Synology Disk Station DS409slim - NAS server, 0 GB, PC, Mac, 4 pin USB Type A, RJ-45, Standard, Gigabit Ethernet
THE GOOD
The Synology Disk Station DS409slim offers fast performance, a robust Web-interface, and a generous feature set in a compact, aesthetically pleasant, and practical design.
THE BAD
The Synology Disk Station DS409slim doesn't come with any storage and is not easy enough for novice home users to use. Its Surveillance Station requires additional license fees to support more than one IP camera and its Download Station's software doesn't fully support Web sites that require authentication.
THE BOTTOM LINE
The Synology Disk Station DS409slim makes an excellent NAS server for both home and small business applications, and it fits especially well in offices with limited space.
The Pogoplug allows any USB drive to be accessed over a home network or Internet connection. It offers supersimple setup, even for networking novices. Files are accessible via any standard Web browser as well as a free iPhone app, and the software plug-in allows drive mapping on Windows, Mac, and Linux PCs. It also uses much less power than a PC file server.
THE BAD
The Cloud Engines Pogoplug doesn't include any built-in storage and its preview (streaming) feature doesn't work well for video files. It also can't share files with noncomputer products, such as Xbox 360s or PS3s.
THE BOTTOM LINE
The Pogoplug provides a quick and easy way to share files from any USB storage device to users on a home network or over the Internet.
The Sierra Wireless 598U for Sprint offers EV-DO Rev. A data speeds and includes integrated GPS. The portable modem can also double as a storage device via microSD card and is compatible with Windows and Mac.
THE BAD
The desktop client lacks the capability to send, receive, or manage text messages like its competitors can.
THE BOTTOM LINE
If you're looking for a fast, reliable, portable cellular modem, the Sierra Wireless 598U delivers and even offers GPS.
QNAP TS-239 Pro Turbo NAS - NAS server, 0 GB, PC, Mac, 7 pin external Serial ATA, 4 pin USB Type A, RJ-45, Hot-swap, Hi-Speed USB, Gigabit Ethernet
THE GOOD
The QNAP TS-239 Pro offers fast throughput speed and an overwhelming list of useful features. Also, it supports hot-swappable RAID configurations and has a robust, intuitive Web interface.
THE BAD
The QNAP TS-239 Pro has a long boot time, runs a little noisy, lacks a front LCD, and is relatively expensive. It also requires some networking knowhow to set up and operate.
THE BOTTOM LINE
The QNAP TS-239 Pro is a dual-bay NAS server that offers good performance and many features for a relatively high premium. It's a device best suited for those with intermediate or advanced know-how of networking.
Seagate BlackArmor NAS 420 - NAS server, 2 TB, PC, Mac, RJ-45, 4 pin USB Type A, Hot-swap, Ethernet, Fast Ethernet, Gigabit Ethernet
THE GOOD
The Seagate BlackArmor offers fast throughput, hassle-free remote access, excellent backup solutions, and has many customization options. Also, its large amounts of storage; RAID 5, RAID 0, RAID 10, and Span support; toolless design; and great expandability will satisfy most small businesses.
THE BAD
The Seagate BlackArmor requires more than basic networking know-how to take advantage of its advanced features. Also, it lacks port aggregation, has scant instructions, and may not be compatible with some routers.
THE BOTTOM LINE
Although Seagate BlackArmor is difficult to use for networking novices, it is a good choice for small business and advanced users.
Seagate BlackArmor NAS 440 - NAS server, 6 TB, PC, Mac, RJ-45, 4 pin USB Type A, Hot-swap, Ethernet, Fast Ethernet, Gigabit Ethernet
THE GOOD
The Seagate BlackArmor offers fast throughput, hassle-free remote access, excellent backup solutions, and has many customization options. Also, its large amounts of storage; RAID 5, RAID 0, RAID 10, and Span support; toolless design; and great expandability will satisfy most small businesses.
THE BAD
The Seagate BlackArmor requires more than basic networking know-how to take advantage of its advanced features. Also, it lacks port aggregation, has scant instructions, and may not be compatible with some routers.
THE BOTTOM LINE
Although Seagate BlackArmor is difficult to use for networking novices, it is a good choice for small business and advanced users.
Seagate BlackArmor NAS 440 - NAS server, 4 TB, PC, Mac, RJ-45, 4 pin USB Type A, Hot-swap, Ethernet, Fast Ethernet, Gigabit Ethernet
THE GOOD
The Seagate BlackArmor offers fast throughput, hassle-free remote access, excellent backup solutions, and has many customization options. Also, its large amounts of storage; RAID 5, RAID 0, RAID 10, and Span support; toolless design; and great expandability will satisfy most small businesses.
THE BAD
The Seagate BlackArmor requires more than basic networking know-how to take advantage of its advanced features. Also, it lacks port aggregation, has scant instructions, and may not be compatible with some routers.
THE BOTTOM LINE
Although Seagate BlackArmor is difficult to use for networking novices, it is a good choice for small business and advanced users.
Wireless router, 6.9 in x 4.4 in x 1.2 in, Wired, Wireless, 150 Mbps, Ethernet, HTTP, External, 2.4 - 2.484 GHz
THE GOOD
The TP-Link TL-WR741ND Wireless Lite N Router offers good performance, a nice set of networking features, an easy-to-use Web interface, and a compact design.
THE BAD
The TP-Link TL-WR741ND Wireless Lite N Router's throughput caps at only 150Mbps. It doesn't have a USB port for external storage or print serving features.
THE BOTTOM LINE
The TP-Link TL-WR741ND Wireless Lite N Router makes a great entry-level Wireless-N router at an affordable price.
Netgear WNDR3700 RangeMax Dual Band Wireless-N Gigabit Router (Premium Edition)
EDITORS RATING
7.3
SPECS
Wireless router, 8.8 in x 6 in x 1.2 in, Wired, Wireless, Ethernet, HTTP, External, 1.1 lbs
THE GOOD
The Netgear WNDR3700 RangeMax Dual Band Wireless-N Gigabit Router supports true dual band, offers decent wireless performance, and has a useful set of networking features, including novelties such as a guest zone, network storage, and a traffic meter. Also, it's easy on the eyes and comes with an intuitive Web interface.
THE BAD
The Netgear WNDR3700 RangeMax Dual Band Wireless-N Gigabit Router's network storage performance is very slow and its 5Ghz performance is disappointing as well. Its Traffic Meter feature isn't as robust as we'd like.
THE BOTTOM LINE
The Netgear WNDR3700 RangeMax Dual Band Wireless-N Gigabit Router is a great dual-band router for networking enthusiasts who also want a quick and easy network storage solution.
Wireless router, 7 in x 5.1 in x 1.4 in, Wired, Wireless, Ethernet, HTTP, External, 2.4 GHz, 14.1 oz
THE GOOD
The Netgear Wireless-N Router WNR2000 offers decent throughput speeds, excellent range, is easy to use, and has an affordable price. It also comes with a free, comprehensive Parental Control feature.
THE BAD
The Netgear Wireless-N Router WNR2000 has no dual-band, Gigabit, USB, or Guest wireless features. Its Web interface is sluggish at times, and the Parental Control requires software installed on the computer to allow exceptions.
THE BOTTOM LINE
The Netgear Wireless-N Router WNR2000 is a no-frills budget wireless-N router, with excellent range and a handy and comprehensive Parental Control feature. It's a good fit for those who just need a simple wireless network and the ability to control access to the Internet.
Wireless router, 8 in x 6.3 in x 1.3 in, Wired, Wireless, Ethernet, HTTP, full-duplex, External, 2.4 GHz, 9.9 oz
THE GOOD
The Linksys WRT160N comes in a compact, sleek design. It sports an easy-to-use Web interface and offers a good set of networking features. Its included software is very helpful for setting it up with both Macs and PCs.
THE BAD
The Linksys WRT160N doesn't support the faster Gigabit standard for wired connection, nor does it have USB support.
THE BOTTOM LINE
The Linksys WRT160N Wireless-N broadband router has consistent performance, good range, a helpful software application, and a good set of networking features. Its lack of Gigabit and USB support are the only major knocks against it.
Wireless router, 8 in x 6.3 in x 1.3 in, Wired, Wireless, Ethernet, HTTP, External, 2.4 GHz, 13.4 oz
THE GOOD
The Linksys WRT160N comes in a compact, sleek design. It sports an easy-to-use Web interface and offers a good set of networking features. Its included software is very helpful for setting it up with both Macs and PCs.
THE BAD
The Linksys WRT160N doesn't support the faster Gigabit standard for wired connection, nor does it have USB support.
THE BOTTOM LINE
The Linksys WRT160N Wireless-N broadband router has consistent performance, good range, a helpful software application, and a good set of networking features. Its lack of Gigabit and USB support are the only major knocks against it.
The Verizon Wireless USB760 modem offers EV-DO Rev. A data speeds through Verizon's network. It also works with Mac and Linux systems and offers up to 8GB of storage.
THE BAD
No built-in GPS.
THE BOTTOM LINE
The Verizon Wireless USB760 modem offers great connection speeds and coverage, and it doubles as a storage device. However, its rigid, nonswivel design makes it difficult to use in tight situations.
Iomega StorCenter Ix2-200 Network Storage - NAS server, 4 TB, PC, Mac, RJ-45, 4 pin USB Type A, Removable, Ethernet, Hi-Speed USB, Fast Ethernet, Gigabit Ethernet
THE GOOD
The Iomega StorCenter ix2-200 NAS server has good performance; RAID configurations; easy-to-use Web-based interface; offers plenty of storage without breaking the bank.
THE BAD
The Iomega StorCenter ix2-200 NAS server's Web interface is sluggish at times. Its advanced features, such as self-downloading, IP camera support, and remote access, have limited functionality. It also runs hot.
THE BOTTOM LINE
The Iomega StorCenter ix2-200 NAS server makes a good, affordable backup and storage center for home and small office environments where only simple file sharing and data backup are needed. Keep looking for alternatives if you want more-advanced NAS features.
Iomega StorCenter Ix2-200 Network Storage - NAS server, 1 TB, PC, Mac, RJ-45, 4 pin USB Type A, Removable, Ethernet, Hi-Speed USB, Fast Ethernet, Gigabit Ethernet
THE GOOD
The Iomega StorCenter ix2-200 NAS server has good performance; RAID configurations; easy-to-use Web-based interface; offers plenty of storage without breaking the bank.
THE BAD
The Iomega StorCenter ix2-200 NAS server's Web interface is sluggish at times. Its advanced features, such as self-downloading, IP camera support, and remote access, have limited functionality. It also runs hot.
THE BOTTOM LINE
The Iomega StorCenter ix2-200 NAS server makes a good, affordable backup and storage center for home and small office environments where only simple file sharing and data backup are needed. Keep looking for alternatives if you want more-advanced NAS features.
Iomega StorCenter Ix2-200 Network Storage - NAS server, 2 TB, PC, Mac, RJ-45, 4 pin USB Type A, Removable, Ethernet, Hi-Speed USB, Fast Ethernet, Gigabit Ethernet
THE GOOD
The Iomega StorCenter ix2-200 NAS server has good performance; RAID configurations; easy-to-use Web-based interface; offers plenty of storage without breaking the bank.
THE BAD
The Iomega StorCenter ix2-200 NAS server's Web interface is sluggish at times. Its advanced features, such as self-downloading, IP camera support, and remote access, have limited functionality. It also runs hot.
THE BOTTOM LINE
The Iomega StorCenter ix2-200 NAS server makes a good, affordable backup and storage center for home and small office environments where only simple file sharing and data backup are needed. Keep looking for alternatives if you want more-advanced NAS features.
Seagate BlackArmor NAS 220 - NAS server, 4 TB, PC, Mac, RJ-45, 4 pin USB Type A, Standard, Ethernet, Fast Ethernet, Gigabit Ethernet
THE GOOD
The Seagate BlackArmor 220 offers decent throughput speed, easy-to-use remote access, and many customization options. The server supports RAID 1 and RAID 0 configurations and is compact.
THE BAD
The Seagate BlackArmor 220's hard drives are difficult to replace and more than basic networking know-how is required to use its advanced features.
THE BOTTOM LINE
The Seagate BlackArmor 220 is a good entry-level NAS server for small business and advanced users.
Seagate BlackArmor NAS 220 - NAS server, 2 TB, PC, Mac, RJ-45, 4 pin USB Type A, Standard, Ethernet, Fast Ethernet, Gigabit Ethernet
THE GOOD
The Seagate BlackArmor 220 offers decent throughput speed, easy-to-use remote access, and many customization options. The server supports RAID 1 and RAID 0 configurations and is compact.
THE BAD
The Seagate BlackArmor 220's hard drives are difficult to replace and more than basic networking know-how is required to use its advanced features.
THE BOTTOM LINE
The Seagate BlackArmor 220 is a good entry-level NAS server for small business and advanced users.
Wireless router, 4.6 in x 7.6 in x 1.2 in, Wired, Wireless, Ethernet, HTTP, External, 2.4 GHz, 11.2 oz
THE GOOD
D-Link Wireless N Router DIR-615 offers decent Wireless-N performance at a very affordable price. It also has a responsive and intuitive Web interface.
THE BAD
D-Link Wireless N Router DIR-615 lacks Gigabit Ethernet, USB ports, and its throughput speed and range could be better.
THE BOTTOM LINE
At a very affordable price, the D-Link Wireless N Router DIR-615 makes a great entry-level Wireless-N router and would satisfy most situations where a wireless network is needed.
The Sprint Novatel Wireless MiFi 2200 mobile router is an excellent mobile Internet solution for a single user or a group of up to five people. It's tiny and offers instant Wi-Fi Internet access and GPS point-of-interest function anywhere there's Sprint coverage.
THE BAD
The Sprint Novatel Wireless MiFi 2200 mobile has a few shortcomings, including support for only five clients at a time, the lack of support for the Wireless-N standard, and a limited and expensive data plan.
THE BOTTOM LINE
If you can afford the service plan and stay within the required data limits, the Sprint Novatel Wireless MiFi 2200 mobile router is a great way to access the Internet on the go.
Wireless router, 4.4 in x 5.8 in x 1.2 in, Wired, Wireless, Ethernet, HTTP, External, 2.4 GHz, 8 oz
THE GOOD
The D-Link Xtreme N Storage Router DIR-685 offers fast wireless performance, built-in network storage, photo frame, and a comprehensive set of networking features. Its Web interface is responsive and intuitive.
THE BAD
The D-Link Xtreme N Storage Router DIR-685 is a single-band router that's more expensive than most, if not all, true dual-band routers. Also, its front-panel LCD/photo frame is too small, the network storage performance is slow, and it doesn't include a hard drive.
THE BOTTOM LINE
The D-Link Xtreme N Storage Router DIR-685 is a very good single-band Wireless-N router; however, its extra features hardly justify the price.
The NetGear WNHDEB111 HD Gaming Wireless N Networking Kit offers configuration flexibility, good performance, and it's easy to use.
THE BAD
The NetGear WNHDEB111 HD Gaming Wireless N Networking Kit is much bulkier than similar devices and has only two built-in Ethernet ports.
THE BOTTOM LINE
The NetGear WNHDEB111 HD Gaming Wireless N Networking Kit is a good investment if you want to add a high-speed Wireless-N connection your HD video streamer or game console.
Wirelessly streams a PC's screen and audio to TVs; supports resolution up to 1,600x1,200 pixels; easy-to-use software.
THE BAD
Getting full-screen flash video to work was problematic; expensive; TVs without a VGA or DVI port will need additional adapters; complicated audio setup; won't work with CRT TVs; no Mac compatibility; no HDMI support out of box.
THE BOTTOM LINE
The IOGear Wireless Audio/Video Kit may be expensive, but once set up, it's one of the easiest ways to get your TV to work as your computer's monitor.
The iBoss Home Parental Control Wireless-N offers comprehensive parental control, stable performance, a responsive Web interface, and is housed in a compact design.
THE BAD
The iBoss Home Parental Control Wireless-N's throughput speed and range could be better. It lacks both Gigabit Ethernet and USB support as well as features commonly found in other Wireless-N routers. It requires an annual fee to use.
THE BOTTOM LINE
The iBoss Home Parental Control Wireless-N router offers the most comprehensive tool to manage access to the Internet. Beyond that, it's a rather simple router that requires an annual subscription fee to operate, therefore holding appeal only for those who want complete control over a network's online activities.
The T-Mobile WebConnect USB Laptop Stick offers tri-band 3G connectivity. You can also send/receive text messages from your PC and it also offers up to 8GB of storage via the microSD expansion slot.
THE BAD
The service plan is too expensive. It's not Mac compatible.
THE BOTTOM LINE
The T-Mobile WebConnect USB Laptop Stick works just fine as a cellular modem, but the service plan is priced too high.
Product Reviews
Gmail: A Bit Too Quirky
More Product Reviews >> 
