Philips Wireless Networking Starterkit SNK5600 - wireless router

...is a review on the Philips SNK5600 networking starter kit, it contains all you need to go "wireless" As a technophobe, even I managed to get it installed, although I did require the help of the helpline, but that is what they are there for. The kit was purchased from PC World for a cost of £49.99 although it goes without saying that somewhere they will be cheaper.

This purchased for NTL broadband, it may not be suitable for ...
...not too pleased with the Philips helpline, and am not happy with the security side at the moment. Will keep this updated.

UPDATE:- I have now given up with this router, it has gone back to PC World (very helpful) I now have a different one, and may well do another review on it. The router I went for is the D-Link DWL-922 - I am about to atart a review on it now. The review has been viewed many times now, hope it helps someone.   ... more

This is a review on the Philips SNK5600 networking starter kit, it contains all you need to go "wireless" As a technophobe, even I managed to get it installed, although I did require the help of the helpline, but that is what they are there for. The kit was purchased from PC World for a cost of £49.99 although it goes without saying that somewhere they will be cheaper.

This purchased for NTL broadband, it may not be suitable for other networks.

Commonly known as a Hi-speed Wi-Fi router (advertised as superfast) the router is as big a a sandwich, with an aerial stuck up a few inches. It will enable any PC, desktop or laptop, to connect to the internet, without wires. Sorry if I am teaching you to suck eggs but I am writing this for someone who doesn't know how these things work.

It has13 channels, firewall protection and a status indicator,

The antenna is built in, and the unit can be left on the floor or mounted on a wall, skirting board, or window sill.

Installation CD rom, cable, ethernet lead etc all come included of course, as does the power adapter.

The instruction manual is satisfactory, but it reads like it has been translated from some foreign language.

It comes with a free wireless USB adapter (some kits don't)

These is also a free 30 day trial of Mionet (remotely access your PC files) I have not tried this an perhaps never will, however, if I do I will add it to the review,

The advertising blurb says that it is a "fast easy setup" - in my case. I had problems because I went from dial up to broadband, at the same time as going wireless. This means I have had to use the helpline, which sorted the problem, however it does cost 15p per minute, and this can mount up if the trouble can't be cured soon.

As for the ramge of this unit, I live in a large solid 1939s house, the router is at the front, and the desktop is right at the back, and I don't have problems at all.

The looks of the router can't be faulted, it actually looks cool, and will go with any decor.

The packaging is very good, so the chance of damage is slight. All in all, I am well satisfied with this product.

The position at the moment is that I do have internet, abut not wireless, so the router does not work at the momeny, plus I still have problems getting my daughter's laptop to work without wires, I will be glad of any tips you may have for this old "technophobe" I am not too pleased with the Philips helpline, and am not happy with the security side at the moment. Will keep this updated.

UPDATE:- I have now given up with this router, it has gone back to PC World (very helpful) I now have a different one, and may well do another review on it. The router I went for is the D-Link DWL-922 - I am about to atart a review on it now. The review has been viewed many times now, hope it helps someone.  

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