After weeks of testing the GL-XE300 in my off-grid cabin, I'm blown away by its versatility - though it's not perfect. The way this little box seamlessly switches between 4G and Ethernet when my primary connection drops feels like magic. No more video calls cutting out during storms!

The OpenWrt system is where this device shines. I've customized mine to prioritize bandwidth for work apps while throttling my roommate's Netflix binges. The VPN killswitch gives me peace of mind when accessing sensitive documents remotely. Pro tip: The built-in 5000mAh battery lasts about 6 hours - perfect for moving between job sites.

However, that 2.4GHz-only WiFi feels outdated in 2024. My smart home devices create noticeable interference, and I miss the speed of 5GHz when transferring large files. The initial boot time (about 5 minutes) had me thinking I'd received a dud unit until I learned this was normal behavior.

The industrial design handles my rugged lifestyle well - it's survived being tossed in toolboxes and backpack pockets. Just be warned: it gets warm enough to notice during extended use. I solved this by placing it on a small aluminum heatsink meant for Raspberry Pis.

For travelers, the included global power adapters are a thoughtful touch, though the missing USSD support might frustrate users in certain countries. The web interface makes configuration surprisingly simple compared to enterprise-grade alternatives.

Final verdict? If you need reliable connectivity with enterprise features in a portable package and can live with the WiFi limitations, this is absolutely worth the premium price. Just don't expect plug-and-play simplicity if you want to unlock its full potential.