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Intel's
AnyPoint Home Network kit allows novice computer users to
create a personal computer and printer network through telephone
wire jacks with ease. It runs seamlessly and allows multiple
terminal access to the Internet through one phone line and
account.
You can still use the phone lines for voice calls while
networking from computer to computer. All of this can be
installed and used by computer neophytes - a real bonus.
For small business people with a few employees who need
access to central information -- or employees who all need
access to the Internet, this hardware could replace the
need to bring in high-cost IT consultants.
This is one of the easiest networking solutions you will
ever run into. There is no need to pry open the computer
and affix a network card. The hardware plugs into the back
of your computer and into the telephone jack and you are
off to the races.
The included setup software is even easier to use than the
hardware, simplifying the network installation process and
allowing for configurable network settings. Once running,
the network runs seamlessly and quietly in the background.
There is no noticeable reduction in sound quality when using
the telephone.
There is a drawback to the easy installation: the hardware
itself is quite obtrusive. Network cards may have to be
installed inside the computer, but they stay in the computer,
where they belong. AnyPoint's sleek and refined hardware
unit is the same size as an average computer speaker. It
is designed to stand on the computer desk, but it adds no
functionality to your desktop.
One wonders why Intel would believe that sleek design would
make us any more willing to waste valuable desk space.
The cost is yet another issue. The reviewed units were packaged
separately: users must buy two packages in order to network
two computers. At a cost of US $89 per unit (CDN $135),
home or small business networking through the telephone
jack does not come cheap. On the other hand, if you are
purchasing Internet service for more than one computer --
along with separate phone jacks, $178 US (CDN $270 ) to
network two computers might be a bargain.
AnyPoint Home Network works well and is easily installed
by the most novice computer user in a very short time. Two
computers were connected and networking 20 minutes after
breaking the package seal.
At a cost of essentially US $89 (CDN $135) per computer,
Anypoint will have varying degrees of value to different
businesses. If you are looking to network computers at your
office, don't know a thing about ethernet, network cards,
or any other network complexity, AnyPoint Home Network is
a legitimate alternative.
Reviewer's rating: 4 / 5
Comments: Hey, it works, what more can you ask? May
be cost-prohibitive for small businesses that do not really
need to network.
Price: US $89 / CDN $135. Must purchase two to network
two computers
Where
to buy:
Shop Intel
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