Netgear Wireless Digital Music Player MP101

Wireless networking has become the enabling technology for all kinds of new consumer products and most of those revolve around streaming media. As with MP3 players, however, there's a downside when IT companies try their hand at consumer electronics - few, barring Apple, understand ease of use.

Fortunately, Netgear doesn't appear to have made that mistake with the MP101. This sturdy little box is designed to take your music collection, in MP3 or WMA formats, and make it available to any hi-fi system within reach of your wireless network. Unlike similar products we've tested, the Netgear requires little user intervention to set up, as it finds the wireless networks automatically. First, however, you should install the accompanying software. The Netgear Media Server is a simple app that scans selected directories for compatible audio files and enters them into its catalog. Existing PLS and M3U playlists can also be imported.

Netgear has also supplied RealNetworks' Rhapsody digital music service software, which is similar to iTunes or Napster. However, even though you can preview the service, you have to be based in the US to actually use it, which makes us wonder why Netgear included it in the UK product.

Once the Media Server is running, attaching the MP101 is easy. It finds the available 802.11b or 802.11g WLANs so you can choose yours from the list on the LCD panel, it will reboot, associate itself, and pick up an IP address from your wireless access point. If WEP is turned on, the MP101 will prompt you to enter the pass phrase or manual key. It will then list the available media servers on your network and allow you to connect to one. From then on, you can browse your imported audio collection by album, artist and genre, and play tracks.

It's expensive, however, considering Hauppauge's MediaMVP handles video as well and costs less, although it is only wired. But the Netgear's ease of use makes it fit more easily alongside your home entertainment system.

Author: James Morris