Technology

Could a $700 router be worth the money?

The Netgear R9000 is truly fast.

Once upon a time you could squeak by in life with an $80 router, which would do the simple job of blanketing your house in a respectable cloud of wi-fi. But in 2017, a satisfactory home network isn't just a single cheap box tucked away in a corner. For many homes, it's a whole system of routers, which work together to reach every single corner. These "mesh" router setups aren't cheap, though. They start at $350 and many can be as pricey as $700). So what happens if you spend that same amount of cash on just one mega router? I connected my Brooklyn apartment using a Netgear Nighthawk X10 R9000 to find out.

Not such a sound idea

Perhaps just try headphones instead.

Lots of people complain about television sound quality, specifically that it's hard to hear what's being said amid all the background noise and dramatic music. They usually blame modern filming, saying it places so much emphasis on ambience that voices are drowned out. And they grumpily add that modern actors mumble.

Hands on: Fitbit Alta HR

The OLED screen can display the time, date, and steps walked.

For people that really like fitness trackers, it's been difficult to find one that is the right blend of features, functionality and aesthetics.