 |
D-Link Airplus G DWL-G122
by Bellroyd
Whilst I am moderately proficient at using them, I confess to not knowing much about how computers work. However, I am happy to take advice from those whose opinion I trust.
When first setting up my internet connection at the current house, I received as part of the deal from my ISP both a wireless router and this USB wireless ... adaptor. They each came separately boxed and first priority was given to setting up the laptop, which all went well.
Our other older computer is little used and it was only a few months later that we investigated our options for also getting on-line on this one. This was important as I was spending more time at home and was using the laptop more, whilst my wife waited her turn. She didn't like that.
I asked a computer nerd friend what I would need and he told me that a dongle thingy would do the job. Ah -I think I've got one of those, says I and showed him, whereupon he took it from me and set the whole thing up for me. Everyone needs a friend like that.
The box contains the USB dongle itself, plus the installation CD plus a holder and cable, all of which fit neatly into cardboard slots within the inner packaging. Also included is a little booklet detailing installation instructions in umpteen languages.
The box outer includes a little diagram - useful for challenged people like me - showing your network set-up and showing how with one of these little beauties, it can talk to your wireless router and get you connected! It's magic, by which I mean that I don't understand these things.
It provides wireless access for Notebook or Desktop PCs and has a High Speed USB 2.0 interface. It will give you up to 54Mbps and is 802.11b/g compatible. It supports the WPA and WA2 wireless security. It works with Mac OS X, Linux and Windows.
It suggests that you can connect at up to 100m. Although I have never tried this, I am always dubious abut these claims and it does give itself a little wriggle room by saying that "environmental factors may adversely affect range"(!) That said, it manages the 20 feet or so it has to travel between our two set-ups and I have never had any connection issues.
I have always had trouble-free operation and the little sit-in cradle is very handy to have if you have signal issues as it gives you some flexibility to position the unit where it will receive the best signal.
The unit is made in China and didn't cost me anything as it came with the free router. It is available from a number of outlets at less than £20.00.
I can't fault it, so I feel obliged to give it 5 dooyoo stars
Significance of The Headline?...... Well, having once been a schoolboy back in the days of short pants when the world only came in black and white, I remember snigggering at this rhyme....
Do your dingles dangle in the dirt?
If so, try new Maxwell's Kna**er Lacquer
And add a lustre to your cluster!
The mistake I made at the time was reciting this to my Dad who gave me a thick ear for being rude. I guess I deserved it.
Read the complete review |
 |
D-Link Wireless N ADSL2+ 4-port Modem Router DSL-2740R
by chickiepoo
I have now had the d-link 2740r for roughly 3 months now, since I joined talk talk for my broadband. So now I will tell you about the router in as much detail as possible.
The box
-------------
The box is pure black. On the front is a sticker, which I assume is put on by your broadband supplier as it has your network ... name and your wireless password typed onto it. You need this password to set up any other wireless network, for example a laptop, or on your mobile phone, I have done this on my mobile phone and it does work perfectly with it.
On the back of the box it shows you how to set the box up and what each light on the front means. On the front you have your power button, 4 LAN lights, WLAN light, a DSL light and your Internet light. All of these lights that are on, if all in working order should be solid green, if you have one that is red then you have a problem.
Towards the rear of the box, you have 3 aerials, which should all be kept upright for a better signal. Then you have your reset button, I have never had to use this as I haven't had any problems with it, but if by chance you do ever need to reset it, you will need to use a pin, or the end of a ball point pen as you cant reset it otherwise, I find this good as it means you cant reset it by accident just by touching the box. Then you have where your power leas goes, this needs to be plugged into the back of your modem, then into a plug socket to get power to the box. Then you have 4 LAN sockets you can plug your Ethernet cable into anyone of these sockets or can use up to all 4 if you have multiple computers and the other end needs to be plugged into the back of your computer. Then you have where your phone cable is plugged into also, that needs to be also plugged into your phone box to give you your Internet. There is a power button too, to switch the power off your modem, which I have had to do occasionally if my Internet went funny.
My opinion
----------------
Well so far the box has never had any problems with it, if I have ever had problems it has been with my Internet supplier and not the router. I didn't have to buy this box as it came free with my Internet, but if I did have to buy a replacement box I would purchase one of these. It seems quite durable as at one time it was on the floor at the side of my computer and it did get stood on quite a few times, and there is no damage to it at all, not even a scratch. It's even had coffee spilt on it and still no problems. I would definitely recommend getting one of these boxes as in 3 months and a lot of possible damage it still works perfectly.
On ciao under kineticspade
Read the complete review |
|
|
D-Link DSL 2640B ADSL2/2+ Modem with Wireless Router
by Bellroyd
For some time I have remained faithful to my long standing internet service provider - one of the lesser known organisations who were originally recommended to me.
As part of the package I received a free router and wireless USB adaptor - nothing new there. However, having only had dial-up prior to this and after delaying ... broadband due to an impending house move, I was just thankful to accept the gear and get started.
I am not a techie - as will become obvious during this review - and I struggled a bit with getting this router set up. At first I thought it was just me, but a more clued up neighbour was also perplexed. The instructions were confusing and the helpline was not helping, but this latter point is a reflection of the ISP rather than this router.
Eventually, I got it up and running but suffered continuing problems with service dropping out on a frequent basis. Then came the familiar scenario when you get batted backwards and forward between ISP and BT.
Eventually after lots of moaning and diagnostic work, the ISP agreed to provide a replacement unit, which they duly did. I was dreading going through the set-up again. As it happened as soon as I plugged it in, the replacement unit started to smoke and then I heard a quiet pop and I was effectively snookered without any kind of service capability.
I was rather upset with the ISP; however, over time I became convinced that the root of the problem lay in a poor quality and unreliable router. This view was reinforced when I shared my issues with others.
Within 2 days I received a further replacement and everything was fine for a while. More recently it has started to malfunction again and particularly when the unit has been switched on for several hours.
Fortunately I am almost at the end of my deal with the ISP and in view of the problems I have had with all 3 routers I have had, I will be changing service providers this time.
Wise after the event, I will be seeking to ensure that anything billed as free does not ultimately come at a price. When you rely on the internet, you don't half miss it when it's not there.
I couldn't recommend this router and would advise dooyooers to get qualified help when they need a new router. It may well be better to upgrade to a better router rather than take what is often a lesser performing model.
Read the complete review |
