M
MichaelSullivan
Guest
I was considering the AExtreme, but after reading the reviews on CNet, no way. My Local CompUSA had all the powerbooks hooked up to both AExtreme AND a Belkin from a distance of not more than 10 feet. I frequently was dropped from the AExtreme, and even though it showed 3 or 4 bars, safari had trouble connecting. Switch to the Belkin, and a major difference... no drops, full 5 bars, easy surfing with no problems. Switching to and from the Belkin? No problem, I was surfing instantly. Switching to and from the AExtreme? Nearly a problem every time, and in many cases it showed that I was connected to the AE, even though safari refused to connect.
So then, I'm thinking... how is the AExpress, which got good ratings? No way because I can get a Belkin Pre-N router, which has better ratings & range than both, for the price of an AExpress.
AExtreme: $199 http://reviews.cnet.com/Apple_AirPort_Extreme_base_station_wireless_access_point/4505-3245_7-20852329.html
Editors' rating:6.9 Fair
Average user rating:7.6 Good (from 20 users)
The good:Excellent performance in an 802.11g-only network at close range; attractive design; solid security; allows network bridging.
The baderformance drops in mixed-mode (802.11b and 802.11g) environment; has a short range; weak tech support; only two Ethernet ports; doesn't include an Ethernet cable.
The bottom line:The AirPort Extreme performs well in a close-knit 802.11g network, but it's not fast enough in mixed mode to warrant upgrading.
AExpress: $119 http://reviews.cnet.com/Apple_AirPort_Express_Base_Station_with_AirTunes/4505-3304_7-30910240.html
Editors' rating:8.1 Very good
Average user rating:Be one of the first to rate this product!
The good:Windows and Apple compatible; works as a USB print server; streams digital music via iTunes; excellent performance; WDS capable.
The bad:No browser-based configuration; no SPI firewall; lacks configurable port filtering; no built-in interface for audio control.
What's it for:Adding Wi-Fi to a wired network, bridging two LANs, repeating Wi-Fi signals, printing over a network, and streaming digital audio with iTunes.
Who's it for:iTunes/iPod fans interested in setting up or adding onto an existing wireless network.
Business use:File sharing and network printing.
Essential extras:A wireless adapter for your computer.
The bottom line:This is among the best compact wireless-networking devices available.
Belkin Pre-N: $118 http://reviews.cnet.com/Belkin_Wireless_Pre_N_router/4505-3319_7-30993672.html
Editors' rating:8.4 Very good
Average user rating:
The good:Fast; great range; simple setup; includes software for both Windows and Mac.
The badricey; requires MIMO adapter to achieve its full potential.
What's it for:Setting up a wireless network.
Who's it for:Those looking for a long-range wireless solution, say, someone with a big house or a large office.
Business use:Sharing an Internet connection; standard file and printer sharing.
Essential extras:You'll need Belkin's Pre-N PC Card adapter to take full advantage of the router's range.
The bottom line:If you're looking for a router with great range, this is it.
So then, I'm thinking... how is the AExpress, which got good ratings? No way because I can get a Belkin Pre-N router, which has better ratings & range than both, for the price of an AExpress.
AExtreme: $199 http://reviews.cnet.com/Apple_AirPort_Extreme_base_station_wireless_access_point/4505-3245_7-20852329.html
Editors' rating:6.9 Fair
Average user rating:7.6 Good (from 20 users)
The good:Excellent performance in an 802.11g-only network at close range; attractive design; solid security; allows network bridging.
The baderformance drops in mixed-mode (802.11b and 802.11g) environment; has a short range; weak tech support; only two Ethernet ports; doesn't include an Ethernet cable.
The bottom line:The AirPort Extreme performs well in a close-knit 802.11g network, but it's not fast enough in mixed mode to warrant upgrading.
AExpress: $119 http://reviews.cnet.com/Apple_AirPort_Express_Base_Station_with_AirTunes/4505-3304_7-30910240.html
Editors' rating:8.1 Very good
Average user rating:Be one of the first to rate this product!
The good:Windows and Apple compatible; works as a USB print server; streams digital music via iTunes; excellent performance; WDS capable.
The bad:No browser-based configuration; no SPI firewall; lacks configurable port filtering; no built-in interface for audio control.
What's it for:Adding Wi-Fi to a wired network, bridging two LANs, repeating Wi-Fi signals, printing over a network, and streaming digital audio with iTunes.
Who's it for:iTunes/iPod fans interested in setting up or adding onto an existing wireless network.
Business use:File sharing and network printing.
Essential extras:A wireless adapter for your computer.
The bottom line:This is among the best compact wireless-networking devices available.
Belkin Pre-N: $118 http://reviews.cnet.com/Belkin_Wireless_Pre_N_router/4505-3319_7-30993672.html
Editors' rating:8.4 Very good
Average user rating:
The good:Fast; great range; simple setup; includes software for both Windows and Mac.
The badricey; requires MIMO adapter to achieve its full potential.
What's it for:Setting up a wireless network.
Who's it for:Those looking for a long-range wireless solution, say, someone with a big house or a large office.
Business use:Sharing an Internet connection; standard file and printer sharing.
Essential extras:You'll need Belkin's Pre-N PC Card adapter to take full advantage of the router's range.
The bottom line:If you're looking for a router with great range, this is it.