Lights, Camera ...

The NetGear WGT624 is one of the best-looking routers we've seen, rivaling Apple's AirPort in appeal. It also has unique and informative lights, each in the shape of its function. The wireless LAN activity indicator, for example, looks like an antenna, while the power light looks like a power button.

The Usual Suspects

Almost all wireless routers offer a standard set of connections on the back: four 10/100 LAN Ethernet ports, one WAN Ethernet port for a cable or DSL modem, a power plug, plus some kind of reset button or switch (usually recessed so you can't push it accidentally). You can see the NetGear's reset button next to the antenna, activated by a paper clip pushed through the hole.

The NetGear WGT624 looks almost identical to its 802.11b sibling, the MR814v2. The box contents and software are also alike. The WGT624's claim to fame is speed.

Flipping It

Turn the NetGear on its side using the little plastic stand, and it will slip into virtually any crack on your desktop. Or use the wall-mount slots to get it off your desk completely.