Customer Reviews for Cisco Linksys Valet Plus Wireless Hotspot
Cisco Linksys Valet Plus Wireless Hotspot
Model: M20
SKU: 9770379
UPC: 745883589388
This wireless hotspot connects computers, gaming consoles and more to the Internet in minutes via the Easy Setup Key. Wireless encryption WPA2 helps ensure your information stays private.
Average Customer Rating:
3.6
out of 5
(37 Reviews) 37
Rating Snapshot 37 reviews
5 stars
16
4 stars
7
3 stars
4
2 stars
5
1 star
5
62% of customers would recommend this product to a friend
(
23 out of
37)
Customer Reviews for Cisco Linksys Valet Plus Wireless Hotspot
Review 1 for Cisco Linksys Valet Plus Wireless Hotspot
Posted by: staraven
from Charlotte, Nc
on 06/13/2010
Value for Price
5.0
Ease of Use
5.0
Performance
5.0
Ease of Installation
5.0
What's great about it: Idiot-proof
What's not so great: Different color - white sticks out too much
I consider myself technically savvy so I wasn't looking for something idiot-proof. This router is so simple to set-up. By simply changing the name and key, all my currently attached devices were instantly connected. THe built-ini guest account is nice as well.
I've get an XP laptop, Macbook, desktop (wired), printer server (wired) and 2 iPhones connected - total time spent was less than 5 minutes. Almost reminds me a getting our Macbook connected :)
I've get an XP laptop, Macbook, desktop (wired), printer server (wired) and 2 iPhones connected - total time spent was less than 5 minutes. Almost reminds me a getting our Macbook connected :)
I would recommend this to a friend!
+30points
44out of 58found this review helpful.
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Review 2 for Cisco Linksys Valet Plus Wireless Hotspot
Review 3 for Cisco Linksys Valet Plus Wireless Hotspot
as promised
Customer Rating
5.0
Posted by: Loisbe
from Asheville, NC
on 01/05/2012
What's great about it: easy and pretty
What's not so great: nothing
Was as easy as promised. I had been putting off the jump to wireless for years as I didn't know if it would work with my VOIP phone also connected. No problems at all. Satisfied with purchase and would recommend it.
I would recommend this to a friend!
+1point
1out of 1found this review helpful.
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Review 4 for Cisco Linksys Valet Plus Wireless Hotspot
Good for the price but not ideal.
Customer Rating
3.0
Value for Price
3.0
Ease of Use
5.0
Performance
1.0
Ease of Installation
5.0
What's great about it: It's ease of use.
What's not so great: It's performance
This router was remarkably easy to setup and use, but overall its performance has let me down over the course of 6 months. It's wireless capabilities are quite slow, and has a hard time with many users. We have four Acer laptops, a Wii, a PS3, an iphone, ipod touch, A home FTI P server, a network printer, and a desktop. Our internet is stretched quite far. We recieve 15Mb of download speed, and this router delivers nothing of that to any of us. We all complain daily about the slow internet in our house, we have no idea what to do. We are paying for the best internet and a supposedly "good" router yet we all hate it. I highly don't reccomend that router.
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
0points
7out of 14found this review helpful.
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Review 5 for Cisco Linksys Valet Plus Wireless Hotspot
Wireless is fine, but no better than other brands
Customer Rating
2.0
Value for Price
2.0
Ease of Use
4.0
Performance
2.0
Ease of Installation
4.0
What's great about it: Looks nice
What's not so great: Does not perform as advertised (i.e., not long-range)
Wireless is fine, but no better than other brands. The ad said its wireless signal reaches farther than other brands and that this router is ideal for large houses. The ad was wrong. The signal was no better than any other brand, so I returned it.
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
+6points
6out of 6found this review helpful.
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Review 6 for Cisco Linksys Valet Plus Wireless Hotspot
Very easy to install
Customer Rating
5.0
Value for Price
5.0
Ease of Use
5.0
Performance
5.0
Ease of Installation
5.0
What's great about it: ease of installation
What's not so great: nothing
This router replaces a Linksys Rangeplus. The rangeplus was difficult to install and I had to contact tech support for instructions. It also had a range of about 30 feet for one bar. The Valet Plus could not have been simpler to install, it practically installed itself. I have not tried the range on it yet but I am sure it will be satisfactory.
I would recommend this to a friend!
-1point
2out of 5found this review helpful.
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Review 7 for Cisco Linksys Valet Plus Wireless Hotspot
Super-easy install, but needs a little more work
Customer Rating
4.0
Value for Price
4.0
Ease of Use
5.0
Performance
4.0
Ease of Installation
5.0
What's great about it: Simplicity of setup
What's not so great: Random password not too strong, parental controls need more features
The installation of this router could not have been easier. While I'm a techno-nerd to the 9th degree, I enjoy and appreciate simplicity. This router is fantastic in that respect. Adding more devices to the network is a snap with the "setup key" (basically a small USB flash drive with their software pre-installed). It saves all of the config data (network name, passwords, etc) on the key so you don't have to remember it.
The only downsides to the router that bothered me are:
1. The network password that it came up with wasn't very strong; a 7-digit number, if I recall. That's not nearly complex enough. I changed that to a much more complex password.
2. The parental controls work fairly well, but have settings for only "child" and "teen", and no ability to white-list sites; only the ability to black-list them. That's a glaring omission.
Otherwise, it's a great product and when paired with their Valet Connector USB WiFi adapters (which have their own install software built-in and which can make use of the easy setup key seamlessly, though you can use any WiFi adapter with the router), even a novice will have a very capable, somewhat secure, and quite speedy network setup in no time.
And, let's face it... it looks nice. I'm not a Mac guy, but the white just looks good.
I would recommend this to a friend!
+9points
11out of 13found this review helpful.
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Review 8 for Cisco Linksys Valet Plus Wireless Hotspot
Not as good as the hype
Customer Rating
3.0
Value for Price
3.0
Ease of Use
2.0
Performance
4.0
Ease of Installation
1.0
What's great about it: The management console was extremely easy to use.
What's not so great: Install was not as easy as promised. Guest account not secure.
We are conducting tests for the purchase of routers at work. I was assigned to test this router at home. I am not a degreed IT professional but have worked in the IT field.
Router Setup:
The main complaint I had is this is termed "simple to install," and all the hype did not pan out. My colleagues and I conducted research prior to purchasing 5 different brands and in the reviews the Cisco Valet and Valet Plus were highly reviewed so I was excited to be testing this one. I started the install using their three simple steps and the USB Key they provided and it did not work. I tried a second time and nothing. I had to call tech support and she tried to walk me through the "Simple steps" of plugging in but the software on the key was erased sometime in the initial attempts to install. So I had to take my wireless notebook over to the cable modem and plug in with a patch cable. The tech had me disable my firewall and Antivirus. Then she remoted into my computer drove the mouse and downloaded the software. We needed to reset the laptop twice, the modem once and the router twice not to mention re-enabling the Firewall and AV. So much for Simple and easy.
Guest Account and Router Management:
After hanging up with the tech - who was very polite and helpful I might add - I started to setup other computers on the network. I also used the "super easy" Guest account and when my wife and I tried logging into the guest account on our Windows 7 machines it popped up a password screen. Great that makes sense. So then I connect to the guest account with my work XP System and WIDE OPEN. No prompting for passwords just access to our network. Not sure if it was due to the XP or not, but that is the only thing I could see that would allow that machine to access the network unabated. One thing I will say is the control console (Management console, etc) was, in fact, very easy to use, unlike the old days of accessing the router directly through the IP Address. However, if you want to do more advanced work it does give you that option. This is what I found to be the best feature of this router.
Proximity tests and Speed Tests:
I did simple proximity tests to analyze the difference in connection strength between my old router and the new router, a five year old G-Band router. I tested at 10, 20, 30, 40, and 500 feet, going through three walls max. There was minor connection difference of maybe one-half of a bar. The old router at worst was briefly at 3.5 bars and the Valet was at worst 4 Bars. The speed testing did show significant improvement in upload and download speed. So the N Router did provide faster speeds as expected.
I hope you find this information helpful.
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
+15points
18out of 21found this review helpful.
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Review 9 for Cisco Linksys Valet Plus Wireless Hotspot
It's great, when it works
Customer Rating
2.0
Value for Price
1.0
Ease of Use
4.0
Performance
1.0
Ease of Installation
5.0
What's great about it: When it works, it works. Easy set-up
What's not so great: Frequent issues, price is high for the reliability, tech support is a joke.
This installs easy but every time I have an update to my anti-virus software or PC it's knocked off-line I need to reinstall the valet software. I attempted calling the service center. It was a joke. The technician was not knowledgeable asked me the same questions repeatedly and even attempted to download the wrong software for a different model until I corrected her. Eventually I got off the call after what felt like an eternity of her fumbling to just uninstall, reboot & re- install as i do about once a month now. For the money this should be more reliable and if I am more knowledgeable than someones tech support, that's a problem.
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
+4points
5out of 6found this review helpful.
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Review 10 for Cisco Linksys Valet Plus Wireless Hotspot
was easy
Customer Rating
4.0
Value for Price
5.0
Ease of Use
5.0
Performance
4.0
Ease of Installation
5.0
the valet was very easy to set up and get all 4 pc's running on, got stronger signal then my linksys, but not as strong as i had hoped on upstairs pc's, usually get 3 bars as opposed to the 1 to sometimes no bar with my other router..
I would recommend this to a friend!
+6points
8out of 10found this review helpful.
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Review 11 for Cisco Linksys Valet Plus Wireless Hotspot
great for all my needs
Customer Rating
5.0
What's great about it: plenty of power for my running 3 computers
i wanted a router with enough power to handle the job. This router has done the job. I highly recommend . this to anyone. In fact I have had 2 friend buy this same router after talking them into this.
I would recommend this to a friend!
+7points
7out of 7found this review helpful.
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Review 12 for Cisco Linksys Valet Plus Wireless Hotspot
Would recommend
Customer Rating
4.0
Value for Price
3.0
Ease of Use
4.0
Performance
4.0
Ease of Installation
4.0
What's great about it: ease of installation, customer service...GREAT!!
What's not so great: nothing so far...
Bought a cheaper model, returned it and bought this one. Should have gotten this one first!
I would recommend this to a friend!
+6points
6out of 6found this review helpful.
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Review 13 for Cisco Linksys Valet Plus Wireless Hotspot
wireless router quick and easy for home network
Customer Rating
5.0
Value for Price
5.0
Ease of Use
5.0
Performance
5.0
Ease of Installation
5.0
What's great about it: quick and easy to install
What's not so great: nothing
absolutely no problem installing router to main upstairs PC cable modem with setup key. Signal throughout my 2 story home is excellent. Running wireless Macbook and PC, using set up key on both, from main upstairs PC signal. Using Cisco Valet USB connector on downstairs PC with a very good to excellent signal. Will soon connect the Wi gaming system, WiFi cell phones, PSP, IPod touch, and soon to purchase wireless All in One printer to complete my home network. Security, parental controls and guest features also significant features.
I would recommend this to a friend!
+6points
6out of 6found this review helpful.
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Review 14 for Cisco Linksys Valet Plus Wireless Hotspot
Don't believe what you hear
Customer Rating
2.0
Value for Price
2.0
Ease of Use
2.0
Performance
1.0
Ease of Installation
2.0
What's great about it: NOT SUER YET
What's not so great: NOT THAT EASY TO USE.. NO BOOKLET FOR INSTRUCTIONS INCASE YOU CANT CONNECT
Yes, This is easy to install but not for a beginner. You don't just plug in & use.. So if your not experienced then you may want to do more research
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
-3points
2out of 7found this review helpful.
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Review 15 for Cisco Linksys Valet Plus Wireless Hotspot
Wireless N router with weak signal
Customer Rating
1.0
Value for Price
1.0
Ease of Use
4.0
Performance
1.0
Ease of Installation
4.0
What's great about it: Easy to set up with good price but...
What's not so great: Signal strength no better than older Linksys G router
I needed a new wireless router to replace an older Linksys WRT5462 which worked fine for my PS3s but did not have the signal strength or range for my new laptop. Based on price I first bought the Cisco Valet Plus which was a mistake; installation was easy but after taking the time to get my two desktops, two PS3s and laptop connected I found that it had a WEAKER signal strength than the old Linksys router that I was using! I had an intermittent signal in an adjacent room twenty feet from the router and no signal at all on the second floor (I don't have a large house). I did some research and found that people seem to be much happier these days with Netgear products versus Cisco (formerly Linksys) products. I bought a more expensive Netgear RangeMax Wireless N router on sale at BB and get a strong and dependable signal to my laptop all over my house!
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
+4points
6out of 8found this review helpful.
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Review 16 for Cisco Linksys Valet Plus Wireless Hotspot
I can see YouTube videos again.
Customer Rating
5.0
Value for Price
5.0
Ease of Use
5.0
Performance
4.0
Ease of Installation
5.0
What's great about it: Easy to set up. Slim design.
Having problems with old router. It was slow and not allowing me to view many websites. We couldn't watch anything on You Tube. This solved our problem. Only required reboot of modem and router to be recognized by the system. Check for software upgrades.
I would recommend this to a friend!
+4points
5out of 6found this review helpful.
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Review 17 for Cisco Linksys Valet Plus Wireless Hotspot
Work's great
Customer Rating
5.0
What's great about it: Worked great the first time
What's not so great: Nothing
I reviewed routers on the internet. CNET gave this one high marks.
Hooking it up was a breeze. New devices are simple (laptop and 2 i-phones) to link wirelessly.
The price was right. It does just what you want a wireless router to do and I has done it effortlessly.
I would recommend this to a friend!
+3points
4out of 5found this review helpful.
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Review 18 for Cisco Linksys Valet Plus Wireless Hotspot
Works now, but took over an hour on the phone...
Customer Rating
3.0
Value for Price
3.0
Ease of Use
4.0
Performance
4.0
Ease of Installation
1.0
What's great about it: The range is better than my old router.
What's not so great: The install -- have a tech person at your house to install it!
The router works now...but it took over an hour and a half on the phone with tech support to get the router working. It is NOT simple to install. Finally the IP router numbers had to be changed before it would work!
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
-3points
2out of 7found this review helpful.
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Review 19 for Cisco Linksys Valet Plus Wireless Hotspot
A Lemon
Customer Rating
1.0
Value for Price
3.0
Ease of Use
1.0
Performance
1.0
Ease of Installation
3.0
What's great about it: Setup looks easy
What's not so great: It was a lemon.
After failing to install and with Cisco support being of no use, router was returned. I then bought an Apple Airport Extreme instead that works like a charm.
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
-10points
1out of 12found this review helpful.
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Review 20 for Cisco Linksys Valet Plus Wireless Hotspot
Easy to install but still has tech issues
Customer Rating
1.0
Value for Price
3.0
Ease of Use
3.0
Performance
1.0
Ease of Installation
4.0
What's great about it: Easy installation
What's not so great: Arbitrarily stops working
This device was incredibly simple to install. However I purchased the newer version of this Cisco router in hopes that I would no longer have to deal the same issues that I encountered with the previous version. Although installation was a snap, the router still arbitrarily goes out with no reason. I know it is not the DSL modem because I am able to hardwire my laptop to the modem without fail. Usually when the router "goes out" I am able to get it working again by unplugging the router waiting a few seconds and then plugging back in. However a couple of times even this does not work and I have to wait until the device decides it is ready to start working again. I know that I will never purchase another Cisco if this problem persists.
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
-3points
2out of 7found this review helpful.
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