Fonera 2.0n: “TIVO for your Laptop”

Let’s face it. When you think of sexy, exicting tech the wireless router rarely if ever makes the list. Even though it resides in many of our households, giving us access to a world of funny videos, breaking news, and social networking that we greedily consume, the router sits gathering dust — an unsung gadget hero. The folks at Fon are out to give the lowly router a serious image overhaul with the Fonera 2.0n. Our European brethren have been going crazy for this unassuming piece of tech since April. So why all the hoopla? At first a developers-only deal, the European version called the Fonera 2.0 ran Linux and supported BitTorrent and other open souce, file sharing applications so it could download files without the assistance of your computer. That’s right, you can download files via the router even if your computer is turned off.

The stateside version, dubbed the Fonera 2.0n still has all that download goodness, but the folks over at FON know Americans like everything supersized so they added some supped up bells and whistles. One such upgrade is the router now runs on 802.11n standard, making for a much faster router with greater reach. Another cool feature is the added USB hub.  Simply plug in an external hard drive or a USB device and you can share data wirelessly. The included management software also allows file swapping between your favorite Web 2.o apps like Piscasa, Flickr, YouTube and Facebook. Of course the company discourages using their product to violate anyone’s copyright, but we know you’re better than that. Umm, seriously though, be careful with that. You can also backup your files, access your printer or access your webcam via WiFi.

So besides saving energy by turning off the PC, the Fonera 2.0n is a serious green machine. According to Fon the router consumes less than 4 watts of energy to download files compared to the average PC that uses about 100 watts. It also emits less CO2 which is doing the environment a serious favor, which last time I checked, is good for everyone.

Retailing at most major retailers, Fonera hunter can start downloading sans computer for the jaw-droppingly low price of $70. It’s a definite must have for multimedia addicts that have tons of files to exchange with friends and family.