Digital Music
Netgear's MP101 Digital Music Player ($129) and Linksys's Wireless-B Media Link for Music ($180 with speakers, $150 without) work on wired or wireless networks. Both devices stream music from your computer's hard drive using server software (Netgear has its own application; Linksys uses Musicmatch's Jukebox 8.2 software), and both units make it possible to access the subscription-based Rhapsody online music service.
The Linksys Media Link also provides support for Internet radio stations, which it can access on its own (no Internet-connected PC required). The shipping model I tested came with its own attachable, powered speakers, forming a sort of 21st-century boom box (albeit one that requires an electrical outlet at all times).
Setting up the Netgear MP101 was moderately simple, but when I tried to play some tunes for the first time, I thought I'd walked into a musicians' strike. Three or four tracks would play without a hitch, and then the music would abruptly halt.
The MP101's screen indicated that it remained on the network but had lost its connection to the server. Netgear suggested that I swap out my Netopia router; when I replaced it with another brand, the problems vanished. Subsequent tests with a third router proved problem-free as well, suggesting that the original glitch may have been due to the Netopia hardware.
Initial setup of the Linksys Media Link was a bit trickier. First, I had to connect it by ethernet cable to my computer to configure it, and then I had to switch it to the wireless network, which required me to perform another configuration sequence--this time using the device's remote (a step that the manual left out).
The Media Link had problems with my Netopia router, too, hanging for minutes on end while it worked out network protocols. Again, switching over to a different router seemed to solve the problem.
Audio Quality
The operation and menus of the two devices were remarkably similar. Compared with the display on the Linksys unit, the Netgear device's screen was far more legible from a few feet away--but the Netgear remote performed quite poorly. The Linksys remote worked better, the unit came with an equalizer, and the included speakers emitted decent sound. Both products had good audio quality.
Either the MP101 or the Wireless-B Media Link for Music should be fine for networked digital fans. Both units are supposed to be compatible with any 802.11b or 802.11g wireless router, but be sure you buy from a store with a liberal return policy--just in case you hit the same snags I did. Of the two, I prefer the Linksys, with its Internet radio stations, smoother operation, and extra features.
Easy to set up and has a bright screen; remote was finicky, and the unit lacks access to Internet radio.
Street: $129
Current Price (if available)
Tricky setup, but a good choice for people who enjoy Internet radio.
Street: $180 with speakers, $150 without speakers
Current Price (if available)
