8/25/2011

Apple MA034Z/A External V.2 USB Modem Review

Apple MA034Z/A External V.2 USB Modem
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The Apple USB Modem is a controllerless or software modem based on the Motorola SM56 design. The advantages of a software modem are low cost, low power consumption, and compact design. The disadvantage is that modem processing is offloaded to a specialized driver that runs on the host computer. In this case, Apple has customized Motorola's driver to produce a generally solid product.
At the time of this writing, Apple has discontinued the Apple USB Modem (MA034Z/A) but they are still widely available for around US$50.
Testing Notes: Software modems require a driver that can pump real-time audio like data to the modem's transceiver regardless of any other system software that may be running. In my own testing, I've found it's important to connect the modem to a reliable USB Hub as close to the host computer as possible. Apple's USB Modem driver generally worked well but could fail under certain conditions like launching Disk Utility with external FireWire drives attached. I tend to prefer controller based modems for their greater stability, but the Apple USB Modem is certainly an elegant and compact unit.
The US Robotics USB Modem (USR5637) is a traditional controller based modem from a manufacturer with a solid product history. The modem includes its own control processor which understands AT commands directly, so only a basic USB serial driver is needed. In my testing, this modem worked well.
The USR5637 is widely available for around US$50.
Testing Notes: The manual included with the modem is unclear about the installation procedure. You'll need to install the software from the included CD first, and then plug-in the modem for it to be recognized by Mac OS X. In the Network Preferences panel, select USB Modem, click Advanced, and set the Vendor to "Other". This modem is about the size of a cell phone (significantly larger than the Apple USB Modem).
I had no trouble running both the Apple USB Modem and USR Modem at the same time. I'm the developer of Phone Amego which uses USB modems for landline support. Having run both modems continuously over an extended period, I prefer the USR modem for its stability. It's more modem for about the same price.

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Verizon DSL Wirless Modem/Router Westell 7500 Review

Verizon DSL Wirless Modem/Router Westell 7500
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I am a Verizon customer who a few years ago never said the name Verizon without an obscenity in front of it. Lately my experience has improved immensely, and my new Westell 7500 modem & wireless router is a case in point. I'd been using my old router for years, and reception was lousy -- complicated by my home being on the "fringe" of the local network. With a long wait ahead for FIOS service, I requested a new modem and got this one. The installation on my Windows 7 desktop went smoothly, and I was able to quickly configure our wireless computers to get the signal as well. My desktop is on the second floor of our house, and my husband's computer is in the basement, where some cellphone signals go dead, but he's had no trouble getting the signal. I have simply had no problem whatsoever with this modem, and my DSL service is now a zillion times faster and stronger than before. I only kick myself for waiting so long.
I should add that I'm no genius with computers. Verizon DSL has reduced me to weeping (literally) more than once in the past. But this modem gives me confidence that I'll be saving a lot on Kleenex in the future.
I feel I owe this review to Verizon after the years of loathing I've directed at them. On top of it, the sales person I talked to adjusted my phone package so I save about $30 a month, and a glitch in the shipping was handled with great courtesy and consideration. I don't know what happened at Verizon in the last few years, but it's all good. I strongly recommend this modem, and yes, Verizon as well.

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Novatel Wireless Verizon USB760, Sprint Novatel Ovation U760, MC760 USB Modem BLADE ANTENNA w/Laptop Clip - OEM SMK TS-9 Review

Novatel Wireless Verizon USB760, Sprint Novatel Ovation U760, MC760 USB Modem BLADE ANTENNA w/Laptop Clip - OEM SMK TS-9
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Took bars from 1, too max. The product does as it was intended, the only down point I can give it is lack of stability. The mount system rely's upon the stretching of plastic, which over time will fatigue, and if you try to stretch it too far will break. It is not stable to simply sit on a table so you must mount it in some way. A flat stand option would be nice, but for the price you can't beat it.

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8/24/2011

We3G 4520 Radio Modem Review

We3G 4520 Radio Modem
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Exactly as advertised. Easy setup. Didn't even have to call AT&T. I just took the sim out of my air card, put it in the modem, did the setup to tell it who my provider is and it works well.

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Belkin Wireless G 4-Port Router Review

Belkin Wireless G 4-Port Router
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I set this wireless router up for my non-techy parents around Thanksgiving. The setup was probably about half-an hour if you're overly-thorough like me with wanting to check everything out. After the initial setup, the 'rents have not had a bit of trouble connecting wirelessly. I noticed another review (and a comment) mention not being able to make changes to the settings. I didn't experience any of their woes. However, I do remember logging in to the router not being very intuitive and I wonder if that could be causing the issues. I was able to change the default SSID, login password for the router, and setup WPA easily. I set everything up by connecting my laptop directly with an ethernet cord and going to the router's IP address. I didn't use the included software, so I have no idea how well that works. As far as speed goes, I can't tell a difference between this cheapy router and my nice expensive one at home. My parents are only using it for browsing/email, and since they just upgraded from dial-up, they feel like they are flying.
***Update 01/20/09
I just wanted to state that my positive review of this product was not paid for, in light of Belkin's recent pay for reviews scandal (65 cents not really worth my integrity). And my parents still haven't had any problems with this router.

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With the Belkin Wireless G Router, you can quickly set up a wireless network for an apartment or small office, letting you share a broadband Internet connection with multiple computers. The Wireless G Router gives you the performance you need for handling all your basic networking applications, such as surfing the Web, emailing, and instant messaging.
Smart Design with Wired and Wireless Connections The Wireless G Router has a striking, vertical enclosure that is both handsome and space efficient. By standing vertically, the router takes up less desk space, giving you more room to work. The built-in external antenna provides the range necessary to easily cover an apartment or small office. Six LEDs for Power, Wired, Wireless, Modem, Security, and Internet let you know the status of your network at a glance, making it easy to troubleshoot any problems.
G Wireless relies on 802.11g technology and provides a wireless speed of up to 54Mbps. This means that you can surf the Internet, check emails, and chat with friends from the comfort of your kitchen table or couch.
You can also share networked peripherals such as a Wi-Fi printer, hard drives, and DVDs. The router is compatible with any 802.11g wireless products and is backwards compatible with 802.11b networks. But for maximum speed and range, the use of Belkin's G Wireless USB Adapter, Notebook Card, and Desktop Card are recommended.
In addition to G Wireless, the router also has four 10/100 Ethernet ports at the back, giving you the option to plug in for a steady and secure, fast connection running at up to 100Mbps.
Thanks to the strong built-in security, including support for WPA, WPA2, Wi-Fi Protected Setup, and 64-and 128-bit WEP encryption, you will be protected from hackers and intruders trying to gain access to your sensitive files. The router also supports VPN for making secure connections between home and office.
Easy to Set Up Belkin designed the Wireless G Router to be as simple to use as possible. Simply connect your wireless router to your cable or DSL modem, plug the router in, and connect your computer to the router. That's it. To help monitor your network performance and usage, the router includes Personal Network Assistant software, which runs on Windows XP/Vista and Mac OS X 10.4/10.5.
The Belkin Wireless G Router is backed by a 1-year warranty and includes free 24/7 technical support.
What's in the Box Wireless G Router, quick installation guide, Personal Network Assistant CD, user manual on CD, power supply, RJ45 Ethernet cable.

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2Wire Power Supply for Models 1701HG, 2700HG, and 2701HG Review

2Wire Power Supply for Models 1701HG, 2700HG, and 2701HG
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I'm looking for this adapter for a while and finally get it from here.
Delivery is fast and accurate.
Well you can get the same one from AT&T online store for $10 + shipping, and the total price is higher than here.

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