Kyocera KR2 Mobile Router and KPC680 ExpressCard

Router/ExpressCard Combo Serves Up Hot Helpings of Wi-Fi

Admittedly, most people don't sit around thinking, "Gee, I wish I could set up a high-speed Wi-Fi network here at this picnic. Or at the beach. Or in my minivan." But for us gadget junkies we do think that. Pretty much every single second of every single day. That's why this mobile router and EVDO card combo from Kyocera was perfect for us. The router signed on automatically to Verizon's network after inserting the ExpressCard; you can also use older PC card modems with the router. Soon, we were sharing very snappy Net access with everyone in the nearby park. Two small quibbles-the router required periodic reboots, and we never got scalding download speeds on the Rev A network. Downloads topped out at 700 Kbps while uploads peaked in the 400 Kbps range. But for the price and ease of use, not to mention the McGyver-like ability to quickly throw up a network, the combo is hard to top.

WIRED Dead simple to set up-we went from box to Internet surfing in under five minutes. Routing functions worked well, easily managing dozens of clients. Handsome white case design. Router accepts PC card, ExpressCard, or USB wireless modems. 4-port wired router included. ExpressCard protrudes less from laptops than competing models.

TIRED Slight instability required power cycling to resolve. Speeds not quite up to our hopes for EVDO Rev. A, likely due to signal strength in San Francisco test areas. Antenna on card seemed a little fragile.

• Manufacturer: Kyocera
• Price: Router: $250, Card: $50 w/ two year Verizon contract