Showing posts with label electronics. Show all posts
Showing posts with label electronics. Show all posts

3/28/2012

APC BE550R 550VA Back-UPS ES 8-Outlet Battery Backup System Review

APC BE550R  550VA Back-UPS ES 8-Outlet Battery Backup System
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
At first, I thought this thing was the tops. It performed well in several power outages/fuse problems/spikes (I'm in a 1939 building & my office has mostly original wiring). After about 8 months, half of the plugs quit working altogether. I moved my important stuff to the other 3 plugs and took everything else off backup. We didn't have a power outage for a long time, so I don't know when the backup quit working on the rest, but it doesn't work anymore, although the alarm still sounds and the power light is still on. But anything plugged in will shut off with a power loss. Overall, I've owned it less than a year and a half. At this point, it's a very expensive extension cord. But the price has gone way down (it's less than half what I paid) from when I purchased mine. Either way, I'm paying more and going for a different brand for the replacement.

Click Here to see more reviews about: APC BE550R 550VA Back-UPS ES 8-Outlet Battery Backup System

Apc Be550r Back-Ups Es 8-Outlet 550va 8-Outlets;Output Power Capacity: 550va/330w ;470 Joules ;Features Phone, Fax, Modem & Dsl Protection ;Up To 44 Min Battery Backup Time For Safe Shutdown When Power Is Lost ;Includes Power chute File-Saving, Auto Shutdown Software ; $75,000 Lifetime Equipment Protection Policy

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2/27/2012

D-Link Super G with MIMO Wireless Router DI-634M - wireless router ( DI-634M ) Review

D-Link Super G with MIMO Wireless Router DI-634M - wireless router ( DI-634M )
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
If you're here because you're looking to buy a wireless router and you wanted to check reviews on Amazon (and other places) first, you will immediately have noticed one thing: there isn't a single brand/model of router that doesn't have a fair proportion of contradictory reviews. Some people will say "Wow, router X installed in minutes and has worked flawlesslesy since. It's so much better than that piece of crap router Z." And then you read the review of router Z and someone says "Wow, router Z installed so easily - not like the nightmare I had with router X. Don't ever buy router X, what a piece of junk!."
I had a Netgear WGR614v6. It installed okay, although the configuration manager left a lot to be desired - plus it came with UPnP turned ON, even though it said itself that the default setting was OFF! That caused an hour of frustration. But once installed it worked okay for a few weeks, and then it just stopped working consistently. In the same way that so many routers seem to do for so many reviewers on these sites, without me changing any settings in either the router or the machine, it started dropping connections randomly, and constantly needed rebooting. I installed updated firmware - no improvement. I wondered how this could be happening, but then when I started reading user reviews widely I realised that this is apparently par for the course: every brand I looked at has at least one person complaining about this problem.
All of which is a long preamble to say that you'll have to take any review under advisement. I eventually dediced to go with the D-Link because there were more good customer reviews than bad, and because it got some good reviews from magazines (for whatever that is worth these days). I have to say that so far it has been a good purchase. The installation program was very good - extremely clear and well-thought out. I like the Network Magic program that comes with a 30-day trial for free - in fact I decided to purchase it because it makes the network management so easy. The router has performed consistently since I fired it up: strong signal with no dropouts or mysterious lockups.
From MY experience, then, so far, this has been a good product and I would recommend it. But there are no guarantees in the wireless router world.

Click Here to see more reviews about: D-Link Super G with MIMO Wireless Router DI-634M - wireless router ( DI-634M )

D-Link introduces the revolutionary DI-634M Wireless 108G MIMO Router. Wirelessly share an Internet connection throughout your entire home with groundbreaking wireless performance! Its incredible new Double XR (2XR) Technology provides whole house coverage, while a built-in Packet Prioritization Engine will maximize VoIP clarity. When communicating over and across the Internet, the DI-634M features integrated network security including advanced firewall functionality using both NAT and Stateful Packet Inspection (SPI). Advanced Parental Controls are also included to monitor Internet usage and block inappropriate websites. Combined with the new Quick Router Setup Wizard and wide range of security features, the DI-634M raises the bar for all other wireless routers. Security -64/128-bit WEP, WPA, WPA2, WPA-PSK, WPA2-PSKAdvanced Parental Controls are also included to monitor Internet usage and block inappropriate websites Double XR (2XR) Technology for Whole House Coverage - Infused with Double XR (2XR) Technology, the DI-634M boasts Xccelerated Rates at Xtended Ranges that provides extreme wireless coverage for your entire home. Based on cutting-edge MIMO (Multiple In, Multiple Out) technology, the DI-634M utilizes a Quad Smart Antenna Design featuring four antennas (two vertical and two horizontal). These four antennas distribute radio signals in both the vertical and linear planes to fully maximize the wireless coverage area. With total compatibility with standard 802.11g and 802.11b networking devices, you don't have to replace your existing client devices to experience enhanced coverage Built-in Packet Prioritization Engine Maximizes VoIP ClarityNew Quick Router Setup Wizard Dimensions(LxWxH) -7.5 x 4.6 x 1.375 (190.5 x 116.84 x 35 mm) / Weight -10.56 oz.

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2/20/2012

Sprint Airave Review

Sprint Airave
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
This product works as billed. Had one in service for about a year. Incredible signal in the defined area in a building where tower coverage was / is a problem. Could not be happier with the product and an added benefit is that the minutes that you use when talking via the Airave do not accumulate as min. used on your cell plan.
When you make or receive a call that comes via the Airave and you move out of range, if you are in range of a traditional tower you move to the external tower flawlessly. One thing to note is that if you are out of range and are on a call and come into range of the Airave you will not move to the device. Not a big deal but you should know this.


Click Here to see more reviews about: Sprint Airave

With Sprint AIRAVETM, a winner of the 2008 PC World 25 Most Innovative Products Award, you'll enjoy enhanced wireless service in your home or office - even if there is no coverage. It's like having your own miniature cell tower that covers up to 5,000 square feet.Key FeaturesWorks with any Sprint phone - up to three users at the same time.¹Installs in minutes with your existing broadband Internet access, such as DSL, cable or T1.Unlimited incoming and outgoing calls, including nationwide long distance, when using your Sprint phone and initiating your call on the device (requires an AIRAVE unlimited calling plan).**Automatically transfers calls to the Sprint Nationwide Network once you leave your home or office.²Limit access to your AIRAVE by creating a list of up to 50 approved Sprint phone numbers.What You'll Need Active Sprint phone(s)Sprint voice planBroadband Internet access, such as DSL, cable or T1.Available Ethernet port - either on your modem or via a router - to connect AIRAVE to your broadband data service.Available power outlet.Customer may still need to subscribe service plan from Sprint.

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2/05/2012

Cisco-Linksys High Gain Antenna Kit for TNC Connectors HGA7T Review

Cisco-Linksys High Gain Antenna Kit for TNC Connectors HGA7T
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
Folks, these antennas, as well as the stock antennas, have an omnidirectional (same in all directions) horizontal radiation pattern. This means that, when installed in a suitable location, the most significant reception gains will be seen with equipment that is on the same level as the router itself. Most of the "these did nothing for me" stories appear to be from people who have the router downstairs and the equipment upstairs, or in the basement. These antennas are NOT designed to improve reception between floors in a home.
2.4GHz signals are heavily attenuated by walls, foil-clad insualtion, and other building materials. Interference can also be present from cordless phones, microwaves, wireless cameras and other gear in this band -- adding an antenna can make these types of issues WORSE. Changing the channel your wireless router uses can help, since chances are most of your neighbors are using the same channel you are. Some routers have a built-in site survey utility to help you locate an unused channel.
If you are having trouble reaching a particular device through several walls, or between floors, try a directional antenna as these will concentrate the radio energy where they are pointed. Some reviewers have pointed to a site that illustrates how to make a directional antenna with index cards, glue and foil -- this is a rudementary directional antenna but will surprisingly provide excellent results in many applications.
In summary: If you purchased these antennas and they did not work or made the problem worse, you need to reconsider the type of installation (multi-floor, multi-wall, etc.), sources of interference, channel selection, blocking materials such as foil-clad insulation, as well as proper antenna selection.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Cisco-Linksys High Gain Antenna Kit for TNC Connectors HGA7T

Linksys High Gain Antenna Kit for TNC Connectors - Increase the range of your Wireless network!Attach these high gain antennas to your Linksys Wireless Broadband Router or Access Point, and increase both the effective strength of the outgoing signals, and the receive sensitivity for incoming signals.The added signal strength and sensitivity also improves close-range communication reliability because every packet comes through "loud and clear", reducing retransmissions due to weak signal reception errors.To install, just unscrew your current antennas, and attach the High Gain antennas in their place.There are no drivers to install, and no modifications to your setup are necessary.The Linksys High Gain Antenna Kit saves wiring costs and helps to build corporate wireless infrastructure by driving stronger signals into distant corners and hard-to-reach areas.And it's perfect for covering large areas in warehouse environments, public spaces, wireless hotspots, and outdoor venues -- anywhere you need extra coverage for your wireless network.

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10/02/2011

D-Link DI-524 Wireless 54 Mbps High Speed Router (802.11g) Review

D-Link DI-524 Wireless 54 Mbps High Speed Router (802.11g)
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
I'm not sure if the other reviewers have problems reading instructions or if they just skipped steps. Had no problems at all getting this unit set up and establishing connections between my desktop and Inspiron 5150. Take it out of the box, connect an ethernet cable between the desktop and router and plug it in. Use your favourite browser to connect to 198.168.1.1 and run through the setup wizard. Then once you've got everything set up, read through the manual, go through the various setup options and tweak as desired. I opted to go with the WPA-PSK authentication protocol because its supposed to be more secure, but if you have other devices that don't support it, you'll probably have to stick with WEP.
It can be laid flat on the desk, or propped up on end vertically using the little rubber feet that are supplied. There are 4 ethernet ports that allow you to connect via 10/100 Ethernet and the WAN port to connect to cable, DSL or LAN. The antenna is on a swivel and can be rotated to just about any convenient orientation.
The only thing I don't like about the router is that it doesn't have an internal clock, so every time it is powered off the router's system time goes back to it's default start value. It can be configured to set the time from an NTP server, but only if it's connected to a WAN network (via DSL, cable or LAN). It's only a minor inconvenience though. The other thing is that the router's web interface only seems to work properly if you use IE. Using Netscape/Mozilla/Firefox sort of works for most things, but not everything.

Click Here to see more reviews about: D-Link DI-524 Wireless 54 Mbps High Speed Router (802.11g)

The advanced wireless technology built into the DI-524 now offers up to 54Mbps through its wireless channels, allowing streaming videos and other high bandwidth applications, such as online gaming events to operate without the hassle of Ethernet cables. The ability to transfer high bandwidth also makes streaming real time programs more enjoyable and more efficient. Network Security is a precautionary threat and with the built-in advanced firewall, these threats are minimized, making it more difficult for hackers to penetrate through the DI-524. Features like content filtering, MAC filtering, URL blocking, and Domain blocking are useful tools to prevent other unwanted intruders to connect to your network.

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5/14/2011

Cisco-Linksys BEFCMU10 Ethernet Cable Modem Review

Cisco-Linksys BEFCMU10 Ethernet Cable Modem
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
First I need to thank all of you guys who gave the Linksys cable modem 4 and 5 stars. If it had not been for your reviews I would have sent this great modem back to Amazon.
I spent 6 hours trying to get this modem working, getting help from 4 different techs at AT&T. They told me that this modem was bad and that the cable light needed to stay on and that the Linksys modem would not register with their system. They told me I needed to send it back and get another one. {ALL FALSE} So finally I told them to connect my (their) old modem back up. Their modem worked fine.
As I was getting ready to pack my new Linksys modem up to send it back to Amazon. I decided to try it one more time. Following the exact sequence they used to connect their modem. And would you believe it? It works!!!
My problems:
1. bad tech support.
2. must remove router to register modem.
3. given wrong registration address. (MOST IMPORTANT)
4. computer must be turned off before you turn on modem.
Fool proof procedure to be up and running in 10 minutes:
1. Turn computer off.
2. If you have a router, take it out of the loop. connect directly from your computer to the modem thru the ethernet port.
3. Connect the cable.
4. turn on power to the Linksys modem, allow it to boot up.
5. turn on your computer
6. go to the registration page to register your modem. You MUST do this twice, for some reason it does not work the first time. MAKE SURE YOU GET THE RIGHT ADDRESS FROM AT&T. They failed to tell me I needed to use "https://" instead of "http://" it won't work without the "s"
enter your account # and registration #.
7. You should be working. Reconnect your router.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Cisco-Linksys BEFCMU10 Ethernet Cable Modem

If you're tired of the slow & frustrating performance of 56k modems & dial-up Internet providers, then your salvation is here in the form of the Linksys BEFCMU10 EtherFast Cable Modem. With a cable modem you are always connected to the Internet & you will experience speeds many times that of standard 56k modems. And it's easy to use. Just plug the plug-and-play device into any USB port on your PC. You can even plug it into your Ethernet port or an optional Linksys Router for easy Internet sharing through the home. Weight - 1lb.

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5/10/2011

D-Link DCM-202 DOCSIS 2.0 USB/Ethernet Cable Modem Review

D-Link DCM-202 DOCSIS 2.0 USB/Ethernet Cable Modem
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
I bought this cable modem when I moved into my new apartment because it would be cheaper than renting one from Comcast in the long run. Everything worked fine for about a month, but then I wouldn't be able to connect to anything outside of my local network. Comcast technical support said that from their end it didn't look like anyting was connecting to their network, and my router could release and renew its IP address, so that narrowed it down to the cable modem. Unplugging the modem and plugging it back in would make it work again for 30-45 minutes at a time, but it would cut out at random without warning.
I downloaded and installed new firmware from d-link's website that was specifically for Comcast customers and everything seems to be working ok again, but I know a lot of non-technical people who wouldn't be comfortable doing that. If you are a technically unsaavy person and use comcast, you may want to purchase another cable modem all together.

Click Here to see more reviews about: D-Link DCM-202 DOCSIS 2.0 USB/Ethernet Cable Modem

D-Link, the industry pioneer in home networking, introduces another performance breakthrough - the D-Link DCM-202 High-Speed DOCSIS 2.0 Cable Modem. Powered by TurboDOX bandwidth acceleration software, the DCM-202 increases your download speeds at up to 20 times for your enjoyment of popular Internet applications, such as file sharing, audio and video streaming, and website uploading.The DCM-202 Cable Modem makes your broadband connection more efficient and effective by clearing network congestion, resulting in a boost in download speeds. With the DCM-202, you will get more out of your broadband connection with increased bandwidth and enhanced performance.The DCM-202 Cable Modem is DOCSIS 2.0 CableLabs Certified, which ensures compatibility with all DOCSIS compatible cable providers. The DCM-202 is also backwards compatible with DOCSIS 1.1/1.0 standards.The DCM-202 Cable Modem offers you the choice of Ethernet or USB connectivity. It is easy to install and is compatible with Windows 95, 98, 98SE, Me, 2000, XP, Mac OS, Unix and other popular operating systems (USB connectivity is limited to Windows 98SE, Me, 2000, XP).Connect with confidence to a certified cable Internet provider with the DCM-202 Cable Modem and enjoy a new and enhanced broadband experience.

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Netgear WGR614 Wireless-G Router Review

Netgear WGR614 Wireless-G Router
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
Do NOT purchase this router. I have been a happy Netgear customer in the past, and am technical enough to keep both home and small office wireless networks running fine, but this model has a hardware problem that Netgear tech support has finally acknowledged, but for which they are not providing an adequate fix. As others have mentioned, the router will often drop connectivity, and rebooting is the only solution. I bought one, had these problems start (luckily within the 90 day tech support window), and returned the router to Netgear (at my expense) in exchange for another one, which demonstrated the SAME problem less than 24 hours after installation. After yet another long call to India the latest tech support rep acknowledged that lots of these models are having the same problem, and upgrading to the latest firmware (which I did immediately upon installing both of these routers) won't fix it, so her solution was... send this one back (AGAIN at my expense) and they would send me yet another one of the SAME model, which she (for no defensible reason) assures me will work. For more background please see the Netgear tech support forums, where you will see scores of people experiencing the same problem and the same non-solution from Netgear. Save yourself the trouble and buy a different wireless router.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Netgear WGR614 Wireless-G Router

The NETGEAR WGR614 54 Mbps 802.11g Wireless Router lets you easily set up a wireless network in your home so you can share a single internet connection with everyone in your household or office at speeds up to 54 Mbps.
Beautiful Design and Easy Setup The WGR614 is a very attractive unit about the size of a small paperback with a silver exterior and rounded edges. An included plastic stand lets you stand the router on its edge to take up less space.
The WGR614 makes it easy for even a novice to set up a wireless network: just plug the included Ethernet cable from your internet connection into the router and insert the included CD into any computer on the network, which will provide step-by-step instructions. The WGR614 employs a web-based interface for configuration, and the router will automatically do the initial setup by getting your DNS settings and determining your IP address. The firmware is also upgradeable via the web interface so you can be sure your router will always be up-to-date.
Fast and Secure Supporting the 802.11g standard, the NETGEAR WGR614 offers wireless data speeds of up to 54 Mbps, making it possible to share a broadband internet connection, stream music without hiccups, watch videos with less load time, and videoconference without problems. Downloading files is up to five times faster than it was with 802.11b. If you still have computers that use 802.11b, don't fret as the router is backwards compatible with the older wireless standard and can be set so all your computers can connect to the network and the WGR614 will automatically figure out the connection type and work accordingly.
In addition to wireless access, there are four 10/100 Mbps RJ-45 Ethernet ports in the back for connecting computers to the network via a faster, wired connection.
The WGR614 offers many security options to ensure your data is private. Double firewall protection keeps your network shielded from outside attacks. To ensure the security of your wireless data, both 40/64-bit, 128-bit, and 152-bit (802.11g only) WEP encryption is available, as well as WPA (Wi-Fi Protected Access). You can also use MAC address authentication to allow only authorized users onto the network.
Keep Tabs on Kids This router is an especially good choice for parents as it allows settings to log all sites that are visited, lets you block specific sites based on whether it contains specific keywords, and lets you set time schedules for certain computers to work.
The NETGEAR WGR614 54 Mbps 802.11g Wireless Router is backed by a 1-year warranty.
What's in the Box WGR614 54 Mbps 802.11g Wireless Router, power adapter, Ethernet cable, setup CD, vertical stand, warranty/support information card.

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5/07/2011

Motorola Surfboard SB5100 Cable Modem Review

Motorola Surfboard SB5100 Cable Modem
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
I have worked a good year solid installing cable modems for Charter Communications in California and I can vouch for the ease of installation (no software is required honestly folks), the reliability, speed, and simplicity of the Motorola Surfboard. It is a class above other modems such as Toshiba, Terayon, D-Link (only customer supplied) and the most dreadful one of all, the Ambit.
Most times we were given Ambit modems to install (about 2 or 3 Ambit for every other type on a daily basis). Most times we had problems that were modem defect related, they were Ambit modems, however, that can't be chalked off to an average likelihood because they were installed more. Now, they failed in high numbers like about 1 out of 4 or 5 before an install could even be completed. To their credit, althought Ambits were what I see as unreliable (drop dead on a dime!), they did stretch the limtis of low signal way beyond cable co specs (+10 to -10 dBs) and sometimes worked (gag) even low as -14dB to (one particular occassion I remember -19dB where other modems could never lock on or would never stay locked on to the two frequencies. Although I can't describe the level of service they would provide at that point of signal degredation as anything better than "beats dial-up" when it would not achieve the "theoretical" maximum speeds of 3Mbps given customers but would get a more lackluster 300-600Kbps. Some customers were happy to be able to get that and more anxious to have that right away than to reschedule for another tech to come later and finish the installation after fixing line problems causing such low signals when it wasn't something that could be found and fixed within the alloted time for the original install.
Our second most installed modem were Motorola Surfboards. While they truly operated more inline with their published specs on signal levels (down to about -12dB usually, -15dB if the stars were aligned), they were definitely more tolerant of noise in my opinion and much more reliable than the other modems we had installed in terms of staying solidly connected and operational with consistent speed day in day out on any good line. The only time I ever had to remove a Motorola from service for a "modem problem" actually turned out to be a bad power supply that failed during installation, not the actual Motorola product itself! I can't say that for any other modem I've installed.
The other modems are usually more stylish, or a bit more sleek, but in my book written by a sometimes frustrated cable technician who has installed, moved, and replaced hundreds of HSCI setups locally, 3 style points aren't worth even 1 reliability point when it keeps customers (or me!) from getting pissed off, so I'd stick with Motorola every time if I had a choice which one to install on any given job because I knew I wouldn't get a bad report or call when others failed just back hours or days after installing them.
I'd stake all my experience in the field with all kinds of setups and problems with Motorola being undeniably the most dependable and functional. They truly are the kings of Cable modem.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Motorola Surfboard SB5100 Cable Modem

Motorola SURFboard SB5100 cable modem is among the first to earn the Microsoft Designed for Windows logo for Windows Windows 2000, Windows Me, and Windows XP operating systems.New Unique Vertical Design --slim design saves desk spaceStandby switch provides enhanced security against unauthorized access to your PCFront panel LEDs make troubleshooting easySpecially designed architecture allows for future upgradesDOCSIS 1.1 and 2.0 CableLabs CertifiedIncludes USB and Ethernet Cables, AC adapter, Quick Start Guide, CD-ROM with USB drivers and User Manual2-Year Limited Warranty

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