Avanquest Perfect Image 11 Backup & Protect Suite

Another product that essentially does what it says on the box, Perfect Image 11 is a suite of backup and file storage tools, incorporating drive imaging as well as on-the-spot backup of files when you modify them and drive migrations from one PC to another.

Pros: Setup was quick and painless, and was even smart enough to search out the largest nearby network drive for storing our backups. The AutoSave feature, which copies files once they’ve been modified, is fairly smart.

Cons: While it’s pitched as a suite, most of the utilities run as separate applications, and not all the interfaces are as simple as they could be.

Rating: 3/5 – Everyone should back up, and Perfect Image 11 is as good as its competitors.

NetComm NB12WD MyCommsGateway

This is a very, very steeply priced 802.11g router at $429, but then NetComm’s latest offering isn’t just a router, it’s also a home network gateway, incorporating an ADSL2+ modem, two phone ports for fallback and DECT wireless connectivity for wireless phones – and a DORO DECT phone in the box.

Pros: Ports are well labelled, and the system itself, once installed, was robust and speedy. The VoIP handset is loud and has a very bright, easy-to-read screen. It’s also very configurable, with multiple phone/VoIP combinations possible.

Cons: The Ethernet ports are only 10/100, and Wi-Fi is 802.11g only, not the speedier 802.11n. The bigger problem I hit with the NB12WD was that the installation instructions are rather brief and, by default would leave you with a working but totally unsecured wireless connection, and no VoIP at all. Not a problem for IT experts, but novices may want help on hand.

Rating: 3.5/5 – A solid combination package, as long as you’re up to the task of installation.

Rate this topic:

(1 votes, average: 3 out of 5)

 Loading ...