest firmware.
Given that most Draft-N routers sell for at least $60-70 at the moment (Amazon sells this model for $99 new), I don't expect these to last long. Get one while you can!
