Manage updates with the Download AppBelkin Play Max Wireless Router
Manufacturer: Belkin Part number: F7D4301
- More product information:
- Editors' review
- User reviews
- Specifications
- Manufacturer info
- Bottom Line:
- The Belkin Play Max Wireless Router seems like a simple and fast wireless router, but its useless desktop software and cumbersome USB-related features make it less appealing than other options.
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Where to buy
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| Memory4Less.com | Not yet rated | In stock | as of 05/19/2013 |
CNET editors' review
Belkin Play Max Wireless Router price range: $28.98 - $211.62
- Reviewed by: Dong Ngo
- Edited by: Donald Bell
- Reviewed on: 04/22/2010
The good: The Belkin Play Max Wireless Router is compact, supports true dual-band, Gigabit Ethernet, guest networking, network storage, and USB printers. It offers fast wireless performance and a long range.
The bad: The Belkin Play Max Wireless Router requires the Belkin Router Manager software to be running on a computer for its advanced features to work. It is confusing to set up and use, doesn't have any status indicator lights, and its network storage performance is slow. The router gets hot when used for an extended amount of time, and its firmware is buggy.
The bottom line: The Belkin Play Max Wireless Router seems like a simple and fast wireless router, but its useless desktop software and cumbersome USB-related features make it less appealing than other options.
User reviews
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IT Scam of the year
by sulanuae on November 10, 2010
Pros: I can't really find anything good about this product really.
Cons: The software bundle is bad, It doesn't work well at all on Win 7 and the Router Monitor keeps on screwing up my WLAN setting & Networks, I have no idea why you would need the router monitor software installed anyway, It has basically no functionality
Summary: It can't do anything promised, Belkin support don't even know this product and how it works.
And why would you need a software like Vuze to manage torrents, ...Summary: It can't do anything promised, Belkin support don't even know this product and how it works.
And why would you need a software like Vuze to manage torrents, it should be built in to the router
Please don't do the same mistake as I did.3 out of 3 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Absolute unreliable piece of Crap
by Endley on January 23, 2011
Pros: Advertised Features are great - Print server, media server, torrent genie, 3 separate wireless channels etc etc
Cons: Crappy firmware keeps on resetting and built in ADSL modem stops responding. And then once a month, it crashes so badly that i have to take it to tech customer service and get it replaced. They have replaced my hardware 2 times in last 4 months.
Summary: Extremeny crappy firmware, which crashes and then the router goes dead and has to be replaced. Thanks to the 3 year guarantee in India. Belkin should do a product recall ...
Summary: Extremeny crappy firmware, which crashes and then the router goes dead and has to be replaced. Thanks to the 3 year guarantee in India. Belkin should do a product recall if they have any respect for their customers
2 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Piece of garbage! Same yourself $100!
by allsounddj on January 2, 2011
Pros: Nothing! It is worthless!
Cons: I have to reset the router every time I go to use it. I have called their customer support 5 times and they can not fix any of the problems with it!
Summary: My network is very slow when I get on my computer a lot. Everytime I want to get online I have to pull the power on the back of the ...
Summary: My network is very slow when I get on my computer a lot. Everytime I want to get online I have to pull the power on the back of the router, and then plug it back in. After it reboots my internet speed and signal are fine. I bought this unit because it has the "wireless print feature" built in it. I have tried using this to print wirelessly and it does not work. After 3 tech support calls, they tell me that my new Lexmark all in one printer is not compatible. The other 2 tech support calls were because my signal was low from the router even if I was in the same room, and my internet was slow. The tell me that the problem was THE BELKIN SOFTWARE that came with my router! I had to uninstall the program from my laptop. This made the signal level higher, but did not fix the problem where I constantly have to reset the unit .I have reinstalled my linksys router since and had no more problems.
2 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Absolute waste of my money
by wallsoftroy on November 17, 2010
Pros: I only need one box instead of my old N Wireless Router and seperate ADSL2+ modem
Cons: Poor signal strength
Resets to wrong settings by itself
Not user friendly
Backup feature pops up every 2 minutes asking if i want to delete the old files
Doesn't like connecting to another wireless router so blocks the internet connection on bothSummary: I have had no end of issues with the entire package which are:
1. The software locked me out of using my works wireless
2. The Router keeps reverting back ...Summary: I have had no end of issues with the entire package which are:
1. The software locked me out of using my works wireless
2. The Router keeps reverting back to a different ISP's setting so I cant connect ot the internet and it takes 20 minutes to re-configure.
3. My first one completely died when it tried to update the hardware as it requested
4. For some reason it does not like my Outlook and causes connection issues that means I continuously send the same email from my Outbox but it does not think it has sent so resends.
5. Cant add another external wirelss router as it blocks internat connection
6.The connection to the inteernet says its faster than my ISP's modem but it runs very slow.2 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
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needlessly complicated
by mdenunzio on November 15, 2010
Pros: If it made sense to hate an inanimate object, then the Belkin Play router is the one to hate. It give you something to focus your hostilities on, possibly promoting world peace.
Cons: This router has cost me countless hours of frustration in trying to get it to work consistently. My son has yet to be able to log into the internet with it, and none of our gaming devices will work.
Summary: Bottom line: it comes loaded with non-functional features, and is needlessly complicated to set up. I've set up many a wireless router and network, and this router has me ...
Summary: Bottom line: it comes loaded with non-functional features, and is needlessly complicated to set up. I've set up many a wireless router and network, and this router has me completely stumped. It just does not work.
2 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Don't buy It
by JonScorpio on September 14, 2011
Pros: Erm?, Can't fill ten characters for this
Cons: Useless piece of junk, can't even work as a modem router, let alone anything else.
I have wasted hours if not days trying to get bit to work.
Constantly resets to default values, report offline when not,
USB ports dont even recognise my mouse, printer anSummary: DON'T EVEN LET SOMEBODY GIVE YOU ONE!
Summary: DON'T EVEN LET SOMEBODY GIVE YOU ONE!
1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Quite good - stop being critical!
by Guffie90 on April 1, 2011
Pros: > Set and forget - when you actually read the documentation or use a proactive approach to setting up it never needs to be "power cycled" I have had to do this about twice in the 6 months I have had it
> Automatic firmware checks - automatically polCons: > Unnecessary reboots - some settings require a reboot for no real reason when changed
> Lack of functions - limited in a few areas that disappointed me alot
> Useless software packages - the software that comes with it is useless, don't bother iSummary: The PlayMax wireless router is a very good product, sure it has a few down points and people are very quick to shoot it down for them but what do ...
Summary: The PlayMax wireless router is a very good product, sure it has a few down points and people are very quick to shoot it down for them but what do you expect? It is a consumer grade product, Belkin pump these out in the thousands and constantly need to upgrade to be competitive.
I would recommend buying this router only for the fact that it will keep running for the years until you upgrade again, which is what you really need (this may not be the case for everyone, I work in I.T. my thought process is service quality and delivery which this modem/router delivers).
Just make sure you don't let the special features, like "TorrentGennie" excite you as they did me - they don't work.1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Worst router I have EVER owned. In the trash pile...
by Rick Sample on November 8, 2010
Pros: Phsst, cute little label with the default router name / pwd and slot under the chassis. Oh, gave me lots of practice setting up a router.
Cons: Install software stops windows service "Wireless Zero Configuration".
Once I uninstalled the bloat ware and got the VERY BASIC setup, it just freezes up for no apparent reason.
Restore settings from file or from admin page does NOT work.Summary: I am blunt. I know. But when I pay $125.00 I EXPECT quality.
I could go on and on, but you get the point...
When a firmware patch is ...Summary: I am blunt. I know. But when I pay $125.00 I EXPECT quality.
I could go on and on, but you get the point...
When a firmware patch is sent out and actually fixes this thing, please post. I will be monitoring this forum.
Thanks
Rick1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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This is the worst router on the market
by chasandmodesta on October 29, 2010
Pros: At times it can work well, but rarely.
Cons: Terrible Wi-Fi connection. I dumped the rented cheap router from the cable company to buy the Belkin -- what a mistake. I have daily problems with connecting and uploading. Called tech support 3 times with no service rec'd. and no solution offered.
Summary: Terrible product with terrible service, a real disappointment. If your thinking of buy one...... DON'T!. I'd be glad to sell you mine! Terrible connection. I've really been ...
Summary: Terrible product with terrible service, a real disappointment. If your thinking of buy one...... DON'T!. I'd be glad to sell you mine! Terrible connection. I've really been disappointed in this product from Belkin.
1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Worst router experience I have had!
by birdseye2011 on September 14, 2010
Pros: None so far, I bought it for wireless and to network a printer and back up memory
Cons: After 6 hours of "support" from Belkin and Verizon the PlayMax is still not working. Belkin now wants to change the modem setting back to what they were when I first contacted them for help. Instead I will return it. I have wasted enough my time.
Summary: This experience has been the typical support techs following their list of questions and steps, speaking hard to understand english to get nowhere. Belkin claimed the modem wasn't set ...
Summary: This experience has been the typical support techs following their list of questions and steps, speaking hard to understand english to get nowhere. Belkin claimed the modem wasn't set up correclty. Verizon went through all the settings to demonstrate that the modem worked fine. Passed me back to Belkin who reset the router, downloaded updated firmware and when it didn't work, claimed the modem settings were wrong and wanted them changed back to bridge settings we started with. All the while my old netgear route works fine with the modem no mater what the settings. The Belkin install disk is a joke, runs a while asks you to fill in few lines, fails and tells you to call them help. Big waste of time, I taking this back, stay away from the Plax Max.
1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Belkin
- Part number: F7D4301
- Description: Stream HD videos, play games online, and download large media files. Get maximum speed and performance for media-intensive applications. Double your performance and bandwidth with Dual-Band N technology. Simultaneous networks eliminate interference and optimize media-intensive applications like videos and gaming, with speeds of up to 300 Mbps. Dual-plane antennas and MIMO technology provide three-dimensional whole-home coverage for consistent signal, even through walls and floors. WPS/WPA2 encryption standards and preset security settings get you up and running safely. One-touch Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS) securely connects multiple computers and devices with the push of a button. Dual-Band optimizes multiple media files like streaming HD video and games. Get your secure wireless network up and running in minutes. Don’t wait around for large torrent downloads like movies, music and games. The TORRENT GENIE App lets you continue downloading even if your computer is shut down or asleep. When you come back, your large media files will be fully downloaded and ready to enjoy.
General
- Packaged Quantity 1
- Device Type Wireless router - 4-port switch (integrated)
- Enclosure Type Desktop
- Connectivity Technology Wireless ,
Wired - Data Link Protocol Ethernet,
Gigabit Ethernet,
IEEE 802.11b,
IEEE 802.11n,
IEEE 802.11a,
IEEE 802.11g,
Fast Ethernet - Frequency Band 0.02 GHz
- Data Transfer Rate 300 Mbps
- Network / Transport Protocol L2TP ,
PPTP ,
TCP/IP ,
IPSec ,
PPPoE - Routing Protocol Static IP routing
- Remote Management Protocol HTTPS,
HTTP - Encryption Algorithm WPA2,
256-bit WPA,
128-bit WEP,
64-bit WEP - Authentication Method Radio Service Set ID (SSID)
- Features MIMO technology ,
VPN support ,
Dynamic IP address assignment ,
Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS) ,
Stateful Packet Inspection (SPI) ,
IPSec passthrough ,
NAT support - Compliant Standards IEEE 802.11g ,
IEEE 802.11a ,
IEEE 802.11n ,
IEEE 802.11b - Built-in Devices LED panel
- Status Indicators Status
Communications
- Type None
Expansion / Connectivity
- Interfaces LAN : 4 x Ethernet 10Base-T/100Base-TX/1000Base-T - RJ-45,
WAN : 1 x Ethernet 10Base-T/100Base-TX/1000Base-T - RJ-45,
Hi-Speed USB : 2 x 4 pin USB Type A - Expansion Slot(s) None
Networking
- Networking type Wireless router
Antenna
- Antenna Internal integrated
Power
- Power Device Power adapter - External
- ENERGY STAR Qualified Yes
Miscellaneous
- Microsoft Certifications Compatible with Windows 7
- Compliant Standards Plug and Play
Software / System Requirements
- Software Included Self-Healing,
Print Genie,
Music Mover,
Memory Safe,
Music Labeler,
Daily DJ,
Drivers & Utilities - OS Required Microsoft Windows 7,
Microsoft Windows Vista (32/64 bits),
Microsoft Windows 7 64-bit Edition,
Apple MacOS X 10.5,
Microsoft Windows XP,
Apple MacOS X 10.6 Manufacturer Warranty
- Service & Support 2 years warranty
- Service & Support Details Limited warranty - 2 years
Environmental Parameters
- Min Operating Temperature 32 °F
- Max Operating Temperature 104 °F
- Humidity Range Operating 5 - 95%
Manufacturer info
- Manufacturer profile
- Browse Belkin products on Shopper.com
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- Manufacturer:Belkin
- Address:
501 West Walnut Street, Compton, CA 90220 - Phone: 1-800-223-5546
