Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

Summary (From my RMA request): Fails to obtain IP address - a known problem - and fails to update the firmware which is said to correct this issue. ========================== After wasting hours with the Almond I was pleased and surprised when I found a replacement product (D-Link Systems, Inc. Wireless Range Extender (DAP-1320)) which was up and working within 6 minutes of opening the box. ========================== All went well with the attempt to use the Almond as a simple range extender until it failed to obtain an IP address. After wasting 30 minutes trying various things I went to the Securifi site, where I found that the difficulty is caused by old firmware, has long been known to them, and yet they continue to knowingly ship non-functional units. The Almond FAQ's say it all: FAQ: "I am trying to use Almond as a Range extender but it gets stuck at the ʺWaiting for the IPʺ. Help!" ANS: "We noticed this problem occurs with a small number of wireless routers out there. But we fixed this problem in our latest software. (1) Perform a factory reset by pressing the Reset button just above Almond's power jack.(2) Upgrade Almond to the latest software.(3) Try setting up Almond as a Range Extender again. If you have trouble during this process, please email or call us so we can guide you through this." I did see, prior to purchase, in the reviews on Amazon that this might be a problem. However in reply to several reviews Securifi made the statement that defective units were no longer being shipped - so, given the rapid turnover of electronics at Amazon - I assumed that this statement was true. However, as of 11 Jan 2013 they are still dumping these defective units on the market. Having no wish to screw around and possibly end up with a failed firmware update and thus a non-returnable item I have returned this unit as non-functional. I will not deal with a company which continues to knowingly ship non-functional products. =========== Update 12 Jan 2013 - after another wasted hour. This morning, before sending it back, I decided to check to see which firmware version shipped with the unit: AL1-R192-L219-W27 As I had already found a newer version on Almond's site (R193-L221-W28) and as the site claimed that "If the version is R186 or higher, upgrade directly from the LCD's Firmware Upgrade section" I thought - well, OK. Sadly, the "LCD's Firmware Upgrade section" kept reporting that "Your Firmware is up to date ... no new updates are available." In spite of the fact that there IS a newer version on their website. So, did - about the 6th - Factory Reset on the unit and tried again. Still no joy. Then decided that I would simply download the new firmware and use the "Web Administer" (sic) function to install it. This procedure is described on Almond's site as: 1 ) Find your Almond's URL from the LCD's Web Administer section 2 ) Note down the URL, Login & Password 3 ) Connect your PC or Mac to the internet 4 ) You might have received this firmware file by e-mail in which case save this file to your PC/Mac Desktop. 5 ) Connect your PC or Mac Wirelessly to Almond 6 ) Open a browser in your PC/Mac and type in the above URL. Use the above Login/Password if prompted 7 ) Go to the Firmware Section under the Basic Settings 8 ) Select Choose File and point it to the above downloaded firmware on your desktop and click Apply Things went well up to step 5. The problem is that when the Almond is turned on it takes down the network so that it is impossible to "Connect your PC or Mac Wirelessly to Almond" and loading 10.10.10.254 times out as there is no internet connectivity. I am now at step 5-B: Repack this time-waster in the original shipping carton and return. Your mileage may vary.