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Ask Engadget: Best wireless router with USB printing capabilities?
If your low-rate router fails on you, you might as well select a replacement with more utility than the one you're burying, right? Axel sure thinks so: "My bargain-basement CompUSA-branded wireless router is finally starting to fail on me, prompting me to buy a new one. I want to get my huge color laser printer (a Konica Magicolor 2400w) off my desk and tucked away next to the router, so I want it to have wireless USB print hub functionality. Gigiabit Ethernet and Draft-N are also necessary here, as I am eventually going to be adding media clients around the house to stream to every TV. Thanks a lot!"So, there you have it -- which wireless router will provide solid, relaiable USB printing while handling the heavy loads of high-def streaming? Think carefully, you wouldn't want to ruin this guy's life. Oh, and if you have a question of your own you'd like to see here, send it over to ask at engadget dawt com.
TRENDnet unloads one more at CES: TEW-673GR Wireless N gigabit router
If you haven't seen enough of TRENDnet here at CES, you haven't been looking, but for those in need of a new wireless router, these choices are certainly sights for sore eyes. The latest entry from the company here in Vegas is the TEW-673GR 300Mbps Concurrent Dual-Band Wireless N Gigabit Router. Constructed with a dual-band Atheros chipset, the device can handle both 2.4GHz and 5GHz networks simultaneously; essentially, this enables low-bandwidth clients to be assigned to the more congested 2.4GHz band while high-bandwidth, latency-sensitive applications (such as HD streaming and online gaming) head to the uncongested 5GHz band. Can't help you out on a price, but it should be filtering out in short order.
TRENDnet churns out TEW-647GA Wireless N gaming adapter
Not quite sure what makes this "gaming router" so suitable for you "gamers" out there, but TRENDnet's a firm believer that its CES-announced TEW-647GA is ready and willing to handle those online deathmatches. Though not nearly as minuscule as the TEW-654TR, this 300Mbps 802.11b/g/n router promises a lag-free connection (provided that your broadband connection is worth a darn) and simple setup with PCs and all manners of game consoles. Check it someday after today for some price greater than a penny.
TRENDnet produces world's smallest Wireless N travel router
Looking to drag that 802.11n connectivity with you to even the zaniest of places? Those newly implemented baggage rules totally cramping your style? Enter TRENDnet's TEW-654TR, a 300Mbps Wireless N Travel Router kit which is supposedly small enough to slip completely away into the average front pocket. The device only has a LED indicator, 10/100Mbps Ethernet port, a MIMO antenna and an AC socket. No price is mentioned, but don't count on the sticker being proportionally small.
Netgear's WGR614L Wireless-G router openly plays nice with Tomato / DD-WRT
Although Linux-based Tomato and DD-WRT firmwares work with a plethora of routers, Netgear is getting savvy with its marketing by actually aiming its WGR614L at tweakers who just melt upon hearing either term. The so-called open source Wireless-G router features a 240MHz MIPS32 CPU, 4MB of flash memory, 16MB of RAM, an external 2 dBi antenna and a second internal diversity antenna to enhance range. Additionally, the unit will "soon" support OpenWRT, and there's also four 10/100 Ethernet ports in case you're looking for a bit of wired action as well. Potentially best of all, the WGR614L is available as we speak for a very manageable $69.
UK trial allows patients to book doctor visits via remote
Amidst the recent boom in home healthcare gizmos that are enabling the elderly to better care for themselves, it's no surprise to see a trial hit the UK which allows patients to book GP appointments via their TV. The system was devised by EMIS, and was initially available "through the Looking Local portal on the interactive menus on Sky, cable, and Freeview boxes with a modem or broadband connection." Additionally, users could access the menu via WAP-enabled mobile phones, and customers in participating areas were able to "access information from the doctor's receptionist along with a password which allowed them to log in to the system." Results from the pilot program included fewer missed appointments and less time spent chatting with the ill over the phone, but we don't foresee any of these productivity savings being passed along to the consumer in the form of pounds and pence.
D-Link's Xtreme N Duo MediaBridge enables HD streaming
It's not too tough these days to find a router with HD streaming in its arsenal, but D-Link is aiming for a slightly different set with its dual-band Xtreme N Duo MediaBridge. Essentially, this liaison connects to your existing router in order to add 5GHz 802.11n abilities to your setup, which purportedly "helps avoid interference by allowing the user to use the 5GHz frequency band to provide a stable high-performance wireless link for streaming HD video." Clearly designed with the DIR-655 in mind, this device also allows up to five Ethernet-enabled media devices to become attached on a separate unit for even more high-definition WiFi streaming. Notably, the DAP-1555 itself doesn't seem to double as an Ethernet router, and unfortunately, you'll have to wait until the thing ships in Q3 to find out how much it'll dent your wallet.[Via SmallNetBuilder
Cheap wireless media hack with Netgear access point and Dvico DivX box
Using nothing but a Dvico M3100 DivX media player, a Netgear WGT634U wireless access point running some open firmware in the form of OpenWRT, and a bit of coding ingenuity, jkx has managed to create a wireless player that streams movies from his Media Center PC via WiFi. You'll need to have a way of swapping out the €50 WGT634U's firmware, and you'll definitely need these two specific models in order for this specific setup to work. Jkx owns the non-networked version of the Dvico, and that's the reason why the WGT634U with its USB port was needed. So really, this is bit too specific of a solution for streaming your content: in other words, it's one hacker's way of making half of his gear act the way he wanted it to by spending as little money as possible. Even if you can't emulate this specific example, maybe you should take jkx's idea as an inspiration and upgrade existing kit rather than taking the easy way out.[Via Hackaday]
Classy wooden router literally gauges network utilization
Although Sprint didn't mind showing off its snazzy new router earlier today, a crafty DIY'er has concocted a classic of his own to balance things out. Admittedly, homegrown routers aren't exactly common, but this step back in time really puts the modern day approach to shame, as its wooden construction, curvaceous shape, and tasteful use of analog equipment would tempt even the neatest of neat freaks to keep this one outside of the networking closet. Granted, this certainly isn't the most simplistic of projects we've come across, and it will require quite a bit of handiwork beyond the usual steady hand, but if you're feeling courageous and want a dash of class to counter the rat's nest of cabling behind your rig, click on through to the read link for all the minutiae.[Via Slashgear]
Ruckus Wireless' MetroFlex DZ brings outdoor WiFi inside
Although we wouldn't advise that you use Ruckus Wireless' latest gizmo on a faraway neighbor's stray WiFi signal if you're housin' it in Singapore, the MetroFlex DZ allows you to pull (legal) "outdoor, metro wireless internet signals" into your home with a single device. This dual-zone device didn't change much in the design department from the media-centric 2825 MediaFlex router, but its patent-pending smart antenna technology "dynamically selects the best sending and receiving antennas for incoming and outgoing WiFi signals," allowing subscribers of outdoor broadband to provide WiFi in the home. You'll also find the usual bevy of security measures here, such as IP management, discrete SSIDs, WEP, and WPA2, but those hoping to snag a bit of draft-N action here will be sorely disappointed. No word on pricing or availability just yet, but hopefully it'll help out you lucky souls with citywide WiFi floating around.[Via TheWirelessReport]
Actiontec unveils range-extending Wireless FMC Router for mobile / WiFi hybrid phones
For those of you who happen to be in the predicament of owning a svelte hybrid cellular / WiFi phone, yet can't get cellphone service back in the boondocks where you reside, Actiontec is kicking out a range-extending router to help you make and receive calls on your mobile handset via WiFi. Touted as a "world's first," the Wireless FMC Router acts a standard four-port 802.11b/g/n router, supports WPA2 / WEP, and comes with a rather robust firewall to keep your conversations guarded from snoopers. Additionally, it facilitates call switching between the mobile and home WiFi networks as users move in and out of the house, giving you the option to connect via your cellular network or over VoIP with the same handset and same number. Aside from acting as a "middleman between the broadband and cellular networks," it can connect / drop from the WiFi / mobile networks on-the-fly while conversing, and can purportedly support "all major carriers" as well. So if you're thinking of consolidating the amount of phone numbers attached to your name, and don't mind picking up a hybrid handset, this multifaceted router will be able to simplify your conversations for $179.99 when it lands in Q2.
Google to provide mobile search / internet services in China
In Google's continued dominance of, well, pretty much everything, the company has sealed yet another deal, and this time it's partnering with China Mobile to reportedly "provide mobile and internet services in China." Google stated that it would be providing technology to China's "largest handset operator," allowing searches on the Chinese outfit's "Monternet WAP portal." The service, which has purportedly been in trial operations since last month, is slated to roll out officially in "early 2007," but no hard dates were to be found. Nevertheless, this marks just another day in the world of search giants inking deals with mobile / laptop providers in order to channel more traffic, and subsequently, more revenue based on having their search page load up first when users have a query, and if your handset hasn't been hit by a pre-selected search engine deal just yet, your time is probably drawing nigh.
Samsung officially launches the Ultra Edition 13.8 (Z720)
Although Samsung's been busying itself lately with newfangled RAM releases, it has apparently taken the time to confirm what we already suspected. The Z720 has been officially released as part of the Ultra Edition lineup, and per usual, the 13.8 is tagging itself with a "world's slimmest" label, this time for thinnest HSDPA-equipped slider. This sexy handset weighs in at just 80-grams, and features a 3-megapixel AF camera, 2.1-inch QVGA display, WAP 2.0 / HTML browsing capabilities, an additional camera for "video telephony," document viewer, PIM, Bluetooth, USB, and even a microSD slot. Aside from the UMTS / EDGE / HSDPA / GSM / GPRS connectivity options, you'll also find Samsung's uGo system built-in, not to mention the uTrack feature that sends an SMS to a predetermined number if the SIM card is tampered with. Notably, the 13.8 is the first mobile from Samsung with Google Mobile Search and Gmail pre-installed, which certainly contradicts with the recent Samsung / Opera lovefest we've been hearing about. Nevertheless, the Z720 should start finding its way into bustling European countries soon for a yet-to-be-disclosed price, with smaller locales getting access thereafter.[Via Akihabara News]
TRENDnet's 108Mbps TEW-445UB USB 2.0 WiFi adapter
What's better than TRENDnet's pre-802.11n gear? How about an 802.11b/g-compliant device that you can actually rest assured works with basically every other piece of WiFi kit out there? The TEW-445UB is a 108Mbps-capable wireless USB 2.0 / 1.1 adapter which sports a fairly small 2.8- x 2.1- x 0.7-inch enclosure and plays nice with Windows only. Aside from supporting "Super G" technology and WEP / WPA encryption, it boasts a high power output for up to 23dBm of range, a detachable 2dBi antenna, and claims to cover "50 to 100" meters indoors while blanketing "150 to 300" meters outside. While nothing here is particularly revolutionary, the respectable $72 pricetag fits the package quite well, and it should be showing up in stores real soon.
Asus and Planex unveil snazzy new WAPs
With all this 802.11n hubbub going on, it's refreshing to see a trio of new 802.11b/g wireless access points that have set out to make the WiFi goodness we're used to even better. Planex Communication's GW-AP54SP-P (pictured after the jump) is a two-port WAP that supports automatic power-on functionality when detecting wireless activity, bridge / repeater capability, WPA2 support, and of course, up to 54Mbps transfer speeds. Meanwhile, Asus' latest power duo -- the WL-320gE and WL-320gP -- reportedly provide "up to 850 meters" of open space coverage thanks to their 5dBi high-gain antennas; they also sport SNMP to allow system administrators to manage multiple APs from remote locations, and somehow managed to pass the FCC's oh-so-restrictive transmission guidelines as well. The WL-320gP goes one step further by incorporating power over ethernet (compliant with 802.3af) to "eliminate the hassle of locating a power source." While pricing and release date information wasn't readily available, it's probably safe to assume these WAPs won't demand the same premium as those 802.11n-compatible alternatives -- and at least this trio operates on a standardized protocol, eh?Read - Planex Communication's GW-AP54SP-P Read - Asus' WL-320gE / WL-320gP
Joystiq: now entirely legible on your mobile device
Whether it's a testament to the marvels of communication technology or a frightening demonstration of the internet's ability to find you on a train, a special version of Joystiq can now be effortlessly accessed from your cellular telephones, your pocket computers and your dark electronic fruit. With a clear layout and a shunning of gigantic images, the more minute Joystiq will keep you updated on the gaming industry when you're on the move and your DS Lite batteries have died. The folks at Engadget assure us that it works on both Pocket IE and Blazer and that the site should automatically detect your device before redirecting you to Joystiq for Mobile. However, PSP users may have to enter the site's address manually: http://m.joystiq.com There are still a couple of bugs to be quashed, so if you see anything peculiar scurrying about on your phone, be sure to leave a comment. Our resulting foot stomp will be cruel and unforgiving.
Ricoh Caplio 500SE Model W rocks WiFi and Bluetooth
If you're looking for the perfect camera to take on your next vacation to the Amazon rainforest or Sahara desert, look no further than Ricoh's upcoming Caplio 500SE; like the 500G that preceded it, this 8 megapixel ruggedized shooter also sports a water-, shock-, and dust-resistant casing, but throws in some sweet wireless action to offload your pics no matter where you are. The high end Model W not only features a WEP- and WAP-secured WiFi radio like several other products on the market, but is one of the first imaging devices to also include Bluetooth 2.0 in the mix. No hotspot? No problem -- just transfer the pics over to your smartphone and release them onto the Internet wherever a cellular connection is available. Besides the dual radios, you're getting a 3x optical zoom, 2.5-inch LCD, 26MB of internal memory (enhanced via SD), and rather underwhelming QVGA video capture that may not even include sound. Still, this is a hell of a package (both in terms of its feature set and its weight: 482 grams fully loaded) with a price to match -- ¥130,200 ($1,100) for the Model W and ¥115,500 ($990) for the WiFi-less Model B when they ship sometime this winter and September 1st, respectively.[Via The Raw Feed and dottocomu]
Sprint debuts low-end Motorola C290 flip phone
US carriers never cease to amaze with low-end phones, and while the new C290 might be Motorola's first phone to support Sprint PCS Vision content, it's also an incredibly no-frills clamshell. We guess the main feature here is price, which should be $30 after rebates, but couldn't they at least toss in Bluetooth or a few York Peppermint Patties? We guess not. All we're left with is WAP 2.0, a 65k color screen, Java support, a speakerphone, and voice recording -- oh, and a nice big antenna to get snagged on stuff.[phoneArena]
