The Linksys E1200 Wireless-N router is a new budget router that’s best known for its stellar price ($59.99 retail), Wireless-N technology, stylish design, and easy setup, but the cons of the Linksys E1200 far outweighs the pros.
Lacks Lots of Features
The Linksys E1200 isn’t that bad for an entry level Wireless-N router, but it pales in comparison to most other modern Wireless-N routers and lacks way too many modern features. The Linksys E1200 Wireless-N router lacks USB, Gigabit, and Dual-Band support and if you’re a serious gamers, networker, internet user, or own an advanced home theater system, you’ll miss out on the features that aren’t supported on the Linksys E1200 router.
Poor Throughput
The Linksys E1200 is a Wireless-N router, but also proves that not all Wireless-N routers are created equal. Unfortunately, the Linksys E1200 has very poor throughput for a Wireless-N router and doesn’t appear to be as quick as most other Wireless-N routers on the market – but, then again, I guess you get what you pay for.
Short Range
Range is usually a major concern for anyone shopping for a new wireless router and if you’re looking for a router that is going to give optimum range, you’ll want to pass on the Linksys E1200 router. The Linksys E1200 supports more range than the average Wireless-G router, but it doesn’t fare well when compared to what most would expect from a Wireless-N router – and doesn’t give the best range.
Lacks Advanced Networking Options
Not only does the Linksys E1200 lack features like USB, Gigabit Ethernet, and Dual-Band support, but it also lacks lots of advanced network options as well. One of the biggest selling points of the Linksys E1200 is that it features easy setup, but while the enclosed setup disk bundled with this router makes setup a cinch, it limits the networking options – which will be a bummer for advanced gamers and IT professionals.
No Blinking LED Light Support
With virtually any router on a market, they’ll usually come a time when things just don’t work as well as planned, and when troubleshooting comes into play, the blinking LED lights that are featured on most modern routers can be invaluable. The flashing LED lights featured on most routers indicate network activity, but unfortunately, the Linksys E1200 doesn’t support this feature and troubleshooting on the Linksys E1200 will lead to many headaches.