The Netgear MP101 media streamer: Reviewed by Hugh McKinney
editor
It is now commonplace to have your music loaded onto a computer, CDs can be copied and there are an increasing number of companies that give you the ability to buy and download your favourite music online. However, once you have your music catalogue on the PC there are limitations. You have to play and listen to your music wherever the computer is situated or copy music on to an MP3 player to go mobile. Other options in liberating your music from the confines of your computer can be expensive as there are dedicated systems available that can network from the computer to stream music wirelessly in your home, but this comes at a price and leaves the conventional home stereo virtually redundant. There is, however a relatively inexpensive solution that marries the two systems together, providing wirelessly streamed music and radio from your computer through a conventional sound system, boom box or headphones.
The Netgear MP101 wireless digital music player is relatively easy to set-up and use. Once connected and configured the music on your computer can be browsed, selected and played via the remote control that comes with the device. Music is displayed on a four-line display situated on the front of the MP101 and can be displayed in the usual digital music formats, by track, album, artist, genre or playlist if the information is available.
The style and design of the media streamer will not look out of place with a stereo or sound system, and with this system a number of units can be set up around the home to give a complete digital audio network. In addition to audio from the computer the system gives the user access to countless Internet radio stations.
The MP101 is compatible with 802.11b and 802.11g wireless networks and has a range of up to 100 feet. Ports are situated on the back of the unit and include power in, a reset button, Ethernet port, a left and right audio out, a headphones port as well as the antenna.
Operating system compatibility is Windows 98, 98SE, Me, 2000 or XP, but be advised this system is not compatible with a Mac, which is frustrating for Mac users, and is an opportunity missed for the manufacturers. As with any wireless device security is important, which is provided with Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP) encrypted security.
The bottom line is for a comparatively low price you can enjoy all your digital audio in addition to Internet radio away from the location of your computer. The system is extremely easy to set up and use as well as having the flexibility of expanding the wireless system throughout your home: Unless you use a Mac of course!
p.s. Broadband is a good option to have.
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Pros + A low cost solution for wireless audio streaming. Devices can be added to expand the audio throughout the home. |
Cons - No good for Mac users |
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Overall Rating 
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13/4/2006 at 3:02:56pm
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