D-Link DIR-685 [Router cum Photo-frame cum NAS Server]

At the CES last month D-Link displayed a device that’s a smorgasbord of applications; the DIR-685 is so many things rolled into one that it would win hands-down any prize for the most cross-functional device at any consumer fair.

The D-Link DIR-685 features a a 802.11n Wi-Fi router, NAS server with UPnP / BitTorrent / FTP functionality, and SharePort server for printer and scanner sharing. And as a neat final touch it has a 3.2-inch LCD display that can be used for viewing digital photos, device status, weather forecasts, and live internet streaming.

The DIR-685 has a sleek design primarily due to internal antennas for the router. The FTP function enables access to data over the home network or across the internet. The DIR-685 is an energy-efficient device that can regulate power usage depending upon port activity and cable length. It also saves power by automatically turning off the LCD screen when it is not in use.

USB ports at the back of the device allow users to easily share USB devices such as printers and external hard drives by making use of Wi-Fi connectivity. A 2.5-inch SATA hard drive can be housed in the hard drive bay of the device. The DIR-685 will be available by the end of the first quarter and will retail for less than $300.

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