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D-Link DI-704UP
4 Port Router with USB Print Server (OBSOLETE)
Comments: Same as the DI-704P but with a print server to suit USB Printers rather than parallel. Peter sent me this review:
I've had the router for 8 months now, with Time Warner (roadrunner) cable access, and an Epson c66 printer going to 2-3 computers at any given time. I have yet to reboot the router because of the Internet or network connection. The router has been rock-solid reliable.
Setup: easy if you have set up a router before, however if you haven't, the router comes with a manual and a quick-reference card, both of which tell you conflicting information about setup order (neither of which are wholly correct in my opinion), and both leave out steps. The truth, as usual, is somewhere in between. Setup of the network printer requires installing the supplied driver on all computers separately. This is painless, but I recommend uninstalling your printer first if it is set up locally anywhere, then reinstalling it after router is set up. Network establishment was no harder than any other router.
Menus - interface is common as far as home routers go. No issues there. Have yet to try some of the advanced features though like VPN or DMZ. very full featured.
Appearance: Looks sleek and unobtrusive. Fits well with other equipment and is easily stackable (unlike most Linksys, which are only really stackable with each other). Small form factor, wires in back tend to weigh the thing down, making the front lift a bit...oh well. D-Link decided to have the status light flash to say it is working properly, rather than just stay stable, which is annoying. Also, late at night with the house really quiet and the computers off, I can sometimes hear it "chirping", which is annoying if you're trying to sleep in that room. All this is silly, though I wanted to be thorough.
Network: Like I said, rock-solid here. Passed the Internet security checker I tried (no idea which one that was). Do not see any speed difference with router connected vs disconnected, but I haven't looked into it that deeply.
Print Server: Works fine with the C-66. Emailed D-Link about my particular printer before I bought it, they had no clue. I would advise anyone considering buying this box that if your printer is not on the approved/disapproved list. Go and give it a try anyway, there's a good chance it will work. I, like all the others do not get bi-directional support (no ink levels). Don't know why there isn't an update to fix this yet, that is ridiculous. I see no delay in printing caused by using the 704up over not using it. However, once in a while (like when changing the cartridges) I will lose connection with the printer and will not be able to print. Print server works by assigning an IP address to the printer. To fix the issue, I must get new address for printer. Turning off the computers, the printer and then the router. Then I turn on printer first, wait till it posts, then plug in router, then turn on computer. This by the way is the correct order to power up when installing. Again, the manual and quickstart guide both tell you otherwise, don't believe them. This has only happened twice, and I consider it an acceptable issue, though there should be a way to release and renew the printer only through the on-screen interface.
Overall: I am more than satisfied with the router. Wishlist would include a bi-directional fix, a steady default status light, a better manual and more attentive support. I had been strictly a Linksys user until now. AFAIK they don't even have a USB print server/router for sale. That's why I went with Dlink, and because of this router, I will take D-Link products more seriously in the future.
8 out of 10. Click here for a test drive.
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