D-Link DWL-G730AP AirPlus G High Speed 2.4GHz 802.11g Wireless Pocket Router/AP by D-Link
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Digital camera reviews of D-Link DWL-G730AP AirPlus G High Speed 2.4GHz 802.11g Wireless Pocket Router/AP
Digital camera Review: A "so-so" of a product
Summary: 3 Stars
I was looking for an inexpensive and portable wireless AP for all of my travelling and this seemed to fit my requirements - fit inside the backpack o'stuff and simple to configure. Everything is great, EXCEPT... I tend to drop the wireless connection a lot. While running one device (my laptop) over, it seems fairly stable. But as soon as I add a second wireless device, i.e. my iTouch, 90% of the time, it would drop both wireless connections, turn off one, and I was good. I went looking for firmware to update only to realize I have the latest version, and it's a couple of years old. So, you get what you pay for and I'm not overly impressed, but for just one device, I suppose it'll do for now.Digital camera Review: A God Send for travelers... Business and Pleasure
Summary: 5 Stars
We travel a lot: international, domestic, business, vacation, moving (hotel living for a month every two years) and an annual month of Leave- jumping from house to house all over the US. So our computer gear has to be small, tough and ultra compatible... which the D-Link Pocket Router is- in Spades! (We got the Netgear first... <shudder> horrible.) The other (positive) reviews have been right on about the technical aspects, so I only want to add a few other notes:
1. The D-Link is compatible will every modem we've hooked it to... from dial-up (scary) to DSL and Cable. From the big name modems in the US to the strange things you find in people's homes in Asia... it synced with each one and worked great... just plug it in and you're wireless!
I would also suggest picking up a cheap usb wifi adaptor. If someone doesn't have a wireless router already, they will likely only have a desktop and since you will be connecting their modem to your router, you will need to make the desktop 'wireless'.
2. The D-Link really shines in hotels. There have been no problems hooking it to the Ethernet connections in the myriad of hotel rooms we stayed in: from Alabama to Bangkok (even Abu Dhabi). The plug is not only 110-240 but is not grounded so can be fitted to any overseas power adaptors. The reach overseas does vary wildly and where it's mostly concrete construction (Asia, Middle East, etc...) you are better 'sharing' the connection through windows and floors/ceilings, than walls. Good to keep in mind when you are watching the children at the pool or sharing an expensive connection with co-workers.
3. Even if you do have wi-fi on your lap top, if you're at a hotel with wireless "in public areas" or even in a house where the bubble is small (hand me down wireless routers that only reach to the gifter's guest room for example) try using it as an access point... you'd be surprised.
All in all, the slick design and very small size (compare it to the other travel routers and you'll understand) coupled with ease of use and overwhelming compatibility make this a necessity for any traveler... or expat.
Digital camera Review: A convenient way to carry your own WiFi
Summary: 5 Stars
I've used this handy device many places where there has been a router available but no wireless connection. It's quick and easy to plug in and connect to. The range is wonderful as well. In one location the modem was in an upstairs bedroom. I plugged in the pocket router and everyone could get on line anywhere in the house. Having all three modes available is convenient so it can be used anywhere.Digital camera Review: A little router that packs a big punch
Summary: 5 Stars
I purchased this router because I needed one that could connect to the existing wireless connection in the hotel for my VOIP phone. I toggled it to its client mode; it connected to the hotel's wireless, I connect my VOIP modem to its Ethernet and boom! I have my home line-- away from home! I absolutely love what this device is capable of, given its compact size. I can make at least the same configuration changes as my full-sized router I keep at home and even more because of the wireless modes you can toggle it to. As with all D-Link routers, this one has to restart with a configuration change. That is a little annoying, but it doesn't change my overall satisfaction of this awesome piece of networking equipment. I am extremely impressed; thanks D-Link!Digital camera Review: A real gem in a very small package! -- OOPS! Limited range
Summary: 3 Stars
D-Link DWL-G730AP Wireless Pocket Router/AP w/ Client Mode, 802.11g, 54Mbps
Fantastic product! A real winner. Just received and have already set it up and successfully tested as Access Point (using this mode right now) and Client. Amazing that so much capability is packed into such a small package. Suggest you show this along with Blu-ray Disc (BD) players that have only Ethernet connections (no wireless). Though I will use it to connect a BD player at home, I am a road warrior, and this product is a must have for my trips.
BUY WITHOUT HESITATION! (but only for use over short distances--see update below)
UPDATE: I am using this in Client mode with my new Samsung BD-1590 Blu-ray player for a wireless hookup. My Netgear Wireless-N router is in my home office on the second floor, and the Blu-ray Disc player is in the first-floor family room (I estimate that the separation between them is about 30 feet through wooden construction). I have draped the wireless pocket router over the front of the TV for maximum signal capture, with the player in a cabinet below the TV. I find reception to be disappointingly erratic. Sometimes, I get perfect reception. At other times, I cannot get the player to connect to the network. I have tested several hypotheses to fix this. I get very good wireless signal on my iPhone when I am in the same room as the pocket router and player, so I do not think that the fault lies with the Netgear Wireless Router. Also, I have tried several different broadcast channels, and that does not seem to make any difference. I also tried powering down the pocket router, thinking that perhaps it had overheated, but that did not work consistently. Finally, I decided to leave both the BD player and the pocket router (wireless client) powered on, and that seems to work to maintain the connection, at least for the last 24 hours. My working hypothesis is that the reception range of the pocket router is not all that great, and if something else diminishes the signal strength or available wireless bandwidth, the pocket router just gives up. So, I have ordered a Samsung WIS09ABGN LinkStick Wireless LAN Adapter (USB stick, proprietary to Samsung; other, much cheaper, USB wireless adapter sticks will not work--ARGHHH!) from Amazon in hopes that it will do a better job. Unfortunately, it is currently out of stock and back-ordered. So, I will just leave the player and the pocket router powered on until I receive the Samsung USB stick.