Say hello to the Linksys E Series – a router with serious muscle to flex.
There are three new routers in the E series: the 1000, 2000, and 3000 – down from the roughly 18 routers that Cisco/Linksys used to have out on the market. Having a straightforward product line is incredibly welcome, as it makes shopping for a router simple for us power users. They’ve also divided the types of routers by party lines: Cisco gets to take care of the folks who want a friendly, easy experience, while Linksys is going to bring us the networking hot-rods that we proud, we geeky few lust for.
Continue reading »
Finally, there’s a way to get a wireless network that actually does deliver on simplicity. Early this morning Cisco announced the Valet and Valet Plus Home Hotspots, and in doing so they’ve completely revolutionized how we should look at home wireless.
Let’s be clear: Valet is really, really easy to use. I’m used to setting up wireless networks and it’s still a process that I’m usually not too thrilled with. I dislike having to deal with out-of-date setup disks, unresponsive routers, and having to come up with esoteric network names and passwords. After using the Cisco Valet Plus I can safely say that it’s going to be my first choice when someone asks me to setup their wireless network again.
The best part about that? I won’t need to be there. Setting up Valet really is as easy as advertised. To test it I unplugged my current router (an Apple Airport Extreme Base Station) and powered my modem down. The Valet Plus Hotspot comes with a USB key, so I plugged the Hotspot into power and plugged that key in (that’s STEP ONE in the instructions – one of three steps printed right on the box).
Continue reading »
There once was a foolish prince. He was aware that he was foolish, and certain that he was never right. As such he spent his days at peace, for he knew he could never truly be of use to anyone. The prince was, however, still a prince, and despite his shortcomings had a gallant streak in him that couldn’t be swayed.
Continue reading »
