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The Linksys Wireless-G broadband router is really three devices in one box. First, it's a wireless access point, which lets you connect Wireless-G or Wireless-B devices to the network. There's also a built-in four-port full-duplex 10/100 switch to connect your wired-Ethernet devices. Connect four PCs directly, or daisy-chain out to more hubs and switches to create as big a network as you need. Finally, the router function ties it all together and lets your whole network share a high-speed cable or DSL Internet connection.
To protect your data and privacy, the Wireless-G broadband router can encrypt all wireless transmissions, and it supports the industrial-strength wireless security of 802.1x authentication and authorization. The router can serve as a DHCP server, has NAT technology to protect against Internet intruders, supports VPN pass-through, and can be configured to filter internal users' access to the Internet. Configuration is a snap with the Web browser-based configuration utility.
With the Linksys Wireless-G broadband router at the center of your home or office network, you can share a high-speed Internet connection, files, printers, and multiplayer games with the flexibility, speed, and security you need!
Wireless-G is the 54 Mbps wireless networking standard that's more than four times faster than the widely deployed Wireless-B (802.11b) products found in homes, businesses, and public wireless hotspots around the country. But since they share the same 2.4 GHz radio band, Wireless-G devices can also interoperate with existing 11 Mbps Wireless-B equipment.
Because both standards are built-in, you can protect your investment in existing 802.11b infrastructure, and migrate to the new screaming-fast Wireless-G standard as your needs grow.
For more information on the differences between an access point and a router with access point, see the following table:
See a comparison diagram of the different wireless technologies.
Wireless networks are rapidly becoming more popular and coming down in price. Since they don't require cables, you can use the devices anywhere in an office or home, even out on the patio. There's no need to roll out an Ethernet network cable to each room of a house; you can network anywhere--without wires. Outside the home, wireless networking is available in hotspots at coffee shops, businesses, and airports--great when you're on the road and need to get some work done. For convenience, wireless networking is the answer.
Which Wireless Standard Is Right for Me? Now that you've decided to create a wireless network, the next step is to figure out which wireless standard to use.
Basically, a standard is a set of specifications for a device. All devices that follow a specific standard share operating characteristics, such as the radio frequency used and maximum data transfer speed.
For wireless networking, there are three standards to choose from at this time:
802.11b
802.11a
802.11g
To learn about the differences between the standards and select the right one for your network, click here for an easy-to-understand chart.
Customer Review: It works.
It seems like other reviewers either love or hate this router, but I thought I'd throw in my two cents. I had a very simple purpose for this router, connecting two laptops wirelessly to a high-speed cable modem. I was terrified to even begin the install procedure because I've had such trouble with wireless networking products in the past, both from Linksys and other companies. But, I must say, the technology is finally easy to use! The install CD did it's thing, I picked a wep key during install, put it in my other laptop, and literally within 5 minutes both were up and running. Beautiful!
Granted, my requirements were very simple. My condolences to those with more involved wireless networks. I may have to update this review when I buy my new laptop or desktop in the near future, as well as try to hook up my printer wirelessly.
Also, I'll second anyone who says how much Linksys tech support sucks.
LINKSYS WRT54GS -- The Wireless-G Broadband Router with SpeedBooster is really three devices in one box. First, there's the Wireless Access Point, which lets you connect Wireless-G, Wireless-B, and other performance-enhanced SpeedBooster devices to the network. There's also a built-in 4-port full-duplex 10/100 Switch to connect your wired-Ethernet devices together. Finally, the Router function ties it all together and lets your whole network share a high-speed cable or DSL Internet connection. Easy configuration with web browser based configuration utility Linksys Parental Control Service (free trial included) keeps your family safe on the Internet, setting profiles for time-of-day and day-of-week access restrictions, and controlling which of 16 content categories each family member is allowed to see Also includes email & instant messaging filters
Customer Review: Experienced user finds no fault
Easy to install, online support was excellent. This thing smokes the last router I used. I won't name the other brand, but it was Gear I bought on the Net. The Linksys product is faster, it doesn't overheat and more importantly has not had one service interuption in 10 days. The old product radiated enough heat to warm your hands and I lost internet service 8 to 10 times daily.
The WRT54G Wireless-G Broadband Router puts you onboard for the newest wireless networking standard. Wireless-G is 54Mbps wireless networking that's almost five times as fast as the widely deployed Wireless-B (802.11b) products found in homes & businesses. They can interoperate with existing 802.11b equipment, making them more flexible thanother networks. The built-in 4-port full-duplex 10/100 connects 4 PCs directly and lets you daisy-chain out to more hubs and switches for as big a network as you need. To protect your data and privacy, the Wireless-G Broadband Router can encode all wireless transmissions using 128-bit WEP encryption. The powerful Stateful Packet Inspection firewall will defend against most Internet attacks.
Customer Review: Signal Issues
I purchased this to replace an older "B" standard router and ended up returning it because the range wasn't very good. I had the router upstairs and was getting poor or no signal downstairs. I never had any signal problems with my old router. This product might be ok if you live in an apartment or one story house. It is compact and looks good.
D-LINK DI-624 - The D-Link AirPlus Xtreme G DI-624 Wireless Router is ideal for those creating their first wireless network, and for more advanced users seeking additional management settings and policy based content filtering. Filters can be set based on MAC address, IP address, URL and/or Domain Name. Allows pass-through of multiple concurrent IPSec and PPTP VPN sessions Dimensions - 1.3H x 6.5W x 9.25D; weighs about 2 pounds 3 year warranty Product is Firmware upgradeable for updates via D-Link (requires product registration)
Customer Review: Broken
Reboots itself if too much data is transferred.
"too much" for me consisted of one SSH session and one World of Warcraft session, so I couldn't do work while my roommate was playing world of warcraft. This is obviously unacceptable.
Netgear WGR614 802.11g Wireless Router with 4-Port Switch - The amount of homes with high-speed Internet access and multiple computers is growing steadily. Wouldn't it be nice to share that high-speed Internet connection with all of the computers in your home? Wouldn't it be great to also share files between your computers? And wouldn't it be amazing if you could do all of that wirelessly!? Well you can, with this 802.11g Wireless Router. Just add optional 802.11g, or 802.11b, adapters to each computer, connect your modem, run through the easy installation process, and you're ready to go. It even supports the slower 802.11b wireless protocol for increased compatibility. VPN pass-through
Customer Review: Easy hook up for a technologically illiterate person
I found the software that was provided to show installation was very easy to understand and I have not had any problems. I connected it to a computer in the basement and I can use it on the first floor wih an excellent connection. Very good connection on 2nd floor. I have a very good connection outside in my front and back yards.
For the ultimate in wireless freedom, look no further than the Plantronics Voyager 510 Bluetooth Headset, which represents a generational leap in Bluetooth headset technology. The 510 is comfortable and light enough for all day wear, and it offers unprecedented clarity and sound quality. These are great features, but the real revolution involves Plantronics' exclusive "Multipoint" technology, which allows the headset to function as a powerful communication solution for up to two Bluetooth devices.
With Multipoint technology you can switch between your voice-enabled Bluetooth mobile phone, PDA or laptop. The headset's "smart" technology knows which device you are using and allows you to take calls from any device at the touch of a button. With the optional Plantronics Bluetooth Deskphone Adapter you can even switch between your office phone and your Bluetooth mobile phone. You'll never need to use a dedicated "landline" phone headset again.
The 510 features a noise-canceling microphone for clearer conversations, and it folds for easy storage. The boom also swivels for perfect positioning on either ear. One-touch call control buttons are placed for easy access, and you can easily redial the last number dialed and initiate voice-activated calls from the headset. Because the 510 is Bluetooth-enabled (it supports the Bluetooth 1.2 specification) you can roam up to 33 feet from your Bluetooth device. Meanwhile, the 510 supports adaptive frequency hopping (AFH) which helps avoid interference from wi-fi networks. Ample talk time is provided by the built-in rechargeable battery; you'll get up to 6 hours talk time and up to 100 hours of standby time.
Customer Review: We all love it!
This headset is fantastic. It's light - (sometimes I forget I'm wearing it and put house phone to the same ear) the sound quality is great, it's loud enough, the noise cancellation works so well I am able to take a call in a loud restaurant without having to leave the room. It's easy to use, and everyone in the family would rather use it than our regular phone. I wear it all the time when driving or working around the house, and often keep it on most of the day at work. The price is quite reasonable, especially if you get it in conjunction with an Amazon credit card, when it's almost free!
Get ready for affordable wireless freedom with the Logitech Mobile Express Bluetooth headset. At a price that's right, plus comfort and high performance, this is a great choice for professionals on the go, or for anyone who wants to enjoy the advantages of a stylish wireless headset.
The Mobile Express headset is designed for total ease of use. Advanced phone features like voice dialing, redial, mute, and call end/answer/reject are available at your fingertips. Soft-touch controls on the headset also allow you to adjust the volume or mute the call. What's more, the headset is easy to take on and off, easy to activate, and easy to pair with your Bluetooth-capable phone. And because it's a Bluetooth headset, you're free to roam up to 33 feet from your phone. The headset is comfortable, too, with a weight of just half an ounce. An adjustable ear loop ensures a precise fit on either ear.
Great battery life is what you'll get, too. The Mobile Express is rated for up to four hours of talk time and up to 250 hours of standby time. Charge the embedded rechargeable lithium ion battery with an included AC adapter. The device ships with a one year warranty, and it supports the Bluetooth 1.2 specification for more advanced performance, including better interference prevention and faster pairing to other devices.
What's in the Box Mobile Express headset, AC power adapter/charger, and quick-start guide.
Customer Review: works great with v3r, v3t
Bought two of these for the low price. Charged them for 8 hours before use. Read the quick start guide and they both synchronized quickly. One to a motorola v3r and one to a v3t. Reception and distance are both very good. I don't keep it on continually and my battery has gone the last 6 days without a recharge. The large button is easy to find and the small button is not difficult. I have worn it in my right ear for 3+ hours at a time twice and had only mild discomfort near the end of wear. I have not used it with voice dialing so I cannot comment on it. I have yet to drop a call, even with the phone 10ft away. Volume is decent with the top down in my convertible in traffic at 40mph. Great for entry level headset.
Protect your Bluetooth headphones with the Motorola BLT-04 Bluetooth Headset Carrying Case. Your cell phone is probably an essential part of your lifestyle today, and your most important cell phone accessory is probably your Bluetooth headset, which gives you hands-free use of your phone without the need to worry about wires getting tangled. The BLT-04 carrying case gives you the perfect pouch to store your headset when you turn your phone off. Constructed of lightweight hydrofoam and designed with a contoured interior that lets case hold your headset in place, the BLT-04 keeps your headset out of the way and out of mind until you want to use it. A velcro security strap keeps your headset from falling out, and a clip on the back of the pouch makes it easy to attach your headset to your belt, backpack, or purse.
The Motorola BLT-04 Carrying Case is designed especially to hold the following Motorola headsets: H350, H700, H500, HS850, HS810, HS820.
Customer Review: terrible case
I lost a $60 earpiece because of this case. The lip has velco that can easily catch on a shirt and be opened. The earpiece does not sit snug so it can easily fall out when the lip is open. would not recommend this case.
The Motorola HS850 is the company's update to their HS810 headset, one of my personal favorites. The changes made to produce the new HS850 are few, but the effect is relatively substantial. But first, let's start with what is the same.
Like the HS810, the HS850 makes use of a body design that employs a folding microphone boom. The folding microphone boom acts as the on and off switch, as well as just providing a convenient way to make the headset smaller and more pocketable when not in use. When a call comes into your phone, you can turn on and answer the phone at the same time just by unfolding the microphone boom. You can end the call and turn it off by removing the headset and re-folding it. Using the headset in this way conserves battery power, since no battery juice is wasted on standby time - time where the headset sits around waiting to be contacted by a mobile phone or other compatible device. The physical design of the HS850 and the battery savings it imparts is my favorite aspect of the Motorola HS850.
Of course you don't have to remove and turn off the headset between calls. If the headset is already on when an inbound call comes, you will hear the ringing come through on the headset and can answer it by pressing on the main multi-function call control button. You can end the call with this same button, and adjust volume levels with the two volume buttons. If you are using a phone that supports the Hands Free Bluetooth profile, then you can also use the call control button to reject an inbound call or redial the last number.
The HS850's audio properties are also like those of the HS810 before it. The audio quality in both directions is very clear and understandable, but sounds a bit thin. You and the party on the other end of the call will both be able to understand each other easily, it just doesn't sound as full and natural as it might with some other headsets. The HS850 makes up for this small lacking by having great resistance to wind noise, though. That makes the headset perfect for people that enjoy driving with their windows down, or those that work outside. Most headsets are very susceptible to wind noise, the HS850 bucks that trend.
And now for the new stuff. First up, a more powerful battery. The HS850 I tested managed an amazing 7 hours and 50 minutes of talk time. That is a full two thirds improvement over the older model. The truly amazing part is that this new battery life didn't come at the expense of added weight. Like the HS810 before it, the HS850 weighs only .7oz (19.9g).
The next major change perhaps sounds more important than it worked out to be in reality. The HS850 supports the newer Bluetooth v1.2 spec, whereas most headsets support v1.1 only. Motorola claims that when used with a v1.2 compatible phone (there are still relatively few available at the time I write this), the HS850 will be able to connect faster, use less battery power, and offer improved audio quality. While I can see what appears to be a slight improvement in connection speed, I haven't really noticed much of a change in battery life or audio quality.
The last major change is purely cosmetic. The new HS850 headset is blue-gray in color, like a darker version of the HS810's color. I find it more attractive than the light silver found on the HS810.
But regardless of the color, you can't go wrong with Motorola's HS850, which I consider to be perhaps the best value on the market.
--Reviewed by Michael Oryl, editor in chief of www.MobileBurn.com
Pros:
Small, light
Comfortable
Nearly 8 hours of talk time
No wind noise
Can be worn on both ears
Cons:
A bit unusual looking
Audio lacks bass
What's in the box: Motorola HS850 Bluetooth Headset, User Manual, and Quick Start Guide.
Customer Review: Cheap Piece of Plastic!
I bought this through Verizon (my mistake) when it was $100 with warranty and after about 4 months of NORMAL use, the plastic fold-out microphone cracked! I'm still not sure how it happened, but it would not hit the little button to connect anymore, so now it's trash. I really think that these companies make these types of products so cheaply so that you have to keep re-buying them. And, of course the warranty didn't cover a crack. Very disappointed!
No wires. No limits. Designed to enhance the experience of any Bluetooth® technology enabled phone, the Motorola Bluetooth Headset (Hematite Gray) HS820 interacts with up to eight different Bluetooth 1.1 compliant devices, including handsets, PDAs and computers.
Customer Review: Good choice. Good value.
I purchased this unit and have had no difficulties with it. It synced quickly with my Katana and static has not been an issue. While I have not used other bluetooth headsets, I see no need to spend more since this one works very well.
