MaximumPC 2004 03

42 MAXIMUMPC MARCH 2004

the Squeezebox, connect it to your stereo

using either the analog or digital connection,

enter your SSID and WEP key, and you’re

ready to groove. The easy-to-browse inter-

face and web-based configuration tool let

the Squeezebox stream much more than just

MP3s; it can stream any audio format your

PC can play. For more information, see a full

review on page 70.

$300, http://www.slimdevices.com

Fastest Router

D-Link DI-624

By day, the DI-624 is an ordinary Wi-Fi router By day, the DI-624 is an ordinary Wi-Fi router

with a four-port hub that runs at a measly with a four-port hub that runs at a measly

54Mb/sec. But when you engage its special 54Mb/sec. But when you engage its special

High Speed mode, it ratchets the speed up High Speed mode, it ratchets the speed up

to 108Mb/sec by using more of the avail-to 108Mb/sec by using more of the avail-

able spectrum. As long as you’ll be using it able spectrum. As long as you’ll be using it

with other D-Link devices in your home, the with other D-Link devices in your home, the

DI-624 is the ultimate router for high-speed

wireless access.

Easiest Router to Install $120, http://www.dlink.com

Microsoft Wireless Base

Station MN-700

This 802.11g router is more enjoyable to

configure than any other router we’ve

ever used. It walks even the rankest

neophyte through the Wi-Fi configuration

process, helping you choose the correct

settings for security and reliability. This

integrated four-port hub even lets you

share your broadband hookup with all the

devices in your home, whether they’re

wired or wireless.

$110, http://www.microsoft.com/hardware

The Ultimate Streaming

Media Box

The Ultimate Streaming

Media Box

The Ultimate Streaming

Slim Devices Squeezebox

You’ve got thousands of MP3s on your PC,

but no way to listen to them on the kick-ass

stereo in your living room. This common

problem is easily solved with a simple Wi-Fi

network and the Squeezebox. Setup is easy;

install the software on your PC, power up

By day, the DI-624 is an ordinary Wi-Fi router

with a four-port hub that runs at a measly

54Mb/sec. But when you engage its special

High Speed mode, it ratchets the speed up

to 108Mb/sec by using more of the avail-

able spectrum. As long as you’ll be using it

with other D-Link devices in your home, the

DI-624 is the ultimate router for high-speed

Buy the Best Products

From access points to routers to webcams, here’s the Maximum PC -approved list of the

best Wi-Fi gear for every category. Our verdicts are law!



Wi-Fi Wonder

Wi-Fi PC Card

The vast majority of Wi-Fi cards for lap-

tops are virtually identical. Most have

about the same performance, cost about

the same price, and are made by the same

two companies: Broadcom and Intersil.

The only reason to choose one Wi-Fi card

over another is that some vendors, like

D-Link, enable higher-than-standard wire-

less transfer speeds on only their own

hardware. For this reason, we recommend

buying your PC cards from whichever

company made your access point.

Around $50

Best Wi-Fi Webcam

D-Link DCS 2100+

It really doesn’t get any simpler than

the DCS 2100+. You plug it into an elec-

trical outlet, configure it from any Wi-Fi

enabled PC using the provided soft-

ware, and you instantly have a webcam

that you can place anywhere in range

of your Wi-Fi access point. It can even

stream a 320x240 MPEG4 video at 30

frames per second. It makes for a great

little security device.

$380, http://www.dlink.com

Most Portable Wi-Fi Device

Linksys WYSB12

This penlight-size USB dongle adds Wi-Fi

in seconds to any PC with a USB port. Its

small size and convenient formfactor make

it an easily transportable Wi-Fi solution

for desktops or any other device with a

USB port.

$70, http://www.linksys.com