Check Point Announces ZoneAlarm Z100G Wireless Router
Engadget's Donald Melanson looks at Check Point's announcement this week of its first ZoneAlarm-branded wireless router.
"While it sure ain't pretty, the Z100G should keep you relatively safe behind its variety of security measures, including firewall, antivirus, and intrusion prevention, in addition to remote access VPN and secure remote desktop features," Melanson writes.
The router, which promises speeds of up to 108 Mbps and a range of up to 984 feet indoors, is priced at $199 — with a discount price of $149 until the end of December. "Or you could, you know, buy a dd-wrt or OpenWRT compatible router and save yourself a bundle," Melanson points out. "Something tells us you're gonna be every bit as safe."
And as CNET's Dawn Kawamoto points out, Check Point "faces stiff competition, given that McAfee and others have already entered the consumer market with their wireless security offerings."
InternetNews' Ed Sutherland points out another problem with the offering. "Check Point currently has no plans to offer its wireless router on retail shelves, opting for direct sales via their Web site," he writes. "This limited approach could make the product less visible to shoppers of big box electronics stores."
Check Point's press release is here.