Looking for a Cheap WiFi Router? How about $9.99?

[Jason Dunn]

<div class='os_post_top_link'><a href='http://www.ecost.com/ecost/shop/detail.asp?DPNo=155659&adcampaign=email,ewb03978' target='_blank'>http://www.ecost.com/ecost/shop/det...=email,ewb03978</a><br /><br /></div><img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/2003/155659_lg.jpg" /> <br /><br />"AirPlus Enhanced 2.4GHz 802.11b 22Mbps Wireless Cable/DSL Router. This Mfr refurbished 22Mbps 802.11b Router has a built-in 4 port switch and advanced firewall features with parental controls. Compatible with XBoxLive and Playstation 2."<br /><br />This seems almost too good to be true, but the price starts at $59.99, and after $50 in rebates, you end up with a net cost of $9.99. If you've ever thought about adding WiFi access to your home of office, this is an expensive way to give it a try. Too bad the CompactFlash WiFi cards for Pocket PCs aren't quite this cheap! :wink:

[AKBishop]

I owned one of these routers for almost a year. It worked really well. I was able to play Xbox Live and VPN to work with it. Good router.

I'd still be using it except that I accidentally fried it when I plugged the wrong AC adapter into it after moving it, though. Because of my succcess with D-Link I replaced it with the DI-624 which is nearly the same except it adds 802.11 g support and drops the proprietary 22Mbps 802.11b+ that the router had.

[CameronK]

If you've ever thought about adding WiFi access to your home of office, this is an expensive way to give it a try. Too bad the CompactFlash WiFi cards for Pocket PCs aren't quite this cheap!


Yes, very expensive indeed :lol:

[upplepop]

Because of my succcess with D-Link I replaced it with the DI-624 which is nearly the same except it adds 802.11 g support and drops the proprietary 22Mbps 802.11b+ that the router had.

What problems does the proprietary 802.11b+ cause? Are there problems with using this router with wireless NICs from other manufacturers?

[Jason Dunn]

What problems does the proprietary 802.11b+ cause? Are there problems with using this router with wireless NICs from other manufacturers?

AFAIK, none - you just won't get the 22 Mbps speed, it will work at 11 Mbps.

[BelgiumGuy]

I have had a 802.11b D-Link Wifi-DSL router and it now stays in a corner. Totally unstable, I had to reboot it many times a day. I did send it back. The new one was as unstable. Could it be my home situation ? No. A colleague of mine had the same problems. We did both exchange it for a Linksys that works like a dream. In months it has always works perfectly. I have to think twice to remember where it is in the house. A friend of mine is looking for a Wifi solution but I prefer to throw this D-Link. So, even 1$ is to much for such a product.

[T-Will]

I've used this router along with a cable modem for the past year and as far as I know it hasn't given me any problems. I'd highly recommend it especially for $9.99! Can you even get a 4 port hub/switch for under $10 bucks?

[Varrus]

FYI fellow Canadian PocketPCThoughts-ers...
I read the fine print on the rebate coupons, and they apply in the U.S. only. Bummer!

[sponge]

These routers seem very much hit and miss, I personally have to reboot mine far too often due to losing network connectivity, and spotty WiFi strength/whether it's even working.

[fredtskunke]

Sorry to hear about your problems BelgiumGuy.

I have had this router running for 8 months. I did the firmware update the day I put it in, configured it, and forgot about it. I have never had a problem with it. Works great. I have never even power-cycled it, it runs like a champ.

[mmidgley]

I own the DI-614+RevB, purchased from Office Depot. Looks like eCost is selling RevA (RebB has only one antenna). There must be a reason, perhaps only cost efficiency/reduction, that D-Link moved to a newer processor and ended up with only one antenna.

So, I have a slightly different product, but I've never had a problem with it--perhaps the usable distance could be better, but that's 802.11b.

m.

[AKBishop]

What problems does the proprietary 802.11b+ cause? Are there problems with using this router with wireless NICs from other manufacturers?

There were no problems with it. In fact, it worked as advertised. With the DWL-650+ PCMCIA on a laptop, it used the 22Mbps connection while other 802.11b products (A D-Link USB 802.11b adapter and a Linksys WET11 Bridge) both worked at 11 Mbps. Although I wouldn't recommend the DWL-650+ as I have experienced many problems with it (although it might just be a bad card).

[wxrman]

is what they are selling...

These are refurbs... someone elses headache rebuilt and sold cheap...

You will be LUCKY if you actually get the rebates... I'm still waiting on a few from over two years ago.

[iPaqDude]

Too bad the CompactFlash WiFi cards for Pocket PCs aren't quite this cheap! :wink:

I just wish I could get my Wireless CF cards working with my router! I have a Socket & Linksys 802.11b CF card & can't get either to work properly on my H2215. :cry:

[Gremmie]

is what they are selling...

You will be LUCKY if you actually get the rebates... I'm still waiting on a few from over two years ago.

Rebates aren't terribly bad, the wait can be long. If it just takes awhile call them and they'll reissue the rebate check.

[powder2000]

Instead of the antichrist, you can call me the anti-rebate. I hate these things and avoid them at all costs. That's just my 2cents. :devilboy:

[JoeMoon]

I had this router and had some trouble with wireless devices connecting to it and staying connected. I moved the router to another location in the house to see if the location would help... When I crawled out from under my desk, the thing was smoking! I immediately crawled back under the desk and ripped the plug out of the power source.

Needless to say, I brought it back to Costco and purchased a Linksys several weeks later...

I have one Linksysin my house and another in my office. The one in the office has given me so much trouble, I pulled that one out and put the Microsoft router back in.

For those that are wireless hungry - you can purchase my wireless gear... I am done with the fantasy of wifi... I have a DLink Air DCF-660W CF card and a Linksys Router... PM me if interested...

Joe...

[qmrq]

Rebates aren't terribly bad, the wait can be long. If it just takes awhile call them and they'll reissue the rebate check.

Rebates are the devil.

Instead of the antichrist, you can call me the anti-rebate. I hate these things and avoid them at all costs. That's just my 2cents. :devilboy:

Yes, yes, yes! Oh how I loathe "rebates".

[Dazbot]

I have the DI-614+ for about 9 months, everything was fine till I got my h2210, now the 660W will only connect once after the router has been restarted, I have tried it in my old 3850 and that has the same problem.

The router works fine with the 520 PCI card in my other desktop PC, it can connect easily.

Btw has anyone seen the 802.11b add-on for the Shuttle SK41G I don't want to use its only PCI slot for it, but wireless would be nice. It's metioned on the box but I can't see it anywhere online

[Elad Yakobowicz]

Unbelievable find, Jason! Thank you! :clap:

[dbman]

Because of my succcess with D-Link I replaced it with the DI-624 which is nearly the same except it adds 802.11 g support and drops the proprietary 22Mbps 802.11b+ that the router had.

What problems does the proprietary 802.11b+ cause? Are there problems with using this router with wireless NICs from other manufacturers?

I owned one of these when I purchased an Acer 800LCi laptop with built-in wireless. From day one, I had nothing but problems trying to connect with the router. While the router had worked just fine with a CF 802.11b+ card from D-Link and an old IBM laptop, my Acer would not make a connection. It could see the router, but not connect with it.

Acer tech support first told me I would have to send the laptop in for service (2-days out of the box). I complained to my supplier and two days later, an Acer engineer called to say that D-Link had tweaked many settings in the 802.11b to get the higher data rates. The proprietary protocol reduced certain limits in the protocol enough that several 802.11b devices, failed to work properly with it. He did suggest that I download the latest firmware for the router since this fixed some of the problems, but he said the best bet was to sell it and get another router which used standard 802.11b. I tried the latest firmware and found I still could not make a repeatable connection. Sometimes it worked and other times it did not.

I sold the router and CF card on e-Bay and purchased a Microsoft 802.11b router. This router has worked flawlessly for over 6 months with my Acer and my PDA and Socket 802.11b card.

Despite the problems I had, because your net cost is $10 after the rebate, the risk is small. Get it, try it and see if it works for you. If it does, you've got a terrific bargin, otherwise, sell it on e-Bay.

[lurch]

I owned one of these routers for almost a year. It worked really well. I was able to play Xbox Live and VPN to work with it. Good router.

I'd still be using it except that I accidentally fried it when I plugged the wrong AC adapter into it after moving it, though. Because of my succcess with D-Link I replaced it with the DI-624 which is nearly the same except it adds 802.11 g support and drops the proprietary 22Mbps 802.11b+ that the router had.
It's like looking in a virtual mirror!! I did this EXACT same thing :oops: , except since mine was still under warranty, I just had it replaced, and it's still going strong!

I do find that it needs to be rebooted every now and then, but I'm talking like once every 4 months.

I might pick up another one, just for "fun" or something. You can't beat $10!!!

Thanks Jason!

[ricksfiona]

If this were a Linksys or Netgear router, I would go for it. I have a D-Link CF 802.11b card and it's not very good. Having spotty hardware is not worth it at any price, or lack of.

[aviator]

I too am using the 624 with 802.11g after moving from the netgear MR314 and find this unit much better.

I can't believe these cashback deals you guys get in US/canada! why don't we get them in Europe?

[beq]

Rebates are the devil.
Instead of the antichrist, you can call me the anti-rebate. I hate these things and avoid them at all costs. That's just my 2cents. :devilboy:
Yes, yes, yes! Oh how I loathe "rebates".
What a coincidence, I avoid them too! Honest, I always say "Mail-in rebate is the devil's invention." Great (or maybe just average) minds think alike :)

P.S. What is currently the best performing and most feature-rich WiFi a+g(+b) access point (either w/ built-in WAN router or not, I'm easy)?

[AKBishop]

It's like looking in a virtual mirror!! I did this EXACT same thing :oops: , except since mine was still under warranty, I just had it replaced, and it's still going strong!

I assumed that it wouldn't be cover under warranty since it was not related to any defect in the product, just a defect in the user. Shame on me. I should've tried. Many companies will honor beyond their warranty to keep a happy customer. :) (Then again many companies won't even honor their warranty as far as simple product defects :evil: ).

Oh well :-)

[qmrq]

Great (or maybe just average) minds think alike :)

P.S. What is currently the best performing and most feature-rich WiFi a+g(+b) access point (either w/ built-in WAN router or not, I'm easy)?

Nah.. definitely "great" minds. As for best access point.. look at linksys wag11.