I consider my computer skills to be pretty good. I am not an "expert" by any means, but can certainly manage enough. I can maintain/update my computer as needed and can trouble shoot problems pretty well. However, this router is great for people who have little no computer experience too because it is SO easy to use!
I needed a new router for a couple reason. First, my old router was, well, old, about 4 years old and it was not an "n" router. Second, my router began to have problems about a month or so ago. It would randomly drop the internet on me which was VERY frustrating. In order to get my laptop back online I would have to turn the router off and back on. It was annoying to say the least.
I looked at a lot of routers on here before choosing this one. I wanted an "N" router and also one that would allow for wireless printing as I just ordered a new, wireless printer too. I also wanted router that could handle what we have: 2 laptops, a PS3, a Nintendo Wii and two Nintendo DSi's (Although the Dsi's are not connected all the time. I decided on this based on the number of good reviews and because I liked how it looked.
The shipping was super fast. I had the router 2 days after I ordered it. Set up was a breeze. This router comes with the router name/password on a little card. Once I had everything hooked up I just clicked on the router's name from the list of connections available, entered the given password and was online in seconds. I did go through and re-name the router and pick a different password, which was also very easy to do. The software that came with it was easy as well. Overall I was extremely happy with how quick it was to set everything up. Another nice thing about this router is that you can set up a "guest network". There are a few options, but I chose to set it up "cafe style" - when someone connects they are brought to a webpage where they have to enter the password, and that is it. Your guests can be online in your home, but not on your own network - I love it!!
The router itself is pretty nice. It is not quite as solid as I thought, as the plastic is lightweight. However, I still like how it looks/stands up. It takes up a minimal amount of space on my desk and blends in with my decor with no problem. The "looks" of a router may not be important to everyone, but for some people it is and this router def. works well.
Now for the best part: I am getting a VERY noticeable increase in speed. With the old router, when I went to "Open Network and Sharing Center", and then clicked on my connection, under "Speed" it would say: 54 Mbps. Now, when I look I see the number staying between 130-144 Mbps. I am guessing this difference in due to the fact that my old router was not an "N" router, and my laptop's wifi is 802.11n. I could be wrong though. Networks/wifi is one thing that I do not know a lot about, beyond being able to set up a connection. This increase in speed was noticed right away. I would have a few seconds of lag time before when I opened a web page, but now I see none. Also, downloading music goes about twice as fast and when I watch videos there are no pauses. I think I'm finally getting the speed I am paying for from my cable company. =
The range with this router is impressive as well. I am getting full bars everywhere in my house, where before I would get about 2-3 at the furthest point from the old router. I am not yet taken my laptop(s) outside to see how far I can get, but I bet it will be pretty good. Also, I have not been kicked on the internet at all since setting the router up. By now it would have happened at least 8-10 times in a 24 hours period. That alone has made me very happy.
I have not yet been able to try the wireless printing as my printer will not be delivered for a few more days. With the ease I have had so far though, I do not anticipate any problems in setting up the wireless printing for both laptops. I also have not yet tried the "video share" feature but do plan to try it. I will update this review after trying those features.
| Wireless Type | 802.11n |
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