In this world looks are everything, and if the face doesn't fit, you're out of luck. It doesn't matter what subject we're talking about, things need to be aesthetically pleasing. Take the iPod for example. There's plenty of alternatives out there but what do people gravitate towards? The iPod. Why? Because it looks great. It's not rocket science, but something that manufacturers other than NetGear seem to have bypassed all together. The NetGear RangeMax wireless router is very similar to others on the market, but what sets it apart from the competition is its style. Like Apple's music device this too is white and we have to say rather attractive, as far as boxes go. And for that reason above all others makes us want to have one in our homes. |
Setup/Installation
Set up is like a walk in the park on a summer's day. While you plug things in you'll be smiling aimlessly, wondering why life isn't this good all the time. The router has to be plugged into your main computer, after which the setup wizard does all the hard work for you, while you put your feet up and enjoy the view. There's a whole host of security functions that you go through to ensure your network is more secure than an Al Qaeda cell and once that's done you're ready to rock and roll on the Internet highway. |
Features
The biggest feature on the DG834PN is what you can't see - and that's an antenna. There's no unseemly pokie out things on this baby, instead the antenna are internalised in the 22cm by 15cm box. There's six internal smart antennas which work together to provide you with the strongest signal. There's obviously WPA-PSK protection, a build in firewall to keep those pesky hackers away from your computer and a USB adaptor. |
Performance
This is supposed to have 500 per cent more wireless range than a standard 802.11g system but we'd say it was probably half that. Depending on the thickness of your walls and the material they're made of determined the strength of signal you received - but even with steel girders separating rooms there was still a decent signal. The Wi-Fi Protection Access (WPA) and the Pre Shared Key (PSK) worked well and connecting up to the Internet from any of your PCs is easy. The USB adaptor is small and dinky, ideally sized to fit in with any PC. |
Overall Opinion
The NetGear RangeMax DG834PN is a great looking piece of kit that will sit proudly in any home. Setting up is easier than Jordan on a date and the performance is the equivalent of her autobiography, a winner. All that talent and it even looks good too. |
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