I needed an internet access point for a VoIP phone and I have a wireless network setup. At about $35 or so, the ZyXEL WAP3205 seemed to be the cheapest wireless router with abilities as a Repeater and Bridge router also.

With a little bit of tinkering, I was able to get the desired function as a bridge router/local access point working correctly out of this router. However the unit is poorly documented and the Quick Start guide is practically useless. I found a more extensive manual for the unit on the ZyXEL site. As a primary wireless router, avoid this unit. There is no DHCP.

But as a repeater or as a bridge router, this product shines. Just do the following below:

• Get into “Expert Mode”
• Go to Maintenance
• Click on SysOp Mode and change to “Client” or “Universal Repeater”.
• Now go to “Configuration” and click on “LAN”.
• Set an IP address that is not in use within your network for the router. For example 192.168.1.6. The manual will tell you to use 192.168.1.2 which probably is already being used by another device on your network.
• Now click on Wireless LAN and select the wireless network you wish to connect to.
  The rest is easy.

If you need to reset the router, just press the “Reset switch” with a sharp implement for more than 5 seconds and the factory defaults will be loaded up. For just a reboot of the device press the reset switch for about 1 second.

Just to make things clear:
When would you use a Wireless Repeater?
If you have a large house or office and you wished to extend the reach of your wireless internet signal you would use a Wireless repeater. It would be best if you used a wireless repeater from the same company that manufactured your primary wireless router. A lot of Netgear routers have a “Repeating Function” built in. Check if this is the case with either your current router or a spare router if you have one lying around before buying the ZyXEL or any other router.

When would you use a Wireless Bridge Router?
If you have a desktop PC or any gadget with no wireless internet capabilities that you wish to connect to a router using an Ethernet cable, you should get a wireless bridge router. The device would connect to a pre-existing wireless network and give you local access points to connect to using an Ethernet cable.

Anything better than the ZyXEL?
Of course. On eBay I saw some RangeMax series Netgear routers for under $20.

Today, The Zodiac is better know for its ability to play games from many different consoles from the last decade such as the Genesis, SNES, NES at terrific speeds. By “speed”, I mean the ability to play a game made for another system at exactly the kind of speed at which the game should be played (having a slow game performance beats the idea of playing video games doesn’t it?).

To play game, the first step is to get a free software for the Zodiac called “Little John Z”. Install this software on your first SD card slot on your Zodiac (for some reason this does not work on the second slot).

Get the software from here:
http://little-john.net/

Next, you need some ROMs. ROMs are packages containing code that used to come in cartridges many years ago. There are many such sites that can give you ROMs. ROMNation is one. Google for ROMs. and you’ll get a dozen sites that allow you to download ROMs for free. Get the edition of ROM for your region if possible.

While Little John plays ROMs from many old consoles, stick to the SNES and Genesis as they have the best games.

Drop these ROMs files into the SD card in the correct folder, using a SD card reader. Then insert the card onto slot 1 on your Zodiac.

You can launch these games using the Little John launcher icon now available on your Zodiac.

More recently, a Korean company, recognizing the market for a hand-held emulator friendly console, released the Linux based GP2x and the GP2x Wiz. The GP2x has the advantage of being an in-production unit but is more bulky than the Tapwave Zodiac. But I see that this platform is going to get very popular soon as vendors such as ThinkGeek.com carry the product now.

Here is a link to the GP2xWiz
http://www.thinkgeek.com/electronics/retro-gaming/bfc7/

The GP2X

The Chaos Engine

Xenon 2

Z

Cadaver

Gods

This looked like a terrific deal and buying products one step behind the technology curve made excellent economical sense, especially if not having the latest game is not going to kill you.

Colin Sebastian, a senior analyst with Lazard Capital Markets estimates that used gaming products, generated over $1 billion in revenue in North America alone with margins of about 50%. GameStop and EBGames are already selling used titles. Circuit City is getting started. Many online stores are deep into the practice. Therefore, if you’re feeling like playing a few games, look back – it’s cheaper and environment friendlier.

Here’s where a very handy tool from www.canyourunit.com comes into play. After installing an ActiveX control, the software checks out your whole system and identifies compatibility by individual part. It also tells you how above or below the minimum recommended specifications your system is.

Sometimes just adding some RAM or a new processor is all that it takes to ensure a good gaming experience and you can experience 85% the gaming experience of a $2000 gaming rig at 20% of the cost.