14 DAY TRIAL // Cisco recently unveiled its latest series of 802.11n wireless routers, known as the Valet, which, compared to the company's previous products, seems to be significantly more user-friendly and aesthetically pleasing. Made with the assistance of the Flip team, acquired not long ago, the Valet routers are described as a “breakthrough new product line” and don't exactly focus on top-of-the-line hardware, instead seeking to make wireless network setup and management simpler. Currently made up of only the Valet and Valet Plus models, the line will enable a personalized wireless experience and a different level of control.
The Valet is aimed at less experienced users and, to facilitate the faster and simpler setup, comes with the Cisco Connect software on the included Easy Setup Key USB flash drive. Instead of forcing users to go through a mindboggling web-based setup, the drive simply plugs into the PC and installs everything on its own, after which it auto-locates the router and connects it to the available wireless service. Not only that, but the key can even save the password and settings, including those relating to parental controls, which means that one can simply plug the drive into another PC and immediately load the same settings.
The second product in this series is the Valet Plus, largely similar but having 4 Gigabit Ethernet ports instead of 10/100 Ethernet ports. It also features an antenna, for better coverage.
"Valet is home wireless made easy," said Jonathan Kaplan, senior vice president and general manager of Cisco Consumer Products. "With complementary backgrounds and expertise, our Cisco and Flip teams have combined forces to change the rules for home wireless with a product line that empowers consumers to easily set up, use and manage all of their wireless devices anywhere in their home."
"Consumers have felt powerless and frustrated with the entire process of home wireless, but with Valet we are tearing down the walls and opening it up to everyone," he added. "The market for wireless-enabled products is exploding and now mainstream users will be able to take full advantage of all the new opportunities."
The Valet and Valet Plus are immediately available and carry price tags of $100 and $150, respectively. Cisco is also offering a Valet Connector Upgrade, which gives WiFi capabilities to older PCs that lack wireless of their own.