By Jasmine Osada

If you happened to chance upon D-Link's latest DIR-685 Xtreme N storage router without first knowing what it is, you would probably not have identified it as a router at all.

Featuring a chic design, a glossy surface, a 3.2 inch colour LCD screen and a pleasant chassis fashioned with gently curving lines, D-Link's new router is much more than just a simple networking device.

With it's LCD screen, the DIR-685 also functions as a digital photo frame, and can also subscribe to various RSS feeds such as weather, news, stocks or sports updates. The unit also comes with a clock and calendar function.

For those who wish to store files on a home network, the DIR-685 also offers the option of inserting a 2.5 inch hard drive.

All the router's functions can be accessed through interacting with the unit's touch panel keys and menu interface displayed on the screen. I find the touch panel buttons generally easy to use, however the left button closest to the screen seems to be positioned such that it is less sensitive and might require a little work.

Setting up the router is easy with the supplied instructions and software. Users can look forward to getting the device up and running with minimal fuss - a good plus since many routers in the market still pose headaches when it comes setting up and installation.

Proving that one doesn't need ugly antennae to be a good router, wireless signals from the DIR-685 were excellent despite the unit's lack of 'antlers'. I could get generally strong signals from all corners of my home even when I am several rooms and walls away from where the router was placed.

D-Link's SharePort technology also allows the DIR-685 to work devices to your network via its 2 USB ports. This is useful especially for homes or small offices with multiple computers and share a common printer or storage device like an external backup drive.

While most people would leave their routers alone after installation and only 'visit' the unit when they fail to get an Internet connection, I found myself going up to the DIR-685 and fiddling with it all the time.

The interactive features on the router might not look very special on the surface, but I found it fun to share photos on Facebook through the unit; checking the latest news headlines without turning on the computer was also quite convenient.

The Verdict

D-Link's DIR-685 Xtreme doesn't look like a router and is certainly more than one. With it's networking capabilities and ease of use, it's a great device to have in the home.

Extra features such as photo displays and RSS feeds also come across as a fun addition to a very nicely packaged, sleek and well thought-out device.