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123 of 131 people found the following review helpful.
One Thing to Ruin Them All: A D-Link DIR-685 Xtreme N Storage Router Review
By L. T. Beasimer
As a database administrator and programmer, I tend to enjoy tech toys. I have a D-Link DIR-825 Xtreme N Dual Band Gigabit Router sitting on my desk, and was excited to be offered the D-Link DIR-685 Xtreme N Storage Router as a more visually appealing and versatile router.The D-Link DIR-685 Xtreme N Storage Router offers high speed wired and wireless n connections. Wireless connections can be managed by zones including guest connections. Unlike most routers, the DIR-685 includes network-attached storage (NAS) capabilities and a digital picture frame.The initial set-up was simple to complete, however testing revealed the network didn't set up correctly. My PC can connect directly to the network, but cannot access any wireless networked devices even though I can ping them. I called customer support, only to be given the run around by people who didn't understand my problem. I asked my other half who is more familiar with networking to speak with customer service. This is when they admitted they didn't understand the problem and escalated to a specialist who would call back later. When the specialist called, the result was basically since I can ping the devices it's not a router problem. So I'm stuck with a network which doesn't work properly and have no clue how to fix.The router frequently freezes up and drops connections. Freezing is obvious thanks to the digital picture frame as the images just stop rotating. It is not uncommon for me to unplug the router three times a week or more to unfreeze. Meanwhile there is no telling when this unstable router will drop a connection. Since the router sits on my desk, it's easy enough to disconnect and reconnect the network cable, but I'm tired of listening to my other half's constant valid complaints.The digital frame is a nice touch; however it is way too small. For proper viewing the router would need to be pretty close to the viewer. This may cause a conflict between viewing and placing the router in an appropriate spot for wireless connectivity. Anyplace with too much distance makes the photos too small to distinguish.I really enjoy using the frame channel with the digital photo frame. Setting up an account at the frame channel website was simple. I was able to sign up for news, weather, sports, stocks, and magazine sites as well as images from my facebook friends.With the digital picture frame, the router includes an intuitive menu selection for showing stats and settings. The NAS drive (hard drive not included) was also simple to install and put to use.As a techno-geek I was excited to try out this router. However my network isn't working properly, while D-Link customer service was unwilling to help resolve the problem. The router freezes and drops connections regularly. If I weren't having connectivity and freezing issues, I'd be willing to invest more time determining the networking issue. This problem is huge for a router and overshadows the digital picture frame and NAS system. This router has potential to be a fun versatile device, but I cannot recommend purchasing an expensive product which fails at its primary purpose.PROS:Frame channelIntuitive on-board menu displayNAS (network-attached storage) systemCONS:Never got it to work properlyCustomer service not helpfulDigital frame too smallRegularly freezes and drops connections
26 of 26 people found the following review helpful.
Tries too hard to be something it cannot be
By Gandalf
This is a very innovative product that does a lot of things. But unfortunately it does many of those things badly.First of all, it is a horrible router. You might have read other reviews on other respected "cool gear" sites that would testify otherwise, but hear me out. If you are using a broadband internet connection that is slower than 8MBits probably you cannot figure out what's wrong with the router. I have a 36MBits cable connection and this router can only utilize 8MBits of down traffic, while my old Linksys router (SRX400, doesn't even have gigabit ports) can easily max out my connection speed. I've run countless tests, upgraded D-Links firmware from 1.0 to 2.0 etc with no change in performance. So this router doesn't do one of its very essential functions well.Although I didn't have any problems connecting to its wireless network, I found it pointless to run any tests against it to see if it works fast enough. However Tom's Hardware actually reviewed this router and didn't find its wireless performance very promising compared to other routers at its price point. You can read the article here: [...].Another problem is the price/performance. At this price level almost any other N router out there have dual radios for better performance. DIR-685 does not have a dual radio, and it only operates at 2.4GHz.One thing I really liked about this router is its virtual USB capability. The router has two USB ports and you can plugin HDD or printers on these ports. When you install the driver software provided for MAC and PC, the driver attaches these devices to your computer as if they are directly attached to your computer via USB cable. This allows you to use the full capabilities of these devices. For example if you have a multifunction printer with scanner, you can scan documents wirelessly. Although this is good for printers, it is flawed when it comes to HDDs as the device cannot keep up with the bandwidth demands accessing a HDD can generate.I didn't even bother to test the picture frame capability. You can get a bigger size digital picture frame for about $49 that would do a better job.As I said earlier, DIR-685 does a lot of things but it doesn't do any particular thing well. Especially, it is not a good router which is suppose to be its first and foremost functionality.
22 of 24 people found the following review helpful.
A Unique Product
By Raven A. Wind
Where to begin? This product is just so many things at once, that it's hard to be sure what parts are most important in a review! Perhaps the best thing to do is to first consider the D-Link DIR685 as a wireless router? Or perhaps as a NAS? Maybe as a digital photo frame? Or should I discuss the FrameChannel features?OK, first, as a router this is top-notch once you get it going. The LCD screen provides status, which is a nice feature, and as an 802.11n router, it's faster than you'll probably need. Connection can take some time, but the browser configuration panel is detailed, and really gives a lot of options; Many of which I may never need, but that just shows the range of use this thing has.Printer sharing on this is handled well via the SharePort utility. It installs easily and works as advertised. Very nice.As a NAS, or iTunes server, or any of the other uses related to the hard drive, it's decent. Once configured, the hard drive is readily accessible. Unfortunately, the fan that cools the hard drive is exceptionally loud; I thought I had a first-generation Xbox 360 in my room again! It was so loud, in fact, that I opted to skip the internal hard drive and have gone with connecting a drive externally via SharePort. Still, mounting the drive inside is as easy as sliding it in, and the device automatically mounts and detects the drive, even asking if you'd like to format it.As a digital photo frame, this is a bit small. It works very well, but you do lose some detail in your photos on the 3.2" LCD. I suppose it would be great for people who like a lot of family pictures in rotation, but for me it's not a hugely-desired feature. Using the associated software, you can sync up with just about any social site or online photo repository; Facebook, Photobucket, Flikr, etc. They're all here.Doing so requires setting up an account with FrameChannel, which is quite worth it. Once established, it will send data to your DIR685 that works similar to desktop widgets/gadgets. Weather, news, social networking, photos, stocks, or pretty much anything you'd want will cycle on the router's screen, making it kind of like a "smart clock". You can customize the timing, priority, and other details. It doesn't seem to hinder the device or slow things down at all, and most of the Frame Channels look very nice on the screen.The device itself has plain controls, but the on-screen menu works for basic functions; settings, status displays, etc.Mine came with a small defect in the screen border, though. The rubber gasket around the screen was bent down at the top and covered part of the screen, requiring me to peel off the cover panel (not recommended) and reposition it. Everything went back together fine, but I shouldn't have needed to do it in the first place, so I would urge D-Link to step up the quality control on the LCD screen.I should also note that the sticker on the back that is meant to prevent you from plugging things in before installing software is a real sticker and not a static-cling peel-away. It leaves gummy residue and peels off only with some effort. It's a bad choice for the function it fulfills.These are minor complaints, of course; Hardware-wise, this is an awesome device. It's definitely worth consideration if you're looking for an advanced router, NAS, and digital photo frame.PRO:Great router! High speeds!Easy connection, if you know what you're doing.Decent screen.FrameChannel works flawlessly, and is very useful.Controls are simple.Lots of advanced features.USB SharePorts work perfectly for printer & hard drive.CON:iTunes server/NAS works, but the hard drive fan is too loud.Quality control issues with LCD placement.Rear panel had a sticker which, when peeled, left gummy residue.LCD is a bit too small to be a perfect digital photo frame.FINAL VERDICT: A very cool device that fills several roles, and is certain to please those experienced with networking. Those who aren't as skilled with networking may need to seek a little help with installation and set-up, however, and this will not replace a digital photo frame in your grandma's living room. It's a router first, and a good one. Consider the other stuff the whipped cream and cherry on top.
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Better than a soundbar
3d on the cheep
