Netgear RangeMAX 240 May 22nd, 2006 | by Vince Veneziani

Setup and Use

Setting up the RangeMax 240 is like most routers out there today. You get an install CD, you use it, you plug the router in, and it's up and running. No brain surgery here folks, if you've set up a router before, you won't have any problems with this one. Netgear provides you with the Ethernet cable you need to connect it to your DSL or Cable Modem so you don't need to go digging for one. If you want maximum connectivity, you'll need to screw in the middle antenna to the router. A bit annoying that this just isn't done beforehand, but nothing to get upset about.

There is a big problem however with this Router that Netgear has yet to truly address: connectivity. There is only a notebook PC card and USB adaptor out that will connect you at super fast speeds. The PC card alone is $100! Not only is $100 an insane amount of money to pay for a notebook card, but not everyone can use it. Netgear needs a cheaper solution to cater to the masses. Anyone using a notebook from Apple will not be able to enjoy the true speeds of this device either.

The RangeMax 240 does boost 802.11g performance though. You'll find better reception than most other routers throughout your house and provided your notebook has a decent internal antenna, better speeds. I found that I could sit downstairs and get the same speeds as I would sitting in the same room as the router. This is nice, but still, it's not pre-N and Netgear is letting some serious power go to waste.

Performance

Netgear is saying you should use their new router with high-demand services such as streaming HD content or streaming music. I agree that this device would be best used to do things like streaming music to your living room while you download huge movie files and surf the web all at the same time. But unfortunately, Netgear doesn't provide you with enough solutions to take advantage of the pre-N speeds. Without a USB adaptor that is compatible with multiple operating systems, the 240mbps connections that Netgear is advertising will never truly be achieved.

Compared with other routers, the Rangemax 240 is obviously faster than most. But pre-N technology is becoming more popular and other companies such as Belkin are starting to come out with routers that are of the same caliber and have more solutions for connectivity and a more affordable price. The fact that this router also costs $180 will turn a lot of people off when a wireless-G router is available for $40 at your local electronics store.