Apple MB763LL/A AirPort Extreme Dual-band Base Station Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Hi All,
True to my gadget envy, I acquired one of these dual band extreme base stations to see if they held up to the hype. Sure enough, Apple has improved an old mediocre product with a new more powerful hardware engine and improved software abilities.
Features:
802.11 A/B/G/N DUAL Band radios at 2.4ghz and 5ghz simultaneously.
Gigabit Ethernet ports 1x Wan and 3x Lan.
Guest wireless network.
Disk sharing via USB connected drive.
Access to shared disk via MobileMe (apple mobile me subscribers on os x).
The box comes with the router, the power cord, software cd, and documentation....limited documentation.
Time to test.
Setup: Setup of an apple base station is unlike any other in that you cannot access the setup portal via your web browser. You must install the Apple Airport utility (both mac and windows) in order to set the router up. The software is built very well and provides the typical ease of use known to MAC users. You simply walk through a setup wizard and define simple options for your internet connection, your wireless network, etc, etc. NOTE: When setting up your wireless networks you are able to hit the options button so that you can define a 5ghz network as well (example, main wireless network called wifi, the 5ghz is called wifi (5ghz)). Very easy to setup and get going. You are also able to easily define a SECURED (wpa/wpa2) guest wireless network....which simply means that if you have a visitor they can use wi-fi but not get to any of the computers on your home network. Very Secure....and a great feature to boot.
I was using the old Apple Base Station and kept switching between it and a d-link wireless n router.... I got one of these primarily due to dual band and guest access.
Yes, there are other routers out there that can do this for a bit of a lower cost...but the elegance of the Apple Airport Utility make this a router that can be setup without too much hassle. The software will also identify problems in the setup and have you correct them before it uploads them to the router. These abilities alone make this a router for the non-geeks to be able to setup a robust networking environment at home.
Wireless: As I mentioned before, I am comparing this to an older model apple base station that was single band and worked in the N range. Also compared this against a D-Link DIR-655 which is a 2.4ghz Wireless N router. The section on speed below will detail my wireless experience.
Speed: I have Comcast cable modem service which gives me about 15-25mbps down and 2mbps up....I live in an area where there are probably 5-10 subscribers...so my speed is generally GREAT and never experiences a slow down. The first thing I do when I play with a new router is do a speed test....the new base station is comparable to the others and gets the same exact download/upload speeds over ethernet. There is one exception....using the wireless on this unit yielded BETTER results then the older model and the d-link. Normally when doing a speed test over wireless I get about 12-15mbps and 2mbps up....with this router I was able to successfully hit the 20mbps mark and 2mbps UP. WIN WIN!!!! So I figured that this may be an anomaly and thus proceeded to test a download from Microsoft - a 3.4gb file - which normally downloads anywhere between 900kpbs and 1.2mbps. Surprise.....with the new base station I stayed at 1.3mbps and it did not hiccup even once. The same was true when downloading via a wireless connection, albeit the speed was 1.0mbps....faster then I have ever gotten before. WIN WIN again!
Disk Sharing - Not much to be said here...I attached a Western Digital USB hard drive 320gb and shared it. You simply go into the Airport Utility software and setup sharing of the hard drive and define which password should be used. You can either use the password for the router or setup a separate password to use with Disk Sharing. Speed is dependent upon wired or wireless. I tested while transferring 3 files...one was 2mb one was 100mb and one was a 2.5gb file. The two mb file of course went over before I could blink...the 100mb transferred over in about 3-4 minutes...the 2.5gb took about 15 minutes. The first transfer test was with ETHERNET connectivity. I did the same tests over wireless and found that the times doubled...naturally since wireless is a bit slower I expected that and had no issue with the times.
Mobile-Me - I have not tested the mobile me features just yet but will be testing them in the days ahead and post my results here.
So far I feel this router has hit perfection and will now find a permanent spot in my home...at least until something better hits.
Please do leave me comments with suggestions on the review and or any questions you may have.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Apple MB763LL/A AirPort Extreme Dual-band Base Station

The sleek, easy-to-use AirPort Extreme Base Station with simultaneous dual-band support is the perfect wireless access point for home, school, or small business. It offers fast, 802.11n Wi-Fi access for Mac computers, PCs, and Wi-Fi devices such as iPhone, iPod touch, and Apple TV.

Click here for more information about Apple MB763LL/A AirPort Extreme Dual-band Base Station

Read More...

Digicom Digital Camera Accessory Kit Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)The bag is great (not sure if it's waterproof), the lens cleaner works well, and the AC adapter is useful. However, I think the rechargeably batteries are not really good -- they never seem to fully charge. I got it for a great price though, so I won't complain too much

Click Here to see more reviews about: Digicom Digital Camera Accessory Kit

The Digicom Digital Camera Accessory Kit is a complete pack that includes many of the most useful accessories for your digital camera. The carrying case is made of durable, shock-proof, water-resistant material and comes complete with a shoulder strap and handle. Also included in the kit is a lightweight Digicom battery charger that can charge two to four AA batteries simultaneously, and four 1600 mAh nickel metal hydride batteries. These high performance batteries are environmentally safe and can be recharged up to 1200 times. An AC adapter, allowing you to power up your camera from any electrical 110/220-volt outlet worldwide, and a lens cleaning kit, round out the accessories of this full-featured and convenient kit.
What's in the Box AC Adapter, battery charger, four rechargeable batteries, carrying case, and lens cleaning kit.

Get 88% OFF

Click here for more information about Digicom Digital Camera Accessory Kit

Read More...

Belkin F5C895-TEL SurgeMaster II Gold 8-Outlet Surge Protector Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I purchased this "protector" over a year ago from a local office store because it was on sale. Recently I submitted a loss to Belkin due to a power surge resulting from a lightning storm at my home office. This product guarantees replacement at an "Unlimited Amount!" I now know, after experiencing Belkin's claim/customer service, how they can make that promise. It's quite simple to make empty statements. In fact, they should add, "Comes with a FREE CAR!" because Belkin's response to my claim, via a pattern letter, was "there is no physical information to support your connected equipment warranty claim with Belkin Corporation."
I had 3 components plugged into this suppressor. Belkin failed to protect 2 of the 3. So I'm left with a $... loss, including the original surge protector purchase. That's right, you mail the surge protector to Belkin, so they can evaluate their product, and they don't even send you a replacement! Not that I'd use it because their product does not work. How do I know with certainty that their product doesn't work? On the same date of the loss I had, APC products protected 17 of 18 items in my home office. My only APC loss was a 27" TV. Also, when I contacted APC regarding my claim, I spoke to a person, and I had a replacement suppressor arrive at my home within 3 days. In contrast, when I contacted Belkin regarding my loss, after a phone maze, at my cost (no 800 number for claimants) I was directed to the Internet to file my claim. Two weeks later I get a pattern letter from Belkin denying any product failure on their part.
Bottom line APC had better products, and provides better service. I strongly recommend you look elsewhere for a surge protection.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Belkin F5C895-TEL SurgeMaster II Gold 8-Outlet Surge Protector

Click here for more information about Belkin F5C895-TEL SurgeMaster II Gold 8-Outlet Surge Protector

Read More...

NETGEAR WMB521NA 802.11b Wireless Kit for Notebooks Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I have to say, I was a little concerned about this product after reading about some of the difficulties other buyers have experienced. I was also a bit nervous about installing it myself, since I am not what you would call a computer expert.
From Day One after installing it, though, I have been impressed. It gets fantastic range throughout my entire house, even through walls and heavy, metal objects. Signal strength on my computers is almost always between 90-100%, and has NEVER dipped below 73%.
As for the network installation itself, it was easy and took a total of about an hour (and that includes installation and configuration of wireless cards on 2 computers).
And you can't beat the price on this thing. I highly recommend this and other Netgear wireless network products.

Click Here to see more reviews about: NETGEAR WMB521NA 802.11b Wireless Kit for Notebooks

NETGEAR's Wireless Router and PC Card Kit offers the speeds of 802.11b and the convenience of a getting a NETGEAR Wireless Router (MR814) and Wireless PC Card (MA521) at the same time. Our standards-based 802.11b wireless products allow you to be connected to your network through your notebook PC from just about anywhere in your home or office. These easy-to-install, 11 Mbps, 2.4 GHz wireless products give you an always on, always connected wireless network.NETGEAR's MR814 Wireless Router, winner of Cnet's Editor's Choice award, is an easy-to-use device that comes with four wired ports for connecting any combination of four computers or printers. You can also connect up to sixteen users wirelessly using 802.11b or 802.11g clients. With the MR814, you can share one broadband connection for high-speed Web surfing and file sharing. And Setup is quick and easy with NETGEAR's Smart Wizard you'll be up and running in fewer than five clicks. With its best-in-class security features the MR814 monitors user activity with logging and e-mail alerts, and provides URL filtering controls.

Get 67% OFF

Click here for more information about NETGEAR WMB521NA 802.11b Wireless Kit for Notebooks

Read More...

Airlink 101 Super G Wireless Router Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I purchased this router like others, on a whim from a box store. I figured I would use it more as a hub then a router. I am pleased to say it works fine as a hub, but that's where the good news ends. As a router, this thing sucks.
The firmware needed an update from the start, and the signal is far too weak to be useful to anyone. You would need to upgrade the antenna (and that would cost as much, if not more than the $20 the unit cost me.)
Save your money and get either a Linksys or DLink rather then this garbage.


Click Here to see more reviews about: Airlink 101 Super G Wireless Router

Click here for more information about Airlink 101 Super G Wireless Router

Read More...

Tripp Lite AVBAR10 Isobar Audio Video Surge Protector 10 Outlet Tel/Coax 8 feet Cord Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Bought to replace previous (At least 15 year old) Tripp Lite unit, which has been repurposed elsewhere in the house. Not one complaint, never had an issue with any Tripp Lite PDUs. Keep putting out great product!

Click Here to see more reviews about: Tripp Lite AVBAR10 Isobar Audio Video Surge Protector 10 Outlet Tel/Coax 8 feet Cord

Protect your valuable home theater components from damage and performance problems with Tripp Lite's AVBAR10 Platinum Series Isobar A/V Surge Suppressor. In one compact, cost-effective unit, the AVBAR10 provides comprehensive protection for small to medium A/V installations and all electronics. It features exclusive isolated filter banks and EMI/RFI line noise filtering to eliminate interference between electronic components, ensuring peak audio/video performance. The AVBAR10 also features a high 3384-joule surge suppression rating--more joules mean more protection. A total of 10 AC outlets provide the capacity you need to protect all your components. Three-line 2.2 GHz gold coaxial surge protection, single-line RJ11 tel/modem surge protection and single-line RJ45 Ethernet protection safeguard every incoming line through which a damaging surge could reach your equipment. The AVBAR10 comes with $500,000 Ultimate Lifetime Insurance protection for connected equipment and a lifetime product warranty.


Key Features
Premium Protection for Home/Business Theater Installations and More The AVBAR10 offers premium surge protection and performance enhancement for A/V components, PCs, peripheral devices and all electronics. It provides a total of 10 AC outlets, arranged to accommodate up to 4 bulky transformers without blocking remaining outlets. Outlets are color-coded to identify component connections. The AVBAR10 also features a durable all-metal case, an eight-foot cord enabling connection to a distant wall outlet, and a space-saving right-angle plug that allows furniture to be placed flush against the wall. The case is equipped with keyhole mounting tabs to facilitate permanent installation on or under shelves, on walls, etc. Included outlet covers (set of four) can be used to safeguard unused outlets.

Improved Component Performance Various electrical and radio sources can cause disruptive interference on the AC line. This line noise is a common cause of incremental hardware damage, data corruption and audio/video performance problems. The AVBAR10 incorporates exclusive Isobar technology, including isolated filter banks, to eliminate interference between connected components, plus full EMI/RFI line noise filtering, to ensure peak audio and video performance.

Powerful AC Line Surge Suppression A single power surge has the potential to seriously damage or destroy sensitive A/V components. Even a minor surge can cause incremental damage that degrades performance and shortens component lifespans. The AVBAR10 features the highest surge protection rating in its class--3384 joules of surge suppression to prevent even the strongest surges from damaging your valuable electronics.

Protection on Every Connection In addition to AC line protection, the AVBAR10 includes built-in RJ11 jacks to prevent surges from damaging your modem/fax/phone equipment (six-foot telephone cord included), built-in RJ45 jacks to prevent surges from damaging 10BT equipment on Ethernet and other network connections (six-foot network cable included) and built-in gold Type F coax jacks to prevent surges from damaging your cable/satellite equipment. (Digital broadband quality accommodates 2.2GHz bandwidth; six-foot coax cable included.)

Built-In Diagnostic Capabilities Three diagnostic LEDs (GROUNDED, PROTECTED & POWER) show power and protection status. An illuminated master switch provides one-touch power control over all components.

Ultimate Peace of Mind The AVBAR10 comes with a lifetime product warranty plus $500,000 Ultimate Lifetime Insurance (USA/Canada only) covering connected components against surge damage--for life.

AVBAR10 Specifications
Voltage compatibility: 120 VAC Frequency compatibility: 50/60 Hz Output watts: 1440 Output volt amp capacity (amps): 12 Overload protection:15-amp circuit breaker AC suppression rating (joules): 3384 Outlet quantity/type: 10 x 5-15R Signal line protection: RJ11 tel/modem jacks (1 set); RJ45 network/Ethernet jacks (1 set); 2.2 GHz gold coaxial jacks (3 sets) Input cord: 8 ft. Input plug: 5-15P right-angle Switches/LEDs/alarms: On/Off power/circuit breaker switch; 3 diagnostic LEDs Dimensions (HWD): 2.3 x 14.2 x 3.5 in. Weight: 3.5 lbs. Material of construction: Metal Agency approvals: UL 1449, UL 1663, UL497A; FCC Part 68 / Industrie Canada (telecom); RoHS

How Much Protection Do You Need?
Tripp Lite A/V UPS Systems, Power Centers and Surge Suppressors are available with a wide range of features to provide reliable, cost-effective power protection and performance enhancement for home and business audio/video systems of all sizes.

SMART1500LCD Digital UPS System Advanced automatic voltage regulation and battery backup protection for PCs, A/V components and all electronics. The SMART1500LCD provides 1500VA/900W power capacity with 8 UPS-supported outlets plus single-line tel/DSL/Ethernet protection. A large illuminated LCD display shows power and UPS operating conditions in real time. One USB port and one DB9 port with included cables and PowerAlert monitoring software enable safe unattended system shutdown and file saves. The SMART1500LCD supports entry-level PCs for up to 75 minutes during power failures. $250,000 Ultimate Lifetime Insurance (USA/Canada only); 3-year product warranty.

HT2210ISOCTR Isobar Audio/Video Power Center Best for flat-panel TVs. This low-profile power center features a 5100-joule surge protection rating, all-metal housing, detachable eight-foot and 18-inch cords with right-angle plugs, 2 AC outlets, single-line 2.2 GHz gold coaxial and RJ45 network/Ethernet protection, remote AC/DC control jack, $100,000 Ultimate Lifetime Insurance coverage for connected equipment (USA/Canada only) and lifetime product warranty.

HT810ISOCTR Isobar Audio/Video Power Center Best for medium to large A/V installations. This 1U rack/console component power center features a 5700-joule surge protection rating, 8 AC outlets, 2 isolated filter banks, 3-line HD-compatible 2.2 GHz bandwidth gold coaxial surge protection, single-line RJ11 tel/modem surge protection with built-in splitter, 10-foot power cord with right-angle plug, $100,000 Ultimate Lifetime Insurance and lifetime product warranty.

ISOBAR6DBS Isobar Audio/Video Surge Suppressor Best for small to medium A/V installations. This all-metal surge suppressor features a 2850-joule surge protection rating, 6 outlets, 2 isolated filter banks, 2-line gold coaxial surge protection, single-line RJ11 tel/modem surge protection, 6-foot power cord with right-angle plug, $250,000 Ultimate Lifetime Insurance and lifetime product warranty.

TLP810NET Protect It. A/V Surge Suppressor Economical protection for A/V components and all electronics. This surge suppressor features a high-impact plastic housing, 3240-joule surge protection rating, 8 outlets with built-in safety covers, single-line gold coaxial surge protection, 2-line RJ11 tel/modem surge protection and single-line RJ45 network/Ethernet surge protection, 10-foot power cord with right-angle plug, $250,000 Ultimate Lifetime Insurance and lifetime product warranty.

What's in the Box AVBAR10 Platinum Series Isobar A/V Surge Suppressor, Six-foot Coaxial Cable, Six-foot Network Cable, Six-foot Phone Cord, Owner's Manual With Warranty Information

Click here for more information about Tripp Lite AVBAR10 Isobar Audio Video Surge Protector 10 Outlet Tel/Coax 8 feet Cord

Read More...

Plugable 2 Port SuperSpeed USB 3.0 ExpressCard Adapter (NEC/Renesas Chipset) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)This device emits a high pitched beep when you plug it in. You must plug the device into the express card and then also plug in another USB port to provide additional power. It took a long time to get set-up and I have only been seeing speeds of about 20 MB/s

Click Here to see more reviews about: Plugable 2 Port SuperSpeed USB 3.0 ExpressCard Adapter (NEC/Renesas Chipset)

Get 49% OFF

Click here for more information about Plugable 2 Port SuperSpeed USB 3.0 ExpressCard Adapter (NEC/Renesas Chipset)

Read More...